Hap Hudson Homecoming Race at Mississippi College Attracts Big Turnout

Coach Hudson, far left, and his family, getting ready for the big race.

Varina Hart turned on the speed to win the women’s division at the Hap Hudson 5K road race in Clinton.

Running at a strong pace through the streets of Olde Towne Clinton and navigating parts of the Mississippi College campus, Hart finished with a time of 21 minutes, 55 seconds.

Varina’s solid performance came at one of the signature events at MC’s 2014 Homecoming on October 18.

Hart, 22, is used to running long distances in Central Mississippi and other parts of the South. She’s a former standout for the MC Lady Choctaws cross country team.

In addition, Varina served as track and cross country captain at Briarwood Christian High School in her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama before joining the MC squad as a freshman in 2011. These days, she stays on the go as a photographer for “The Mississippi Collegian,” the university’s student newspaper.

Varina Hart wasn’t the only shining star among 127 Hap Hudson runners crossing the finish line that Saturday morning.

Jody Ogletree, 51, of Raymond, who’s signed up for the Hap Hudson Homecoming race seven consecutive years, captured first place in the men’s division. Ogletree’s time was clocked at 19 minutes, 21 seconds.

Race co-directors Suzanne McDonough and Zack Vosen were pleased with the nice turnout for the Department of Kinesiology-sponsored event.

A total of 151 people registered for the 5K race honoring beloved former MC Choctaws coach Hap Hudson of Clinton. McDonough and Vosen serve as kinesiology professors on the Clinton campus.

Race participants included more than 20 runners who are basketball players at Hillcrest Christian School in Jackson. Wes Prather, the school’s head basketball coach, uses the Hap Hudson race as a good way to encourage his players to focus on their fitness before the start of hoops season. One of his star players, Bryce Baker, 17, of Terry finished 5^th in his age group.

McDonough thanked the Mississippi College Athletic Department for supplying the bulk of the door prizes, the MC Kinesiology Student Association and other volunteers for their assistance to make the race a success again this fall.

Funds raised will help send MC students to regional and national conferences and purchase equipment for the Kinesiology Department.

For more information, contact Suzanne McDonough at 601-925-7720 or smcdonou@mc.edu.