One of the state's top distance recruits, Caleb Pottorff of Lincoln Park Academy, is now off the board. The senior selected FSU over a top four that also consisted of UNF, UF, and High Point. Pottorff was the 2A Cross Country Finals runner-up in 2015, runner-up in the 1,600m at state, and won his first gold medal in the 3,200 with a time of 9:16.39. We caught up with him to discuss the decision to be a Seminole, the 2016 season, and more. (Photo by Chris Tucker)
What was the recruiting process like for you?
I know you recently visited FSU and High Point University. Where all did you visit/consider?
What sold you on the Seminoles?
The reason I chose FSU was simply because I felt at home there. The moment I walked on the campus I absolutely loved the atmosphere and felt right in place immediately. I also loved the team and how Coach Braman develops all of his runners. I wanted to go in to a program that I felt best suited me, and what Coach Braman does I feel fits me. After that the academics at FSU definitely were enough to sell me. I am beyond excited to take the next step.
You mentioned feeling right at home. For those who might not know what is an official visit like, specifically yours in Tallahassee?
The early signing period is the first week of November. Why announce now? How did it help you to just focus on your senior season?
I just felt that I had made my decision locked down and that I had no questions anymore. I felt it was the best time for me and get that pressure off myself. The visit at FSU was amazing being with the team and just seeing how they live is definitely what I wanted. Steven Cross was my host and talking with him helped sell me because I have seen his immediate success from high school to college and hope that I can try to follow in his steps as well
You were the 2A Cross Country Finals runner-up last year. The state meet is less than a month away what do you work on between now and then?
Between now and state is nothing different then now as I am still going to put in the work and basic workout to ensure I'm ready for state. Winning a state title would be huge, but I know what it's going to take and it's anyone's for the taking.
Speaking of the Cross Country Finals, it's at the ARP the home course for FSU. You've had success there as well as on the Mike Long Track at FSU Relays. Did you envision yourself back then possibly wearing the garnet and gold. I remember you telling me at the track and field state meet that the Noles had always been on your list of dream schools.
I've always grown up around FSU and always had dreams of going there whether it just be as a normal student or a student athlete. Definitely always pictured myself there and being given the opportunity was absolutely surreal and can't give God enough glory for that.
What are your goals at FSU and what can Seminole fans expect to see from Caleb Pottorff in the coming years?
My futures goals at FSU is to make the traveling squad in the future and begin to become a key part of the team. People can expect to see a kid training with purpose and doing what it takes to become great. I am going to focus on both cross country and track, as I still want to go sub 9 on the track in the 3200. The mile is still a big race as I want to go 4:12 or under.
By The Numbers:
- 1500m - 4:39.96
- 1600m - 4:16.07
- 3000m (xc) - 10:34.40
- 3000m - 9:50.23
- 3200m - 9:11.85
- 5K (xc) - 15:30.11
