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After winning the NCAA indoor track title in the mile with a time of 3 minutes, 55 seconds, BYU junior Miles Batty found himself in the rare position of being a national champion.

As an All-American in cross-country and outdoor track (he placed seventh in the 1,500 meters), Batty now finds himself aiming to be one of the all-time BYU greats.

Batty graduated from Jordan High School in 2005 as a state champion in cross country. Batty's best high-school mile time was 4:22, a time bettered by 14 Utah prep runners in 2011. Batty's journey from a good high-school runner to national champion is something beyond even his imagination.

"I had goals to get better, but in reality being a national champion never even crossed my mind," said Batty.

Batty said the improvement comes from having a great coach in Ed Eyestone, training with talented guys and his decision to start focusing on being the best he could be by setting goals to get there.

BYU track & field coach Mark Robison has seen the steady improvement since Batty's freshman season, but points to a race at the Mt. Sac Relays in 2010, where Batty won a big race, despite having limited training.

"Miles had some knee issues last year and didn't train like he normally would have," said Robison. "When he ran 3:42 and won the race, I knew he was going to be very good."

Robison has seen his share of elite runners come through the BYU program. He said Batty is special because he can run anything from 800 meters to a 10,000 meter cross-country race and be competitive nationally.

"He's just got incredible range," said Robison. "He was 15th in the nation in cross country this year and ran a 1:48 [in the] 800 meters, which tells me his leg speed is improving."

Batty carries a 3.95 G.P.A. in neuroscience and has plans on going to medical school. The medicine may have to wait a year as Batty's improvement have some in the BYU circle talking about the 2012 Olympics.

"Everyone involved in the sport dreams of the Olympics and I would love to get there," said Batty. "I try not to get huge expectations, but my goal is to be in contention."

Robison said the BYU staff will attempt to have Batty fresh for the Olympic trials next year by having him compete less often.

"We'll probably race him one to two times per month," said Robison. "The big key will be keeping him healthy and training just a little smarter."

Batty competes this week at the U.S. track Championships in Eugene, Ore., for a spot on the world championship squad.

Batty has one full year of eligibility remaining at BYU, where he plans on competing in cross-country and indoor and outdoor track. —

Going Batty

Former Jordan runner Miles Batty captured an NCAA indoor track championship in the men's mile.

Miles Batty enjoyed a successful junior year at BYU, picking up All-American honors in cross-country, indoor track and outdoor track.

With a 3.95 G.P.A in neuroscience, Batty plans to attend medical school someday. That someday may have to wait a year or two as Batty explores the possibilities of competing professionally.