Gwinnett Daily Post

One of the state's most decorated runners made a college decision on Wednesday.

Peachtree Ridge's Josh Brickell committed to Furman University's cross country and track and field program.

"Number one, I wanted to get a good education," Brickell said of his decision. "I thought the coaches would help me reach my athletic potential. They would help me in my training."

Brickell chose Furman over Duke, Georgetown and N.C. State.

"It was a little bit different atmosphere," Brickell said of Furman. I liked the guys on the team and the team has a good training environment."

Brickell is a three-time cross country state champion and a two-time FootLocker nationals qualifier. He's also won a pair of state titles in the 3,200-meter run and one in the 1,600 in track. He's been selected as the Daily Post's Runner of the Year three times in cross country and twice in track.

Brickell maintains a 4.0 GPA and is undecided on his major. He'll sign with Furman on Feb. 6.