Arkansas Milesplit Recruiting Mailbag 1.0

While today's spotlight won't recap this week in racing, the Frick Files will be replaced by the first ever "Arkansas Milesplit Recruiting Mailbag," a new, occasional, series highlighting some of the top seniors in the state and providing updates on how their recruitment.

Be sure to stay up to date with the latest results and news in Arkansas by following Arkansas Milesplit on Instagram (@milesplitar) and X/Twitter (@armilesplit)!

Let's not wait any longer and dive into today's recruiting mailbag!

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Why does Football and Basketball get all the attention when it comes to recruiting? The recruiting process for cross country is just as exciting and integral to our sport as these mainstream sports and can offer just as much intel and stories too.

Just this week, Joseph Bariola helped bridge the gap between cross country and the most mainstream sports by celebrating his commitment in a similar fashion to many football and basketball commits, choosing a hat from a table that sported a hat from all three of his finalists: Arkansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma State.

The superstar senior chose the Missouri hat, choosing to blaze his own path rather than attending two historical powerhouse distance programs.

"I chose the University of Missouri because of the team and the coaches," Bariola said when asked why he chose Missouri. "I saw the dream and I'm confident that the team there now and the guys that are coming in will put it on top."

By definition, Bariola is a star. The star from Lakeside has run 4:09.99/9:06.15/15:14.30 in the three distance races over his 3 ½ high school seasons, which made him a hot commodity for multiple top Division 1 distance programs across the country.

"I visited quite a few schools officially and unofficially and one worth mentioning is the University of Wyoming," Bariola said when asked about other schools he considered.

Bariola is not the only high-profile Arkansas recruit who has experienced the recruiting process this season. River Hardman from Russellville is on the verge of making his college decision as well.

In a conversation with Hardman, he detailed his recruitment process and what schools he is most interested in: "The schools I have been in contact with the most are Florida, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mizzou, Oklahoma, and Arkansas State. I have already verbally committed and I'm looking forward to announcing that later next week!"

Hardman also offered advice to some younger runners in Arkansas who hope to one day be in a similar position to himself: "For those who are young and are hoping to run at the collegiate level, the main piece of advice I have is to stay hungry and to be the best you can be. It's easy to become impatient and discouraged when you feel you're not getting the attention you deserve, but trust the process and keep grinding because it will happen!"

While Bariola and Hardman had many of the same schools pursuing them during their recruiting process, many other stars across the state have had the opportunity to speak to many other schools from across the country.

Eli Seavey from Bentonville disclosed to Milesplit Arkansas that he is most interested in Arkansas, Auburn, and Michigan State - three schools he has ties to.

Seavey said "All of these schools are big D1 schools, and all have either 1 or 2 of my desired majors," when asked what about these schools stand out to him. "They also have very pretty campuses, and distinct cultures that I feel like I'd blend into nicely. But, most importantly I have connections and family ties to all of them, so no matter where I go I have a sense of innate home or belonging."

"I've had to be really patient with the recruitment process, and part of that is what I want to get out of it," Seavey said regarding his recruitment. "In the end, it's about fulfilling my needs and finding my best situation. I'm about ready for it to be over, but right now I'm leaning towards not running in college unless I could possibly walk on to one of my desired schools."

Tian Grant from Pea Ridge, who is undefeated this season, is another distance star considering schools outside of Arkansas as well: "As of now I'm still finding different colleges I'm interested in and emailing many that catch my attention."

Grant noted that Southern Utah, Montana, Montana State, Ouachita Baptist, and Arkansas State are among the many schools he has held conversations with.

Coming from a smaller program, Grant said he is "looking for a school where I will be the farthest away from their fastest runner. I want to have teammates that share similar goals as me and can push me in practice and more importantly help me become a better person."

There are multiple girls across Arkansas who are also looking ahead to their college careers.

Devyn O'Daniel is the 3rd ranked senior in Arkansas and has taken visits to Missouri State and Central Arkansas. O'Daniel also plans to visit Missouri - Kansas City, Arkansas State, and Rogers State in the future.

"Primarily, I'm looking for a good place to get an education," O'Daniel said when asked what she is looking for in a college. "I'm also looking for a fun team environment full of girls that both love each other and hold each other accountable."

O'Daniel also noted that her recruiting process has been a "roller-coaster" and that she has faced numerous obstacles on her path to competing in college: "I've also been trying to get recruited for soccer and during the second semester of junior year, I almost committed to a D1 soccer program, but that fell through and so I started over during the summer."

O'Daniel said that once she opened her recruitment back up, a lot of cross country coaches began to make calls to her. "At the moment, I don't really know where I want to go for sure, but I know that when I make my decision I will sure be glad that the recruiting process is over."

Zoe Williamson from Harding Academy has enjoyed a spectacular senior season and is riding that momentum into her recruiting process.

"I am looking for a school that will be a good option for me academically, athletically, and financially. Academically speaking, I am looking for a school with the degree program I am interested in pursuing." Williamson noted that she desires to pursue a degree in Biblical Studies and does not believe she will attend a school that does not have that degree.

The second-fastest senior is close to making a decision too. Williamson said "I have made all of the visits that I plan to take. I am currently interested in Harding University and Ouachita Baptist University. Both Harding and Ouachita are great options and I am very impressed by their XC and Track programs, their close-knit teams, and campuses. Furthermore, I am very impressed by these school's Bible departments and teachers. I believe I could be very successful academically and athletically at either of these schools."

Kayli Fitzhugh from Fayetteville is looking for a school with a strong running program and sports medicine department that is not too far from home.

While the recruiting process can be stressful, Fitzhugh has done a terrific job of finding the joy that comes with it: "The recruiting process has definitely been very exciting but also a little stressful! It's a big decision to make and a lot to balance but I'm so excited to see what the future holds and I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have!"

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