Former Versailles Star Sam Prakel To Run Pro For Adidas

           Ohio native, Sam Prakel is ready to join the pro ranks. 

Sam Prakel has announced that he'll be representing Adidas when he embarks on his professional running career.  The former Versailles distance star collected a number of State Championships during his high school days and he's coming off of an exceptional final year at the University of Oregon, where he placed third in the mile at the NCAA Indoor Championship and sixth in the 1500 at the NCAA Outdoor Championship.  His stellar list of pr's include: 1:46.75 (800), 3:36.84 (1500) and 3:55.80 (1 Mile).    

Along with fellow elites Nick Willis and Colby Alexander, Prakel has confirmed his intention to compete in the highly anticipated Guardian Mile, which is scheduled to take place in Cleveland on August 11th.  

MileSplit reached Sam to gather his thoughts on the exciting news:  

I couldn't be happier to sign with Adidas.  There were many factors involved in my decision.  First and foremost, Adidas is an incredible company that wants what's best for me and my running career and has been enjoyable to work with.  Furthermore, Adidas allowed me to stay with my college coach Andy Powell, who I have had steady improvement under the past five years.  Coach Powell recently took over the head coaching position at the University of Washington in Seattle where I will live.  Seattle is a great place to train with amazing trails and facilities.  With that, the continued guidance from Coach Powell, and my shared vision with Adidas, I believe I can become one of the best milers in the world.   

Related Link - 

Guardian Mile Preview