Track Capital #NewHogs Summer Series: Ceara Watson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A runner since before her birth, Arkansas signee Ceara Watson has been winning awards for beating her opponents in foot races as far back as grade school.

The daughter of an avid runner with affinity for marathons Watson’s mother ran during the months she carried her to full term. From infancy to elementary school Watson always enjoyed running. Organized school system afforded her the opportunity to not just run but run with purpose and thus began her start in competitive running.

“Since elementary school I have always loved running against my classmates and winning prizes,” said Watson. “One race I remember was in my 2nd grade class when I even beat all the boys and they tried to say I cheated. My teacher told me I had a gift and would go far.”

Even while she ran at an early age on playgrounds, Watson’s main sport of choice at the time was soccer. As an all-around athlete her skills in the sport gained her access to the travel team which gave her the opportunity to pursue other sports when not in transit. With her abilities known throughout the school’s teachers and staff it wasn’t long before the cross country coach made his way to the gifted runner.

“In middle school I joined the cross country team because this old man with a clip board pursued me,” said Watson. “It was a fun experience and taught me a lot about patience and hard work.”

Upon entering high school Watson switched from long distances to shorter events when she joined her school’s track and field team. Throughout her first year Watson was consistently came through in sub-60 times at 400 meters. By her junior and senior years Watson had dropped almost five full seconds from her 400 time and become one of the most dominant runners out of New York’s Section 5 excelling from 300 through 800 meters.

Aware of the progress and success Arkansas runners have had under the guidance of associate head coach Chris Johnson, Watson’s decision to join the Razorbacks was an easy one.

“When I signed the letter of intent and became an official Razorback it was very exciting,” said Watson. “I chose to commit to Arkansas because it was the best school to take me to the next level. Many of the best athletes have been in the Arkansas program and have achieved many great things. I am honored to be on a team they once were on and wear red and white.”

Ceara Watson At-A-Glance
Hometown: Henrietta, N.Y.
High School: Rush-Henrietta High School

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