Hajek signs with George Washington U

By By Jared Florreich / staff writer
June 5, 2003
Who needs high school athletic programs as a stepping stone to a Division I scholarship?
Certainly not Ian Hajek, who signed a track and cross country scholarship with George Washington University on April 28. Hajek is home schooled, using the A Beka curriculum from Pensacola Christian College. His scholarship to George Washington covers $120,000 for four years.
Hajek is the record holder for the Mississippi Private School Association AAA Academy division in the 1600 meter race, with a time of 4:33, but has a personal best of 4:31 mark this season. He also holds the record in the First Light Half-Marathon, held in Mobile, AL. He finished the 13.1 mile races with a time of 1:17:15, a pace of 5:55 per mile.
Hajek has been competing in track and cross country events as an independent, usually having to travel out of state to compete.
Hajek said he though he is mostly self coached, he follows his ninth grade coach Eduardo Ramos' philosophy.
Hajek said he trains by running at Bonita Lakes and Northwood Country Club. He said he doesn't have a set training method, because it causes complacency.
Hajek said that running track and cross country is secondary to his education.
Hajek plans to double major in political science and economics at George Washington. Although he is unsure of what the future holds, he has some goals he'd like to attain in college.