Australian talent and 2018 NCAA 1,500-meter champion joins fellow Badgers’ senior Monson in forgoing remaining collegiate track eligibility to sign with an agency during pandemic

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Oliver Hoare knew as soon as the NCAA canceled the Division 1 Indoor championship meet March 12, along with the entire spring athletic schedule as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus global pandemic, the collegiate career of the Wisconsin senior standout and 2018 NCAA 1,500-meter champion had reached an unceremonious conclusion.

Hoare, 23, made his desire to pursue a professional running career official when he confirmed recently on the Sit and Kick Podcast – hosted by fellow NCAA champions Josh Kerr and David Ribich – that he had signed with Flynn Sports Management. No details were disclosed regarding potential shoe or apparel sponsorship, or what the future training environment would be for the native of Sydney, Australia.

“I am motivated for what’s to come,” Hoare said. “I am excited to get after it, work hard and keep learning and developing as an athlete with the goal of making my first Olympic team.”

Hoare is an eight-time All-America first-team honoree, highlighted by clocking 3:44.77 in the 1,500 final two years ago at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

Hoare captured the mile and 3,000 titles at the Big Ten Indoor finals. He was entered in the mile and distance medley relay at the Division 1 indoor championship meet.

“Wisconsin has taught me so much. So has the NCAA and being a Division 1 collegiate runner,” Hoare said. “Opportunities will come again and races will be there. I was heartbroken and devastated that I wasn’t able to fulfill many goals set, but it gives me a fresh perspective to set new goals and have new opportunities come from this.”

Although the NCAA Division 1 Council agreed March 30 to provide extra eligibility to seniors competing in spring sports, Wisconsin became the first school April 9 to decide not to provide any relief to those student-athletes, instructing them to either graduate or transfer.

Fellow Badgers’ senior Alicia Monson announced April 16 she would forgo her remaining eligibility and pursue a professional career, signing with Total Sports U.S.

Since then, Colorado fifth-year seniors Dani Jones, Joe Klecker and Makena Morley have also decided not to return to collegiate competition during the 2020-21 school year.

Hoare is the first male college athlete to officially sign with an agency during the Coronavirus pandemic, joining Monson with Total Sports U.S. and Jones with HAWI Management.

“My career has been incredible in Wisconsin. The coaches and the staff that have worked with me, as well as my family, have helped guide me into the athlete I am today,” Hoare said. “Was it everything I wanted out of college competition? No, I wanted more. I was hungry, but I’m glad to come into next year with that mentality.”

Hoare has remained in Madison since returning from Albuquerque after the Division 1 Indoor Nationals were canceled. The cancellation of Australia’s Olympic Trials in March also factored in his decision.

“I went with my gut and knew that the dangers of going home, with being stuck in Australia and the issues that could arise with my F1 visa if I did,” Hoare said. “For me, right now, I am respecting the severity of this health crisis and trying to do my part in the slowing the spread of Coronavirus by staying at home, finishing my degree and graduating. I’m still in full training and full motivation for the opportunities that will open up after this.”