On the occasion of John McDonnell’s retirement announcement at the University of Arkansas not long ago, UA athletic director Jeff Long heaped praise on McDonnell for his accomplishments with the track program.
Then McDonnell took the podium and said, “I’ll be around to make sure Jeff keeps it going. I’ll haunt him.”
McDonnell chuckled a little after that second sentence, and so did his audience of friends and well-wishers.
But it was clear that McDonnell wanted to see Arkansas track and field continue at a high level.
In his next breath, he thanked UA field events coach Dick Booth for his 28 years of service here, over two stints (1978-84, 1988-present).
“Dick is the greatest coach of jumpers ever,” McDonnell said. [read more]
