Pardon the pun, but continuing his running career didn’t come as a shock to Justin White.

The Free State High graduate recently signed a national letter of intent to run track and cross country at Wichita State University. It was never a question of if White would run in college, but where.

After brief flirtations with Kansas University and Kansas State University, White opted for the Shockers.

“He was debating walking on at K-State or going to Wichita,” Firebirds track coach Steve Heffernan said. “KU looked at him a little bit, but I think he wanted to try and get out of Lawrence for awhile.”

No matter the school, White’s sure to excel.

He won the 800-meter run at the Class 6A state track and field meet last spring with a time of 1:56.36, the second-fastest time at the meet. White also was third in the 1,600, helping propel the Firebirds to third overall.

At the 6A cross country meet last fall, White was 11th overall, snagging school records for time and place in the process.

Though he can hold his own among the harriers, Heffernan says White’s middle-distance abilities are what make him most appealing.

“He can handle the longer distances, but his true talent is with the 800, and probably the mile,” Heffernan said. “He might even be able to run the 400.”

White can crank out a 48-flat 400, which would have won the 6A state title last spring, so there’s no doubt the speed’s there. But he’ll probably keep it in reserve for when it’s needed down the stretch of the 800.

He joins a Shocker program that’s on the rise under second-year head coach Steve Rainbolt. Last year, WSU won its first Missouri Valley Conference outdoor team title since 1994. With revamped locker rooms and a remodeled track at Cessna Stadium, White should blossom along with the team. His slight frame 5-foot-10 and about 140 pounds can accommodate more lean muscle, which should come as he grows older.

“He’s got thin legs, so as he matures, he’s gonna gain some strength and some speed,” Heffernan said. “That’s why I think he’ll excel.”