BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) today announced the addition of distance runner Paul Hogan (Burlington, Mass.) of the UMass Lowell Cross Country/Track and Field team to the B.A.A. High Performance Team. Hogan will join eight other B.A.A. team members competing at this week's USA Track & Field National Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, making his professional debut in the 10,000 meters on Thursday evening, July 25th.

Hogan is coming off his final outdoor track season at UMass Lowell, which saw him earn All-American honors in the 10,000 meters by finishing in 11^th place at the NCAA Championships. Hogan succeeded in both track and cross country for the River Hawks, winning numerous America East Conference titles. He holds the UMass Lowell school records at 3,000m (7:58.00, indoors), 5,000m (13:46.87 indoors / 13:56.30 outdoors), and 10,000m (28:49.55), and was named the top America East Track & Field/Cross Country Scholar-Athlete for six straight seasons.

"I am excited to join the B.A.A. High Performance Team and compete in the USATF Outdoor Championships," said Hogan.  "Also, I am thankful to be given the opportunity to continue running after college with a team.  I couldn't have got to this stage without the help of Gary Gardner and the UMass Lowell Track and Field program as they have been a tremendously supportive throughout my whole career." 
 
Hogan will be coached by B.A.A. High Performance Coach Ricardo Santos and train in Boston as part of the B.A.A. High Performance team. The B.A.A. High Performance team supports American runners on their way towards making international teams, with the goal of competing at the highest level: the Olympic Games and IAAF World Championships.

"Even when recruiting Paul our ultimate goal for his running career was for him to have the opportunity to turn professional upon graduation, said Head Cross Country/Track and Field Coach Gary Gardner. "He obviously had an outstanding career and earned everything he's received."

Racing in events ranging from the 800 meters through 10,000 meters, nine B.A.A. athletes will compete to earn a spot on Team USA for the IAAF World Championships later this year in Doha, Qatar (September 27 through October 6).

"I am very excited for the opportunity to join the B.A.A. High Performance team, as it will allow me to continue to run at a competitive level with other highly motivated athletes," said Hogan. "Being from Massachusetts, I have followed the Boston Marathon since I was a kid. To have the chance to represent the B.A.A. and my hometown is very special."
 
Hogan will compete at the USA Track & Field National Championships in the 10,000 meters on Thursday, July 25, alongside B.A.A. teammates Jacob Thomson and Trevor Dunbar.