Background

After two years competing for the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Seth Summerside knew it was time to head for the University of Arkansas. “I felt compelled to come, to be part of the success,” he explains. So he moved to Fayetteville, got an apartment, paid his utilities and had just $34.06 to his name by the time he went to buy groceries. He’s never doubted the move.

In 2005, watching from the stands as the Razorbacks won their 40th national title, seeing the camaraderie and feeling the emotion of that victory even as a spectator, Seth said he knew that Arkansas was the right place for him. Coach John McDonnell brought out the best in the walk-on, who went on to be named all-SEC seven times. As McDonnell told a local reporter in 2005, “After he was up here only a few weeks, I said there is something about that kid I like.” To help show his respect, Seth is spearheading a project to have a torch designed and dedicated to McDonnell, to be mounted in the Arkansas stadium before it plays host to the 2009 NCAA championships.

Seth enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2007, notching personal bests at every distance, and he was eager for the Olympic year to begin. But 2008 has been a challenging year for Seth. After a hip procedure, he was unable to walk in January and February, and spent March using a walker as he regained strength.