Paul Bahamondes Signs With MSU Track Team
"It is of great pleasure to sign a kid with the drive and dedication that Paul has," said Dudley. "His work ethic on the track, along with the fact he has never missed a day of school, solidifies this statement."
Bahamondes is a member of the 4x800m relay team that holds the Jackson Memorial High School record with a time of 7:54.2. The team also holds the relay record at the Ocean County meet.
"This is a great opportunity for me to come down to MSU," said Bahamondes. "This is a very exciting time in my life, and I am very happy with my decision."
During his high school career, he was honored a two-time MVP of the Jaguars cross country team, received the sportsmanship award and was named Ocean County Runner of the Year. Bahamondes also served his squad as a three-time captain and earned all-County and all-Shore honors numerous times.
He boasts personal bests of 51.5 in the 400m, 1:56 in the 800m, 4:30 in the mile, 9:32 in the two-mile run, 15:32 in the 5K and a 21:03 in the four-mile run.
Bahamondes competed in four sports while in high school, earning 10 varsity letters in outdoor track, indoor track, cross country and soccer.
Off the track, he received the Scholar athlete award twice and was named to the high honor roll and honor roll. He was also involved in the Ocean County Running Club and the JMHS history club.
He plans to major in computer engineering while at MSU.