After a stellar recruiting class for the class of 2014 UNF has just added another star to its young and talented roster. St. Augustine’s Ryan Aponte is the latest athlete to become an Osprey, and head to Jacksonville. Aponte, was 33rd at the 2013 Cross Country Finals and boasts a 5k personal best of 15:49.49. I talked to Ryan about the decision and the recruiting process.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
I feel very lucky because it was pretty short and my choice was easy. All the coaches I talked to were very nice and cooperative. I know some kids have to wait for track season to show the colleges the times they need to see. It was a huge relief to be committed and be done with searching for a college. I can't imagine how much more stressed I would be to wait until track season. It was cool to watch how emailing coaches develops into visits and phone calls as the year progressed.
Where else did you consider?
Over the summer I did the entire North Carolina circuit. I would take the regular tours then ride around campus on a bike with my dad on a mission to find a coach and speak with them. We were on a good roll so we decided to do some searching instate as well. After summer I had my list narrowed down to mainly Florida schools.
Why did you choose UNF?
I toured UNF over summer and loved it. That was right after seeing over ten others to compare it to. I would like to study Exercise Science which is a very strong program at UNF with many internship opportunities available. I started to contact Coach Pigg and it eventually turned into an official visit. I felt that I really clicked with the team. Coach Pigg and Coach Hope are great. Coach Pigg has an incredible record and is looking to turn UNF into a powerhouse. It was the perfect fit for me.
Did last years stout recruiting class play any factor in your decision to be an Osprey?
Definitely. I will be teammates with the guys I looked up to as a younger runner. I remember talking with my teammates last year about how untouchable they were. It was always fun to joke about being next to Nick or Tyler in the first 100 meters as if we had beat them in the whole race. It is pretty surreal to be joining such a strong, young team. With such a strong group of leaders in front of me I know I have come to the right place.
With the early signing period this year, does this decision take a lot of stress off of you going into the state series meets?
I have had a lot on my plate this year. The recruiting process was definitely a major source of my stress. It feels great to not have to worry anymore. I can enjoy the rest of my senior year. I strongly believe that a healthy mind leads to a healthy body, so I am looking for some big PR's, fun races, and many memories in my last XC and track seasons.
What are your goals for your time as an Osprey?
I want to be a great teammate and make incredible memories. I am confident that Coach Pigg will help me run to my full potential as a college athlete. I am excited to see what the future holds for me.
What advice can you give younger athletes about the recruiting process?
Email, email, email. Coaches receive a lot of recruitment mail everyday and it is easy to be lost in the shuffle. Nothing is going to just fall into your lap. Persistence with sending emails and calling coaches is essential to making any progress. Just like with racing, you have to put forth a lot of effort to run a great time.
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