A series to share #smiles across our community through the achievements of our local youth, brought to you by Olsen Orthodontics.
Written by Randy Tucker
Riverton senior Samantha Krantz has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in cross country at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.
Krantz competed for the Lady Wolverines in Class 4-A cross country competition last year and runs distance races during the indoor and outdoor seasons for Riverton.
She looked at enrolling at the University of Maine but decided on Rocky Mountain.
“It was more convenient to be a little closer to home,” Krantz said. “Maine was closer to the ocean and had different job opportunities.”
Krantz is originally from Alaska, moving to Riverton before starting seventh grade at Riverton Middle School.
She’d like to major in creative writing.
“I’d like to write novels, whatever flows,” Krantz said.
She sings in the RHS choir.
Outside of school, she enjoys reading and likes to travel.
She enjoys cross-country for many reasons.
“Cross country has different opportunities that arise, seeing myself improve,” Krantz said. “I’ve cut quite a bit of time over the years. I’m looking forward to seeing myself improve more, with different competition.”
Her placement on the Bears women’s cross-country team came in a circuitous way.
“I applied for Rocky Mountain,” Krantz said. “I emailed and asked if they could add cross country to my application. They asked me if I was interested in running.”
She currently competes in the 1600 and 3200 meter runs indoors and in those same races outdoors, along with the 4×800 meter relay.
The 2025 4×800 returns three girls from last year’s team. “I’m currently looking for a fourth runner,” Krantz said. “I think I might have found one.”
She has a current grade point average of 4.0.
“My goal is to graduate this year with a 4.0,” Krantz said.
She had thanks to the people who helped her throughout middle and high school.
“Thanks to my coaches for always pushing me to improve and push my limits, and friends that have kept me going,” Krantz said. “And to my mom and sister and sister’s fiancé for always cheering me on, even if they can’t make it.”
Samantha is the daughter of Laura Krantz.