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Cowley County is becoming a second home for Madill athletes.
The Kansas community college welcomed another Wildcat to the cross country and track program on Friday, as Madill senior runner Justin Shahan signed on with the National Junior College Athletic Association school.
Shahan was one of the top distance runners for the Wildcats this fall. He was the top Madill finisher at the Lake Country Conference meet in September, leading the Wildcats to the team championship over Plainview. Shahan was also a critical part of Madill’s 4A regional winning team, placing seventh overall, and was 29th overall for the Wildcats at the state meet, in which Madill placed third as a team.
Shahan said the connection Madill has with Cowley County was a big draw for him to the Tigers’ program. Madill has sent several athletes to Cowley in recent years for track and cross country.
“It has a lot to do with that,” Shahan said of his reason for choosing Cowley. “I have a lot of good friends that go there and I still train with.”
Madill cross country coach Ron Love said that the connection the school has with Cowley keep them coming back for Wildcat athletes. He thinks that Shahan will be another good addition to the school, located in Arkansas City, Kan.
“He’s always been a hard-working kid,” Love said of Shahan. “He’s what we want for the program — a dedicated kid that comes to practice and work hard.”
Cowley assistant cross country coach Kevin McDougal was on hand for Shahan’s signing on Friday, saying that he was impressed with Shahan’s times and runners’ build.
McDougal also came back to the success Madill athletes have had at Cowley.
“They’ve been a good group to recruit from.” McDougal said. “After meeting with (Shahan), I saw he’s a hard worker with knowledge of the sport and a willingness to get better in training.”
At the end of the session and multiple photos with family and friends, Shahan attributed the progression and success he’s had as a runner to his coaches.
“A lot of that comes with the coaches and their commitment to success,” Shahan said. “They did an awesome job teaching me the best they can.”
Erik K. Horne
221-6522
Cowley County is becoming a second home for Madill athletes.
The Kansas community college welcomed another Wildcat to the cross country and track program on Friday, as Madill senior runner Justin Shahan signed on with the National Junior College Athletic Association school.
Shahan was one of the top distance runners for the Wildcats this fall. He was the top Madill finisher at the Lake Country Conference meet in September, leading the Wildcats to the team championship over Plainview. Shahan was also a critical part of Madill’s 4A regional winning team, placing seventh overall, and was 29th overall for the Wildcats at the state meet, in which Madill placed third as a team.
Shahan said the connection Madill has with Cowley County was a big draw for him to the Tigers’ program. Madill has sent several athletes to Cowley in recent years for track and cross country.
“It has a lot to do with that,” Shahan said of his reason for choosing Cowley. “I have a lot of good friends that go there and I still train with.”
Madill cross country coach Ron Love said that the connection the school has with Cowley keep them coming back for Wildcat athletes. He thinks that Shahan will be another good addition to the school, located in Arkansas City, Kan.
“He’s always been a hard-working kid,” Love said of Shahan. “He’s what we want for the program — a dedicated kid that comes to practice and work hard.”
Cowley assistant cross country coach Kevin McDougal was on hand for Shahan’s signing on Friday, saying that he was impressed with Shahan’s times and runners’ build.
McDougal also came back to the success Madill athletes have had at Cowley.
“They’ve been a good group to recruit from.” McDougal said. “After meeting with (Shahan), I saw he’s a hard worker with knowledge of the sport and a willingness to get better in training.”
At the end of the session and multiple photos with family and friends, Shahan attributed the progression and success he’s had as a runner to his coaches.
“A lot of that comes with the coaches and their commitment to success,” Shahan said. “They did an awesome job teaching me the best they can.”
Erik K. Horne
221-6522
