Hardling hurdler Seawood jumps at offer from Kent State University

Warren G. Harding Mitchell Seawood knew he had some options for his collegiate career, but ultimately he stayed close to home to become a part of the Kent State University Golden Flashes men's track and field program.

The prolific 110-meter hurdler was offered a scholarship by KSU two weeks ago and signed his letter of intent Thursday morning in the Harding library.

"I looked at a lot of schools. They were a very good program and I chose them," Seawood said.

It was down to KSU and Cincinnati, but the Bearcats will begin halting scholarships for men's track and field, cross country and swimming beginning in the fall of 2009.

It was a no-brainer for Seawood to go to KSU.

"They gave me a real good deal. I'm a Golden Flash now," said Seawood, who will major in sports administration and management in hopes of being an agent or analyst. He carries a 3.0 GPA.

Raiders coach Charles Penny said this is a proud moment for the Harding program.

"We as coaches get wrapped up in winning county, winning conference and going to state," he said. "Ultimately, that comes second fiddle to having your athletes go on to college. That's what means the most.

"Too many coaches get caught up in just winning. I did that early on. The real reward is having athletes get accepted to go to college. That's the measure of true growth. Winning state, that's all fun and for the community. However, the most important thing is for kids to graduate Harding and advance on to college."

Seawood is moving on with his season - a season that hasn't been all injury free. He tweaked his hip during the F.E. Cope Invitational earlier this month and felt it pop slightly in Saturday's Poland Invitational 110-meter final.

"I'm fine now, just resting and getting ready for the Trumbull County Meet," Seawood said.

jvargo@tribtoday.com