ST. GEORGE — The “Hurdle Daddies” still have some work to do at Snow Canyon High School, even if their college futures are now set.

Snow Canyon seniors Trevor Gough, Semaj Thompson and Matt Maclellan each signed a letter of intent to run in college next year.

At a signing ceremony in the school’s gym Tuesday afternoon, the Warriors spoke of their excitement about taking the next step, but each said they are focused on winning a third consecutive 4A state track and field championship for Snow Canyon this year.

Gough will run at Brigham Young University, Thompson will compete at New Mexico University and Maclellan signed to race at Utah Valley University.

Their collective excellence in the hurdles over the past three years earned the Warriors trio the nickname “Hurdle Daddies.”

“They have changed the footprint of our program forever,” Snow Canyon coach Justin Redfearn said. “And gentlemen, I cannot thank you enough. You guys are absolutely amazing, and not just amazing on the track.

“The way they support their teammates, the way they encourage them, is unprecedented,” Redfearn added.

Redfearn emphasized just how special they are. Of all the classifications and track races in Utah state history, Thompson has the 12th best time in the 110-meter hurdles while Maclellan has the 13th best time in that race.

“So think about that,” Redfearn said. “You have two of the top 13 hurdlers in the state right here, right now.

“And in the 300 hurdles, Trevor is No. 3 all-time,” Redfearn said. “Semaj is No. 18 right now. The 300 hurdles is considered one of the toughest track events, and you have two guys in the top 30 ever. That’s pretty amazing.”

St. George News spoke with each of the hurdlers and asked why they chose their college destinations and how they think their experiences at Snow Canyon will help them at the next level.

“I’m excited to go to BYU,” Gough said. “I know their coach is a great 400 hurdler, and that’s going to be my specialty for that team. I believe that they can make me an NCAA champion.”

“Snow Canyon is always going to be a part of me,” he added. “I’m just blessed to go to this school at this time and I’m grateful for everything they’ve given me.”

Thompson said the Warriors’ winning tradition will pay dividends as he joins the Lobos.

“New Mexico has good athletes and hurdles,” Thompson said. “I feel like I can go there and really compete and do my best for the team. At the end of the day, they want us to go there to win championships. That’s still in my line, I feel like that can happen.

“I feel like knowing the competition here at Snow Canyon and knowing what it’s like to have the pressure on you a little bit will help me go and run,” he added. “At the end of the day, it’s just running. I just got to go and do it.”

And a few hours up Interstate 15, Maclellan is ready to join a long list of in-state track and field standouts.

“Utah Valley is close to home. It’s going to be fun,” Maclellan said, noting that several Region 9 track athletes have ended up at UVU over the past couple of years. “I know some of them on the team and that’s definitely helped me to feel more connected and more welcome.

“At Snow Canyon, the competitiveness is that of a college team,” he added. “Us three have pushed each other every single day in practice. It’s going to be exactly like that in college. I’m excited for the preparation I’ve had here.”

Cedar’s McKoy Smith to SUU

Cedar High School hurdler McKoy Smith signed a letter of intent to compete for the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds.

At the lunchtime signing ceremony at the school March 5, Smith’s parents and coaches commended him for his hard work and dedication.

Smith said he’ll first serve a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Peru before beginning his studies at SUU and running for the T-Birds.

Smith also noted that he’s facing stiff competition this spring from Snow Canyon’s top hurdlers.

“They’re really good. I’m chasing them,” he said.

–written by Jeff Richards

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