Tarik Robinson-O'Hagan Finds His Future Home, Picks Ole Miss

A two-time Rhode Island State Champion with a personal best and U.S. No. 2 mark of 236 feet, 9 inches in the hammer, to go along with performances of 67-9.5 in the shot put (US No. 3), 76-5.5 in the weight throw (US No. 3) and 176-11 in the discus, Robinson-O'Hagan had the range and versatility that college coaches were enamored by. 

With those marks on his resume, Robinson-O'Hagan faced a difficult decision.

Related Links: 

After considering a multitude of schools following conversations with coaches, he was able to narrow down his choices to three: Cincinnati, Kentucky and Ole Miss. 

"I took visits to all three schools and they did not make this an easy decision," Robinson-O'Hagan said. "I really could have picked any of them with how well each visit went. I got a good sense of what the team cultures like and how things were run at each school."

Ultimately, then, when it came down to it he ended up making the decision to join the Rebels of Ole Miss. 

"When I visited [Ole Miss], I really felt in place and loved it there: the energy the team brought, talking to Coach Smith, the campus, pretty much everything," Robinson-O'Hagan said. "I really felt at home there.

"I know Coach Smith has done a great job developing athletes into great talents, whether they were the best in high school or not. That makes me excited to really improve throughout my time there [...] I have high expectations and would like to see how far I can go even in just my freshman year."

University of Mississippi throws coach John Smith has developed multiple Olympians and numerous All-American throwers throughout his coaching career, including the likes of Raven Saunders, Shey Taiwo, Jasmine Mitchell and Brian Williams, all of whom have had very successful careers under Smith.

For his future at Ole Miss, Robinson-O'Hagan believed, the sky was truly the limit. 

For his future senior track season, he mentioned that making the college decision finally has given him "a sigh of relief, knowing that the hardest part is over. Now I can really just focus on getting ready for track when the start of the season is coming up fast." 

Having competed at some of the bigger meets in the nation, including the Millrose Games in 2020, Adidas Indoor Nationals in 2021 and The Outdoor Nationals in 2021, he's had the necessary experience in high-level competition to prep him for this season.

The Rhode Island native hopes to return to at least the Millrose Games and Adidas Nationals this year for some quality competition out east. 

"My first breakthrough throw [back in 2020] was at the Millrose Games when I threw 69-11.25 and I want to go back there and try to win it," Robinson-O'Hagan said.

He's expressed the desire to eclipse his PRs from last season, wanting to boost even further the already-impressive resume he's put together in his high school career.

Notably, getting over 80-feet in the weight throw and getting as close to that elusive 70-foot mark in the shot put are some of his primary goals for the fast-approaching indoor season. 

As for what he hopes to accomplish on a broader level, he says "my performances will give me a better idea of what I'll want to accomplish when we get there. First I have to get stronger and get ready for indoor." 

For the versatile Rhode Islander thrower, this upcoming track season could be one for the history books. 

He says he aims to be one of the, if not the, best throwers in Rhode Island history.

But he also wants to compete as high as he can on the national stage, too.

His future as an Ole Miss Rebel is all systems go ahead. 

• Jenna Hutchins' XC season is done, will enroll at BYU
• The arrival of Caryl Smith Gilbert has changed Georgia's identity
• Analyzing Camryn Dickson's final three schools
• The impact of Allison Neiders' commitment to Duke
• Finding talent before anyone else? A major game-changer
• Analyzing the final six landing spots for Kevar Williams