Not only is he the fastest 1500-meter high school runner in the nation, but Flagler Palm Coast Bulldog Sam Vazquez has another reason for his national fellow counter parts to envy him.
No, it's not for the two back-to-back state championships in both cross crountry and track and field. And it's not because he'll most likely win both the mile and 800-meter run again at states at the big dance in late May.
It's because now, Vazquez has offically signed a letter of intent to attend the prestigious University of Arkansas this fall. While most athletic scholarships give a four-year contract, Vazquez got five.
"I'm very excited," said Vazquez, taking a break from his work out, smiling that contagous smile. "I really look forward to going."
Vazquez is not the only one thrilled about his attendance to University. FPC head Coach Peter Hopfe is very pleased with Vazquez' choice.
"Arkansas is a program I've been watching since college in 70's," said Hopfe. "It's a powerhouse - especially for middle distance. Sam will be a perfect fit there."
Hopfe also said that while a lot of schools aspire to be as good as Arkansas, they don't quite measure up.
"And that is where Arkansas is now," he said about the level of acheivement. "They're one of the best."
While Vazquez will be leaving behind long-time head FPC mentor and Coach Hopfe, he'll be under the guidance of an extremely capapalble man at Arkansas - head track and field legend, John McDonnell.
McDonnell has been at UFA for nearly 32 years, and has made the most of his time there. The man has 36 national track and field championships under his belt, and in fact, only five NCAA institutions have won more than 36 men's national championships in history out of any sport - ever.
"I don't know exactly what continues to drive me," said McDonnell on the University's web site about his accomplishments. "It must have something to do with everyone wanting to beat us and going out and winning one more time. Our young guys come in here and want to win one of those national championship rings. They're excited. It rubs off on us."
And now, Vazquez will get five whole years to show his stuff as a Razorback and be a part of that winning tradition.
"One of the things that impressed me the most about Arkansas was the entrance to the athletic gynasium," he said. "There were all these trophies of runners and championships. It was like a shrine of respect for athletes, and I liked that."
Something else that impressed the senior about the University was the team itself.
"Most of those guys are in the NCAA," he said. "And they seemed really down-to-earth and cool."
Many of the members of the team are from all the world, including Ireland, South Africa and England.
"It's going to be really interesting running with them," said Vazquez. "It'll be a great experience to get out and see new things." Even the coach is from Ireland.
"He's a rally nice guy," said Vazquez of his new coach. "He knows what he's talking about, and he's going to be the guy to take me to the Olympics."
Vazquez will begin school in August, and already McDonnell has already sent the 18-year-old some summer workouts.
Once he gets settled into college life life, Vazquez said he plans on majoring in Business management.
Not only is he the fastest 1500-meter high school runner in the nation, but Flagler Palm Coast Bulldog Sam Vazquez has another reason for his national fellow counter parts to envy him.
No, it's not for the two back-to-back state championships in both cross crountry and track and field. And it's not because he'll most likely win both the mile and 800-meter run again at states at the big dance in late May.
It's because now, Vazquez has offically signed a letter of intent to attend the prestigious University of Arkansas this fall. While most athletic scholarships give a four-year contract, Vazquez got five.
"I'm very excited," said Vazquez, taking a break from his work out, smiling that contagous smile. "I really look forward to going."
Vazquez is not the only one thrilled about his attendance to University. FPC head Coach Peter Hopfe is very pleased with Vazquez' choice.
"Arkansas is a program I've been watching since college in 70's," said Hopfe. "It's a powerhouse - especially for middle distance. Sam will be a perfect fit there."
Hopfe also said that while a lot of schools aspire to be as good as Arkansas, they don't quite measure up.
"And that is where Arkansas is now," he said about the level of acheivement. "They're one of the best."
While Vazquez will be leaving behind long-time head FPC mentor and Coach Hopfe, he'll be under the guidance of an extremely capapalble man at Arkansas - head track and field legend, John McDonnell.
