Running Career
Falcon attended Belton High School in Missouri. While there, he won the Missouri High School cross country division 1A-3A race in 1983, running the 5000 meter race in a time of 15:57.5. He then had a stellar track season, in which he achieved marks of 1:52.45 (800 m), 4:06.6 (1600 m), and 8:53.35 (3200 m), all in 1984.
Falcon ran at the University of Arkansas under legendary coach John McDonnell. He was the anchor leg of the Arkansas Razorbacks distance medley relay that won at the 1986 Penn Relays and was the NCAA Cross Country Champion in 1987. He was named most outstanding performer among college men at both the 1988 and 1989 Penn Relays.
Falcon won six individual NCAA titles in cross country, indoor and outdoor track: indoor 3,000 m champion 1987 & 1988, indoor mile champ 1988, outdoor 10,000 m champion 1987, outdoor 1,500 m champion 1988 and cross country champion 1987.
On August 10, 1990, he suffered a torn sheath in his left Achilles' tendon during a race in Brussels, Belgium, in which he was spiked accidentally by another runner.
It has been said, on a side note, that Joe Falcon could also bench press over 280 lbs, an astonishing amount for his small frame.
Falcon currently works as a police officer in Bentonville, Arkansas, and serves on the school board. He is married, with three children.
Read more about this topic: Joe Falcon (athlete)
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