Van’s Hunter Hopkins Commits to Arkansas For Track and Field

Van athlete Hunter Hopkins committed to the University of Arkansas for Track and Field on Friday. The Vandals star will compete in the decathlon starting next fall.

"I chose Arkansas because they've been great to me for years now," Hopkins said. "I really like and feel comfortable with the coaches. The program is No.1 in the nation and it speaks for itself."

Hopkins chose Arkansas over Oklahoma, Houston and Texas State. Hopkins took official visits to all the schools, but in the end felt the most comfortable with the Razorbacks.

"I've been doing it since I was 12 years old. I was always pretty good at all the track events, but the javelin is where I excelled," said Hopkins.

Hunter has won the USA Track and Field javelin national title for the past four years. Hopkins moved to Van the summer before his junior year, after transferring from Rockwall-Heath.

Hopkins wants to improve on his explosiveness and flexibility.

"I'm going to start Crossfit in the next few weeks to be more explosive and to work on my stamina," he said.

The decathlon includes the 100-meter sprint, shot put, high jump, long jump and 400-meter run on the first day. The 110-meter hurdles, discuss, pole vault, javelin and 1500-meter run round out the second day.