American High School senior Ari Cogdell led the Patriots to a runner-up finish at the 4A state championships finishing 4th in the open 400m, and anchoring the school's winning 4x400m relay. His 46.67 at the 4A Region 4 Championships is the fastest returning time in the state for the upcoming season, and sixth fastest in the nation. In addition to that nationally ranked time, his anchor leg at the Golden South Classic gave American a US#2 time of 3:12.12. Cogdell recently announced he will continue his running career as a member of the University of Tennessee Volunteers. We caught up with the quarter-mile standout to talk about the recruiting process, his decision, and future goals.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
The recruiting process was both exciting and agitating at times. Exciting because of the fact that coaches are calling you and are interested. Also, the recruiting visits were exciting. It was a little agitating because there were a lot of phone calls and at the end of the day you can only choose five schools to visit.
When did it really take off for you?
When did it really take off for you?
It took off soon as July 1st hit when coaches could start contacting you.
What other school did you visit or consider? The other schools I considered besidesTennessee were Florida, Kansas State, Mississippi State, and Texas Tech.
Why in the end Tennesse?
I chose the University of Tennessee because I trust the new coaching staff they have. Coach Tim Hall had great success at Clemson. Coach Zach Glavash was Coach Vince Anderson's graduate assistant at Texas A&M and Head Coach Beth Sullivan had great success at Penn State. The whole goal with going to Tennessee is so I can help revive the program similar to their success they had in early 2000; placing top 3 at NCAA's. Same situation on which I came to American Senior High, to " Reign Supreme". My coach always told me " Go where you are celebrated not tolerated."
Were you considering the Volunteers before the coaching change and how did their philosophy match your skillset?
Honestly. I was not considering Tennesse at all. After doing my research and found out about the two new very successful coaches I gave it more thought. The philosophy between my coach and the Tennessee coaches pertaining to developing 400m runners is a hybrid system of a long to short and short to long philosophy. Simply because I have 1:53 800m strength and still run 21 in the 200.
Were you considering the Volunteers before the coaching change and how did their philosophy match your skillset?
Honestly. I was not considering Tennesse at all. After doing my research and found out about the two new very successful coaches I gave it more thought. The philosophy between my coach and the Tennessee coaches pertaining to developing 400m runners is a hybrid system of a long to short and short to long philosophy. Simply because I have 1:53 800m strength and still run 21 in the 200.
You were primarily a 400 meter runner in high school, running the open quarter-mile and on the school's relay team. Will that be your main focus at the next level.
Yes,that's exactly what my focus will be as well as some 4x1 to help enhance my footspeed.
What are the goals in college and for the future?
My main goal in college is to get my degree. On the track, the goal is to go 44.0 in the 400 and 20.0 in the 200 or maybe even faster. The possibilities are endless.
Did you ever dream of this day growing up?
Every kid grew up dreaming of playing a sport in college. God blessed me and I give him all the glory. I am very grateful for a D1 scholarship.
Now that the college decision is behind you, you can focus on your senior track season. What are the plans?
I want to run 45.8 in the 400 and 20.8 in the 200m, win the state championship as a team, and individually in the 400m.
How do you want people to remember Ari Cogdell?
I want to run 45.8 in the 400 and 20.8 in the 200m, win the state championship as a team, and individually in the 400m.
How do you want people to remember Ari Cogdell?
People may remember me by many things. My competitors prejudged me because I am short. As my Coach says " The short kid that carried a big stick." I want to be known for helping lead the school to its first runner-up finish at state which was huge because we don't have a track.
