Agoura’s Wilson Makes Commitment to Attend Arkansas

Ryan Wilson of Agoura High, the 1992 state Division II cross-country champion, has made a commitment to attend Arkansas.

Wilson, who finished fifth in the 1,600 meters in last year’s state track championships, made recruiting trips to Georgetown, Villanova and Arkansas before choosing the Southeastern Conference school.

“I knew I wanted to go to Arkansas from the start,” Wilson said. “But it was a matter of them offering me (a large enough scholarship).”

Wilson said that the Razorbacks’ winning tradition, the outdoor activities associated with the Fayetteville area, and a glowing endorsement from former Agoura standout Deena Drossin influenced his decision.

Drossin, an Arkansas sophomore, placed second in last year’s NCAA Division I women’s cross-country championships.

“The fact that she has done well there didn’t influence my decision because the men’s and women’s programs are (run by two different coaches),” Wilson said. “But the fact that she enjoys going to school there did.”

Arkansas, under Coach John McDonnell, has won 10 consecutive NCAA men’s titles in indoor track and field and three consecutive titles in men’s cross-country.

The Razorbacks also won Division I cross-country titles in 1984, ’86 and ’87 and Division I outdoor track titles in ’84 and ’92.

“They’ve won in the past and they’re not declining,” said Wilson, who has personal bests of 1 minute 55.2 seconds in the 800 meters, 4:12.77 in the 1,600 and 9:23.5 in the 3,200.