Fort Myers senior Tyler Bennett became the latest runner to join the University of North Florida cross country program. Bennett who was the 3A runner-up at the Cross Country Finals, shares his thoughts on the recruiting process, why he chose the Ospreys, and what he is looking forward to the most.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
The recruiting process was a great experience. I got to meet a lot of great athletes and people from the different schools. It was so cool getting to meet the coaches! I have a lot of respect for all of the coaches I met and I want to thank them all for their time and their interest in me. I really enjoyed the process and thankful I have been given the opportunity to experience it.
Where else did you consider and what were those visits like?
I talked mainly to UF, FSU, University of Cincinnati, and South Alabama. My first visit was to the University of Florida, which Emily Edwards and I both took our visits after the race that day. I've always been a Gator fan so I really was interested in UF. The next weekend was UNF, a few weeks later was FSU. This past weekend I headed way up north to check out Cincinnati. It was pretty cold up there for me, but I really liked the campus and the facilities.
Why in the end UNF?
I had the week before my Cincinnati visit, I began liking UNF more and more and this next visit would determine when I would commit or change my mind. The visit made my decision a lot tougher ,but I decided UNF was the best fit for me. They have a lot offer and I want to help build a team that will qualify for nationals and maybe one day win it
I know you had a visit with Coach Pigg on Thursday. How'd that go and how did that kind of seal the deal?
Coach Pigg and Coach Kindt are great guys. They have a lot of energy and are enthusiastic about there program and want to be a top team in the nation. I was about 90% sure I wanted to go to run for UNF this past Tuesday night after talking with my parents. When they came to visit today, just listening to him talk about his program and his goals for the team pretty much sealed the deal. I wanted to give him a call the next day and tell him with my coach and teammates around, but I couldn't wait any longer and I decided to commit.
Talk about the recruiting class UNF is bringing in with you and Morken, and Wesley Norton so far.
I'm very excited for the recruiting class UNF is bringing in. UNF has some great talent on their team already and I can't wait to be a part of the team! Nicks a great runner, and we have gotten to know each other pretty well this year. I haven't gotten to meet Wesley yet, but I'm looking forward to it and being on the team with those guys.
Are there any other guys you'd like to join you in Jacksonville or foresee jumping on the bandwagon?
I heard the Land O' Lakes duo (Travis Nichols and Tyler Stahl) were very interested in UNF. That would be really cool if they committed. Anyone else who is interested would be really awesome.
I know Nick Morken was in your ear a little bit after he committed. What did he say?
We have been talking for the past few weeks about schools and we talked a lot about UNF mostly. He told me some of the stuff he really liked about North Florida and it really helped me like the school even more.
Are you guys planning on rooming together?
Yes we also talked about rooming together which would be really cool, and I can't wait.
What are you looking forward to the most about running for UNF?
I'm looking forward to so many things at North Florida. The team was really cool and I enjoyed meeting them all. UNF is getting a new track sometime this year I believe. States will be held there and I'm excited to run on it more than once more. Finally, I'm excited to run for coach Pigg and Coach Kindt at the University of North Florida. Go Ospreys. Swoop swoop!
Personal Bests
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1,600 Meter Run - 4:30.58
3,200 Meter Run - 9:25.43
5,000 Meter Run - 15:06.68
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