Well-dressed, clean-shaven, and hair trimmed, Marc Carter looked good. So did his future home.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers talented senior distance runner made sure he looked good as he signed a national letter-of-intent Friday to run track for the University of Akron Zips.

Looking good was important not only for Carter on this day, but also for his choice of schools. Courted by Ohio State, Indiana, and Tennessee, Carter picked Akron based mostly on their facilities.

“It was pretty much the same at all of (the schools), but I really like the Akron coaches and their facilities are brand new. It’s one of the best I’ve ever seen. The distance coach who recruited me I have a lot of trust in him,” said Carter.

Akron head coach Dennis Mitchell was the United States head men’s track and field coach in the Norwich Union International meet held in August of 2006.

Carter, an All-Ohio performer in football and basketball, is excited that he can now focus on one sport.

“My times are going to come way down,” said Carter. “I’ll go from playing three sports to being track only. I’ll eat the right foods and train year round.”

Ironton coach Greg Cronacher said Carter has more talents than just the 800.

“He might be our fastest guy and he could run a lot of races, but we want him to focus on being as good as he can in his best race,” said Cronacher.

Carter, who owns the Ironton record in the 800-meter run, has been the Division II state runners-up the past two seasons. He is looking forward to facing quality competition at every meet in college.

“Akron traveled to Florida, Tennessee, and Arizona State last year. I’ll get to travel and face the best competition in the nation, not just in Ohio,” said Carter.

Carter plans to major in sports management.

Marc is the son of Randall and Aleesha Carter of Ironton.