Mansfield’s Megan Rose readies to sign a national letter of intent to run cross country and track at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Rose is accompanied by her parents Jeff and Heidi Rose.
The decision has been made. A lengthy recruiting period that began last summer is finally over. Mansfield senior cross country and track specialist Megan Rose is taking her talents to Durant, Oklahoma. On Tuesday, April 17, the Lady Tiger distance runner officially signed her NCAA letter of intent to join the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Savage Storm.
“I’m going to do track and cross country,” Rose said. “I feel very blessed to go. Southeastern has a diverse track team; they get to go all over the country.”
Rose had her pick as far a small school opportunities to run next season. Several Arkansas schools pitched their programs hoping to sign the soon to be Mansfield graduate. In the end, it was the attention the Savage Storm gave her during cross country season that won out.
“I got a lot of offers from instate,” Rose explained. “For me, it’s (Southeastern) the best option to be the highest on their team.”
Rose was concerned with not just running but the academic side as well. Her future plans are to be in secondary education and one day become a coach. Southeastern has a solid reputation for teacher education.
Rose confessed to the junior high players, a group that she mentors as part of Coach John Mackey’s student volunteer program, that she wants to be a state champion. If she doesn’t get one as a player, she’s determined to get one as a coach.
Rose entered high school behind a long list of Mansfield state championships. It was her dream to be on the wall as a member of a state title team. As her final high school season comes to a close, that possibility seems somewhat remote. Her current Lady Tiger track team is the smallest Mansfield has fielded in years.
Not to be concerned with circumstances out of her control, Rose meanwhile fights for better times and improved performances. Her most recent success was completing a 4 mile schedule of events at her final regular season home meet. Positive individual results helped lead her team to their first overall victory of the season.
During Rose’s senior campaign she has established new benchmarks for herself in nearly ever category. Those include: 800m – 2:56.44, 1600m – 6:06.76, 3200m – 12:53.44, and 5K – 19:42.00.
An unquestionable leader of the Lady Tigers, and its most respected runner known by area coaches and athletes alike is one of the most decorated players in the Mansfield senior class.
Rose has a laundry list of notable athletic accomplishments. Some of those efforts include being a 4-time district cross country champion, 4-time River Valley XC All-Star, 2017 River Valley All-Star overall champion, 4-time indoor state track medalist, and a 4-time outdoor state track qualifier.
“Megan has run more miles, and created more smiles than any other player currently on campus,” Mackey stated. “She deserves this. She did it through hard work, academic excellence, and a very supportive family. We look forward to seeing her succeed at the next level.”
