Arkansas Senate Honors John McDonnell

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Razorback track and field head coach John McDonnell was honored by the state legislature in special ceremonies on the floor of the Arkansas Senate at the State Capitol on Tuesday afternoon. McDonnell is being honored for his dedication and accomplishments during his tenure with the University of Arkansas and to the Northwest Arkansas community.

McDonnell, recently named to the 2008 Team USA Olympic coaching staff, has coached 23 Olympians, including a gold, silver and bronze medallist, spanning three decades and six different Olympic Games during his career.

McDonnell, in his 35th season at the helm of the Arkansas program, led the Hogs to their 81st conference title (cross country, indoor and outdoor) and 26th indoor track and field conference title at the 2007 SEC Indoor Championships, in Lexington, Ky., in February.

McDonnell has been named National Coach of the Year 12 times in indoor track, 11 times in outdoor track and seven times in cross country for a total of 30 awards. Cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field combined, he has been Conference Coach of the Year a remarkable 47 times and Region Coach of the Year 61 times. During his tenure at UA, McDonnell has won 42 national titles, 81 conference titles and 181 athletes have earned 643 All-America honors.

In addition to his coaching duties, McDonnell is also heavily involved with many organizations and charities in the Northwest Arkansas area. He is a strong supporter of the American Heart Association, the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and works closely with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to promote Prostate Cancer Awareness.