Head Hog McDonnell Earns Regional Accolade

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas track and field head coach John McDonnell was named the USTFCCCA South Central Region Coach of the Year, it was announced on Monday.

In the final season of an incomparable coaching career, McDonnell guided the Razorbacks to their 84th conference title, 46th SEC title, 23rd outdoor conference title and 14th SEC outdoor title. The Razorbacks ended the SEC championship weekend (May 15-18) with four event titles (5,000 meters, long jump, triple jump and javelin) and 10 All-SEC honors.

The Razorbacks also finished third at this year’s NCAA Mideast Regional and will have 12 athletes competing in nine events at the NCAA Championships in McDonnell’s 36th and final season in Fayetteville. Nkosinza Balumbu (triple jump) and Peter Kosgei (3,000M Steeplechase) won regional titles and Spencer McCorkel (pole vault) was awarded an at-large bid.

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. He has been Conference Coach of the Year a remarkable 50 times and Region Coach of the Year 63 times.

For complete details of the NCAA Championships, visit www.godrakebulldogs.com. A complete meet recap and results will be available daily on www.hogwired.com.