Cougar Athletics
30 NAIA National Championships
95 GSAC Championships
...and counting

THIS YEAR: The third Cougar in what is becoming a pipeline from Gunnison (Colo.) High School, freshman Scott Murtaugh is an impact newcomer who should press to qualify for the NAIA championship meets in the high hurdles … Is also a standout in the intermediates … Should enjoy a career progression similar to fellow Gunnison alum Matt Sparks.

HIGH SCHOOL: Was a 4-year track standout at Gunnison High where he competed for head coach Bob Howard, who also coached current Cougars Jason Zichterman and Matt Sparks … As a 2007 senior was the Colorado state 3A runner-up in both the 110 (14.93) and 300 (career-best 40.01) hurdles, tallying 18 of the Cowboys’ 34 points at the state meet in Pueblo, Colo. … Posted a career best of 14.91 in the high hurdles … Qualified for the state meet as a 2006 junior but did not advance to the finals … As a 2005 sophomore ran a leg on the Cowboys’ 4x200 relay that won the state 3A crown with a 1:32.51 … Earned All-Western Slope Conference honors in the both hurdles … Also ran 3 seasons of cross country.

PERSONAL: Born Jan. 29, 1989 in Gunnison, Colo. … Parents are Tom (U.S. Forrest Service) and Kristi (teacher) Murtaugh … Has 1 sister (Katy) … Majoring in communication … Enjoys skiing rafting, camping and tennis.