Sitting in front of Alex Bland and his family were countless medals he has won across his four years running cross country and track and field at Flagstaff High School. His running accomplishments were just one piece of the puzzle that the senior had to put together when deciding where to take his talents at the next level.
After a lot of deliberating with parents, coaches, counselors and more, the two-time Arizona Division II state cross country champion officially committed to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Bland declared to the Engineers for his next chapter during a signing ceremony at Hurley Auditorium on April 23.
A selection of medals from Alex Bland’s athletic career at Flagstaff High School sit on a table during a signing ceremony where Bland committed to MIT on April 23.
Flagstaff distance runner Alex Bland listens to his coaches talk about his athletic career with the Eagles during a signing ceremony at Flagstaff High School on April 23 where Bland committed to MIT.
Mike Bland (center) talks about his son Alex (left) during a signing ceremony where Bland committed to MIT on April 23.
Flagstaff distance runner Alex Bland sits surrounded by his family, teammates and coaches during a college signing event where he committed to MIT on April 23.
Gallery: Flagstaff distance runner Alex Bland signs with MIT
Bland signs for MIT
Apr 27, 2026
Flagstaff distance runner Alex Bland (center left) signs a letter of intent on April 23 to attend MIT while watched by his mom Jenny (left), dad Mike (center right) and sister Izzy (right).
Bland signs for MIT
Apr 27, 2026
Flagstaff distance runner Alex Bland talks about his athletic career during a signing ceremony at Flagstaff High School where he committed to MIT on April 23.
Bland signs for MIT
Apr 27, 2026
Flagstaff distance runner Alex Bland listens to his coaches talk about his athletic career with the Eagles during a signing ceremony at Flagstaff High School on April 23 where Bland committed to MIT.
Bland signs for MIT
Apr 27, 2026
A selection of medals from Alex Bland’s athletic career at Flagstaff High School sit on a table during a signing ceremony where Bland committed to MIT on April 23.
Bland signs for MIT
Apr 27, 2026
Mike Bland (center) talks about his son Alex (left) during a signing ceremony where Bland committed to MIT on April 23.
Bland signs for MIT
Apr 27, 2026
Flagstaff distance runner Alex Bland sits surrounded by his family, teammates and coaches during a college signing event where he committed to MIT on April 23.
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