One of the top distance runners in the state, Kurt Convey of Coral Reef recently pledged to the University of Pennsylvania. Convey was a member of Coral Reef's nationally ranked and 4A runner-up 4x800 meter relay team. He boasts personal bests of 4:16.32 for 1,600m, 9:13.36 for 3,200m and 15:23.12 for 5,000m (XC) and is the son of Billy Convey, one of Florida's all time greats. See why he chose the Quakers, his thoughts on the recruiting process, and what the future holds.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
The recruiting process was a bit unpredictable for me because there's a lot of competing factors. Coming in you have ideas of dream schools which for me were probably Stanford and Princeton, which really weren't based on anything concrete. Going through the process I wasn't really good enough to be recruited at either after junior year so I was hoping to improve my standing by maybe winning states or qualifying for footlocker, which didn't occur so it made me go through visits and talk to coaches relatively late in the game. After my "dream" schools didn't pan out I had to really evaluate in more depth what I was looking for in a school which was academically a place that was strong in engineering, which I intend on studying, but also had depth and ability to branch out to other areas that might interest me. Athletically, running is at its best when you're at home with the group of guys you're training with, and they bring the best out of you. Looking for a program where that was the case with a coach who would be serious and give enough individual attention and flexibility to allow me to succeed was essential.
Where all did you visit/consider?
After exploring the options and talking to some coaches I was most interested in Brown, UF, and UPenn, where I took visits. The visits were good at solidifying the impressions I had of the schools but especially at getting familiar with what life there would be like, from dorms to teammates to training and of course the academics. I knew with the program at UF, I would be with great friends at a good school close to home for a bargain, but Penn for me really clicked with the team, the program and the campus near downtown Philly. In addition, it has probably the most potential for upside academically with the Wharton business school coupled with engineering if I'm diligent enough. Once my family and I could work out the price and how to pay for it, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I look forward to all aspects of attending, aside from maybe how cold it can get.
How cool is it to know you will get to compete at a place like Franklin Field, which hosts Penn Relays, and has such a rich history?
Getting to see Franklin field for the first time was pretty mind blowing with how unique and vintage it looks, and I was able to see NCAAs at Hayward field so I have a decent frame of reference. It'll be incredible getting to train and race there for my home crowd, I only hope that I don't get over how cool it is by seeing it too regularly.
How would you sum up your senior season and high school career? I know this year didn't maybe go quite as planned with the injury, but to bounce back and compete at state and help the team to a runner-up finish has to be some what rewarding.
Senior year I wasn't able to achieve many of my goals having not the best cross country season and getting a stress fracture in track but, I think other than that I was at my most fit and it hasn't diminished my motivation any. I only wish I could have given a little more for the guys at states because we were so close, but I would have if I could have and I'm glad to have contributed to second.
What is the status of the injury as we speak?
I'm still getting over the stress fracture and not running but i haven't spent more than one consecutive day without biking, swimming, or pool running.
What do the next few weeks have in store?
It's pretty much straight to training because I'm set back so far. I'm sure longer, hillier cross country will be the hardest transition but coming back mid summer, I'm taking a bit of the pressure off of my freshman cross country season, just wanting to see what I can do as I go along which should ease the transition.
Lastly, what are you looking forward to most about being a Quaker and competing at the next level?
I'm most looking forward to becoming friends with and training with the team because people I've met through running have been such an impact on me so far, and testing the limits of what I'm capable of in these four years while doing it and just enjoying it.
More Coverage
- Kurt's Athlete Profile
- 2015 College Signings List (Not on it? Email us. Todd.Grasley@flosports.tv and we'll get you on there!)
