Nicole Barger, a standout middle-distance ace from Cumberland High, has decided to stay local for the next four years. The Clipper senior accepted a scholarship with the University of Rhode Island, a solid Division I program. Barger just completed a breakthrough cross-country season this fall where she was Cumberland's top runner at the state meet, placing ninth overall with a personal best of 19 minutes, 8.61 seconds for five kilometers.
Barger specializes in the middle-distance races where she owns best of 4:47.70 for 1,500m, 1:38.49 for 600m and 2:15.60 for 800m. She was third in the 600m at the indoor state meet and finished fifth overall in the 800m at the outdoor states.
Attention coaches: We'd like to recognize all our top athletes that have made their decisions. Please let us know by sending an email to ri.milesplit.com. Along with the email, please include a photo (or two) of them signing their letter of intent, etc.