John McDonnell recognized

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – At Wednesday’s Razorback baseball against Missouri State, former men’s cross country and track and field head coach John McDonnell was recognized during pre-game activities.

McDonnell now holds the title of Head Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field Coach Emeritus of the University of Arkansas, given to him by the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas. The Razorback coaching icon was recognized with a framed copy of the resolution granting him Emeritus status by Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long Wednesday.

McDonnell, during his 36-year tenure as head coach of the Razorbacks, established a legacy of success unrivaled in the history of NCAA athletics including leading the Razorbacks to 40 NCAA Championships (11 cross country, 19 indoor track and field, 10 outdoor track and field), five NCAA Triple Crowns, 84 conference championships, 21 conference triple crowns and 34-straight conference cross country titles (1974-2007).

McDonnell coached 184 All-America student-athletes to 656 All-America honors, 23 Olympians spanning three decades and six different Olympic Games, including a gold, silver and bronze medalist and mentored countless NCAA and conference champions. He was named National Coach of the Year 30 times, including 12 times in indoor track, 11 times in outdoor track and seven times in cross country, and was named region coach of the year 62 times and conference coach of the year 48 times.

McDonnell is a member of the National Track & Field Hall of Fame, the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame, the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Louisiana-Lafayette Athletic Hall of Fame, the Mayo Hall of Fame and the Penn Relay Carnival Hall of Fame.

McDonnell retired from the University of Arkansas in June, 2008.