BENTONVILLE — Logan Morton has done a number of events and piled up a number of school records during her three years on Bentonville's girls track team.
The senior standout could have the opportunity to do it in the college ranks as she signed a track national letter of intent with Central Arkansas during Wednesday's ceremony at the Tiger Athletic Complex.
"I'm really excited to run for UCA and to be a part of its team and take my talent to the next level," Morton said. "I'm excited for the chance to get better times and have more competition and see all there is to see in college track."
Morton has been the Lady Tigers' most versatile athlete for the past three seasons and has set the school records in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles as well as the heptathlon. She also splits her times during the long jump and triple jump, as well as run a leg in relays, most notably the 4x100.
She teamed with Alexis Rolle, Taylor Mahone and Jody Knight to run the state's fastest 4x100 relay with a time of 47.09 seconds at the Meet of Champs last spring at Lake Hamilton. The four also earned All-American status with their finish in the 4x200 during the New Balance Outdoor Nationals in North Carolina.
"It's close to home, and it's a Division I school," Morton said of UCA, who she chose over Pittsburg State. "They are really competitive, and the coach pulled me in and guaranteed me that he would take care of me. We would have really good training and he could take me to that next level in track."
Morton expects to continue her work in the hurdles, which will change from 300 to 400 meters. She could also be asked to do the other events she has done in the high school ranks.
"She has definitely earned the right to go to the next level," Bentonville coach Randy Ramaker said. "She has put the work in and has excelled at several parts of track and field, and any college coach likes to get as much bang for the buck with their scholarship.
"With Logan, you're getting a girl that can do a lot of different things and do them well. UCA is getting a very fierce competitor and a really good, true track athlete."
Sports on 04/10/2014