Just posted to his facebook this morning:
Sad to see such a talented guy not make it in the pros. He's been hampered by issues since graduating from UT (this guy was Leo Manzano's roommate), and seems he finally decided to throw in the towel and move on.
He will probably best be remembered for his incredible win over Andrew Wheating and Duane Solomon (now both olympians, you know the rest) in the 2008 NCAA outdoor final:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om5s1pq6xyI
He also came back that next spring and took the indoor title, again beating out Wheating:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD8RZy60mwc
Here's the full message:
"Today, I announce my retirement from track and field. Ray Lewis and I decided, its time to go.
I’d like to say something cool, more than “its been a great ride”, but all things considered it has taken me places that I never thought I would go. Mentally and physically.
Id like to start off by thanking the people closest to me, my parents. No way could I have made this journey without them.
Next, The University of Texas and all the coaches that believed in me when the times were not what “WE” wanted them to be and celebrating the good times as a team.
Thank you to my life friend Ryan Ponsonby for keeping me in the sport and again believing in who I am daily. Also, to my teammates Leo Manzano, Kyle Miller, Jake Morse, Erik Stanley for tearing it up for as long as we did. You guys shaped me into what I am today.
Thank you to all that took the time to examine, adjust, crack my neck, scrap my body with medieval tools ---- The indian burners-- to get me to the starting line.
For everybody I missed—thank you for putting up with the maniac that I am and telling me to keeping swinging at this thing! John Morgan 's and Luke Hancock's
I am going to play golf now."