Shorecrest Prep senior Ross Porter had a great high school career in the dark green and vegas gold. He finished his cross country career with an 11th place showing at the 1A state meet. Recently, he announced his college decision. Find out why he chose Mercer University and what he is looking forward to the most about being a Bear.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
I emailed the coaches of a number of schools that I was interested in, Coach Bailey's program seemed the best fit for my interests. It was a fairly easy process, I've gotten to visit Mercer twice, once for my official recruiting visit and once to attend the Presidential Scholarship Competition weekend, which allowed me to earn a significant amount of academic scholarship money to attend.
I emailed the coaches of a number of schools that I was interested in, Coach Bailey's program seemed the best fit for my interests. It was a fairly easy process, I've gotten to visit Mercer twice, once for my official recruiting visit and once to attend the Presidential Scholarship Competition weekend, which allowed me to earn a significant amount of academic scholarship money to attend.
Where else did you visit?
I visited the University of North Florida, Emory, and Davidson.
In the end you chose Mercer. What sold you on their program?
I got to visit Mercer for the first day the day of the state cross country meet, met the team and stayed the night, ran with them the next morning; i feel like i bonded with them and will become good friends with them in the future. Coach Bailey showed me around the school and made me feel welcome. I also liked the small class size (I come from a small private school), individual attention available from professors, Coach Bailey's cross country team (obviously), also the financial package that Mercer team offered me.
How imporant was academics in the decision and what do you plan on studying there?
Academics comes first for me. I wanted a good academic program, and if the cross country worked out then all the better. I want to major in biology with the goal of going into field research. It's early though, so I could change my mind.
Academics comes first for me. I wanted a good academic program, and if the cross country worked out then all the better. I want to major in biology with the goal of going into field research. It's early though, so I could change my mind.
What will you remember most about your high school days?
In the future, when I am reminiscing about high school, I will probably think of the close friendships I made and the closeness of the cross country team. In my last two seasons the teams really came together with a common goal of doing well at states. Everyone was focused and we all pushed each other.
What are you looking forward to about the college experience and running for the Bears?
In the future, when I am reminiscing about high school, I will probably think of the close friendships I made and the closeness of the cross country team. In my last two seasons the teams really came together with a common goal of doing well at states. Everyone was focused and we all pushed each other.
What kind of runner are they getting in Ross Porter?
I can contribute my work-ethic and willingness to push myself, which is especially important at the end of the race. I am the kind of runner who is competitive but can accept loses. I consider myself a team player, which is important even though cross country is largely individual. My heart is in cross country, and I think that's what counts at the end of the day.
What are you looking forward to about the college experience and running for the Bears?
In college, I'm looking forward to getting to the new freedoms I will have and the opportunities that come with them. I can't wait to find out where I'm going in life. I'm looking forward to running for Coach Bailey and discovering the potential left in me that he can unlock. I also appreciate the small team, where I can get to know all the runners at Mercer.
Personal Bests
- 1,600 Meter Run - 4:58.99
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5,000 Meter Run - 16:20.95