Conway hurdler headed for Arkansas State

Four-time Conway letterman Ke’von Holder has solidified his commitment with the Arkansas State University track program by signing with the Red Wolves in a gathering of family and friends at the track where became a star hurdler. Conway track coach Johnny Kennedy said he and assistant coach Terry Clardy brought Holder up after his junior high conference meet in ninth grade. “He placed fourth in the 110 hurdles with a time of 16.12 seconds,” Kennedy said. “He doesn’t like me to say that, but there is a reason I’m going to say that.” Kennedy said Holder was named all-conference in his sophomore year and improved his time. “In the conference meet, he had his best time of the year at 15.78,” he said. “He still doesn’t like to hear that, but there’s a reason.” Kennedy said Holder, as a junior, was named to the all-conference team for the second consecutive year and the all-state team for the first time because he again improved his time. “He ran a 14.41, which was a season best,” he said. “He probably likes that a little better. “ Kennedy said that improvement culminated into where Holder stands among the state’s top hurdlers. “So far, this year, he is the state’s No. 1 110 hurdler,” he said. “The times are getting better and so far, his best time is 14.30, which is exceptional. He is also the No. 2 300 hurdler in the state, and it won’t be that way for long.” Kennedy said he told Holder’s freshman time because of the hard work Holder had set for himself to get better for his senior year and to sign with ASU. “That didn’t happen from January to May,” he said. “That happened because of a commitment that this is what he wanted to do. It took him a couple semesters to figure it out, but once he did, he excelled.” Clardy was complimentary on how Holder carried himself. “Ke’von is very coachable and he works very hard,” he said. “I don’t really have to make him do anything or encourage him because he does that himself, and that’s what every great track athlete does. He’s a great athlete and a joy to be around. Our young guys can learn from him.” Holder thanked his family, friends and coaching staff for pushing him.

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
Conway High School Athletics

CONWAY HURDLER HEADED FOR ARKANSAS STATE

ANDY ROBERTSON

Log Cabin Democrat | 4/14/2017

PHOTO CREDIT: Log Cabin Democrat