Brownwood High School Cross Country athlete Katy Jacobs signed a letter of intent with Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas on Tuesday afternoon.

Surrounded by her parents, friends and coaches, Jacobs signed and was praised by Head Track and Cross Country Coach Don Hood for her achievements and overcoming struggles to become a top BHS runner.

“Harding has a great cross country and track record, being one of the top 10-15 schools across the country. It’s going to be a lot of fun to see how much better she is going to get, because she has already come further than most people thought she would.  I think once you break through that door, the sky’s the limit,” said Coach Hood.  “The neat thing about it is that you can’t credit anyone besides Katy for this because she has put in the time and put in the miles.  I know a lot of other girls and people that work hard, but if you have passion mixed in with your time, you tend to get a whole lot better.  That is what Katy has done to the tenth degree and what separates her from others.”

Jacobs has been challenging herself to run at least a mile each day and has earned the nickname “Forest Gump” due to running at least a mile every day for 303 days straight.

Hood encouraged other athletes present to follow Jacobs’ example.

“I hope you are motivated by her and by what she has done and I hope you are really excited for her. It is a great day for her and her family and for Brownwood High School athletics,” stated Hood.

Her father, Tim Jacobs told the other students in attendance to take advantage of having a coach like Hood that will challenge and encourage them, that will take athletes further in their athletic careers, even to distant meets including one in Arkansas that he was glad that Hood took Katy and other members of the cross country team to recently.

Hood stated that when he decided to come to Brownwood High School, Jacobs stated that she was going to “try to run” on the team, and he stated that she did more than try.

Her parents stated that they were excited for Katy despite the 9 hour drive time that will separate them.

“It’s where she wanted to go and for them to give her a little money for school is icing on the cake,” said Mr. Jacobs.

Her mother Kerri agreed, “We’re excited for her.  She set this dream four years ago and to see her reach it is fulfilling as a parent.”

Brownwood High School Athletic Director Bob Shipley spoke of Jacobs being a good athlete and student.

“It’s been amazing to watch her transformation over the past four years as a person and athlete.  She is an example of how athletics can give you confidence and how hard work pays off,” said Shipley.  “She’s such a hard worker.  She is a leader at our church and one of the nicest girls I have ever met.”

Jacobs will attend Harding’s pharmaceutical school and plans on becoming a pharmacist after approximately 6 years of study.  Her dual credit courses will help finish sooner than the usual 7 year plan.

Pictured above is Jacobs during the signing with her family, Wyatt, Kamille, Kerri and Tim Jacobs.

Below are Jacobs and Coach Hood.