High School Record-Breaker Signs Deal With adidas

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Nearly five years after Drew Hunter turned professional in Eugene at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials, another high school mid-distance phenom has chosen the same path forward. 

Hobbs Kessler, a recent high school graduate from Ann Arbor, Mich. and perhaps the most talented American-born miler since Jim Ryun, has signed a professional contract, according to multiple reports. 

Track and Field News' Jeff Hollobaugh reports that Kessler has signed with Global Athletics and agent Mark Wetmore. 

Kessler is set to begin competition in the men's 1,500 meters Thursday and has stated that his goal is to make the U.S. Olympic team. He has a shoe deal with adidas. 

It certainly won't be easy, but Kessler has run 3:34.36 for 1,500 meters already and may be up to the challenge. 

Kessler will forego his college eligibility in order to accept the professional offer. He had signed with Northern Arizona and would have become teammates with Nico Young in the fall. 

Five years ago at the Trials, July 8, 2016, Hunter made waves when he boldly forged ahead with a professional deal with adidas, ending his college commitment to Oregon. 

Kessler has been mentored for more than a year by former Michigan coach Ron Warhurst and has been training in many ways like a professional with Nick Willis and Mason Ferlic. Together they have dubbed their group the Very Nice Track Club. 

Kessler attended the McKenzie International on Tuesday evening to watch Willis run in the 1,500 meters. (Photo above by Tim Healy). 

The adidas brand has signed several high school stars in recent years, including middle-distance runner Josh Hoey and sprinters Noah Lyles and Josephus Lyles, and this year, Erriyon Knighton from Florida, who will compete this week in the men's 200. 

Kessler broke Hunter's indoor mile high school record at the American Track League meet in Fayetteville, Ark. on Feb. 7 with a breakout performance of 3:57.66.

His fast 1,500 at the Portland Track Festival on May 28 raised his profile even more, as he broke Alan Webb's all-time high school record with a performance that exceeds the NCAA record as well.