Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) cross-country standout Brady Eagar has his eyes on the ultimate prize this fall – leading the Pumas to a national championship title while chasing his own individual victory.
After beginning his running career as a sophomore at Mountain View Mesa High School in Mesa, Arizona, the distance runner has spent years honing his skills and finding his stride; his favorite race being the 5K on the track. This season, he’s been making waves on the cross country course, most recently as PVCC’s top finisher at the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas last month.
“Brady’s been a big addition to the team this season,” said PVCC Cross Country Coach David Barney, “He’s running extremely well, but more importantly, he’s been a great leader for us! He’s a fantastic runner, but he’s also a really great person!”
For Eagar, every competition serves as preparation for the bigger goal of helping the Pumas claim a national title and securing his own championship win. “We wanted to do well, but our main focus is on the NJCAA National Championship race on November 8,” said Eagar, who placed 77th overall.
PVCC has given Eagar a second chance and a supportive home for his athletic and academic ambitions.
“The school I was previously at suddenly discontinued their distance running programs in June, which left dozens of people scrambling for a place to go,” Eagar explained, crediting Barney for creating an environment of growth, both on and off the course. “I’m very grateful to Coach Barney for allowing me to have the opportunity to come here and train. I wouldn’t be here without him.
“Coach Barney has been a great coach to me. I can speak for the entire men’s and women’s team when I say that none of us would be at PVCC if Coach Barney wasn’t here. He cares deeply for each member of the team as a person outside of running and does everything he can to help us be charitable and successful people in life.”
Currently studying Exercise Science, Eagar plans to transfer to The University of the Pacific next year to continue both his education and athletic career. To learn more about PVCC’s athletic program, visit the website.