Marion’s Bogan signs with University of Arkansas

Patriot track standout will be running for the Razorbacks

Marion School District Marion hurdler Shaka Bogan signed to run track for the Arkansas Razorbacks on Thursday. Bogan signed in front of his family and friends in the lobby of Marion High School after giving a speech where he thanked many people who have supported him.

“This has always been a dream of mine,” Bogan said. “When I started track, I wanted to go to the best program in the state and that’s Arkansas. You can’t beat running in the SEC.”

Bogan recently won the state championship in the 110 meter hurdles at the 5A track and field championship as well as an overall state title in the same event at the Meet of Champions.

He also set an Arkansas high school indoor track record in the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 8.02 seconds.

Track and field coach John Crossley said the most impressive trait of Bogan is his work ethic. He said that Bogan constantly practices his technique and studies other athletes when he gets a chance.

“We were at the state meet in Lake Hamilton, and he was watching YouTube videos of hurdle races in the lobby of the hotel,” said Crossley. “His work ethic and dedication is by far the biggest thing that has carried him this far.”

According to Crossley, Bogan did not get off to a strong start in his run at the 5A meet in Lake Hamilton, but fought from three spots back to take first place with a time of 14.38 seconds.

His time of 14.5 seconds at the Meet of Champions also came after a slow start, but Crossley credits his technique for carrying him to the podium.

Bogan said he has learned a lot about mental toughness from running track. He also said he was emotional when he got the recruiting call from Fayetteville.

“It was a great moment, I started crying,” Bogan said. “I didn’t think it would really happen. This really has been a dream come true.”

Arkansas has won a combined 30 national titles in men’s indoor and outdoor track and field since 1984.

Bogan said he wants to contribute to the number of titles at Arkansas, but his main goal is to improve himself and the program as a whole..

“I would definitely like to win a national championship or SEC championship, but I just want to progress however I can,” Bogan said. “I just want to help the team any way I can.”