(Photos by Cedric Gillette)
November 7th, 2015 was a special day for Merritt Island senior Steven Cross. Not only did he win his first ever cross country state title after finishing second in 2014, but he also won it on his future home course in Tallahassee. Following the meet, Cross announced that he would be spending the next four years of his running career at Florida State University. We caught up with the 2014 Foot Locker National finalist to talk about the decision in more detail.
Flrunners: What was the recruiting process like for you and why the decision to commit early?
Steven Cross: The recruiting process for me was very exciting and stressful at the same time. It was for this reason (the stress) that I wanted to commit early. I wanted to be on my A-game and completely focused for the post season.
FLR: Where all did you visit/consider?
SC: I visited FSU, Columbia, and Notre Dame. Each visit had different things that I liked about them, and overall, they were all great. I just saw myself as a Seminole.
FLR: What specifically was it about FSU?
SC: It's just where I saw myself more than any of the other schools. I clicked with the guys. I've known the coach. I enjoyed the campus. It just seemed like a great fit for me.
FLR: How sweet was it to really let the cat out of the bag on the same day of your last high school meet in Florida and after winning your first state title?
SC: It was a fantastic feeling, everything lining up perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better day.
FLR: You've had success on the ARP course. Are you excited to run there more often and the rest of the trails in Tallahassee?
SC: Oh, of course! That's a huge advantage of being in Tallahassee is all of the beautiful trails and ideal training areas for running.
FLR: You mentioned putting this behind you so you can focus on the postseason. What do you work on the next two weeks leading up to FL South? What's it going to take make it to San Diego and what would it mean for you to get there for a second year?
SC: I just need to stay healthy, and tune things up, but I'm in great shape and have been feeling strong. I'm looking forward for another shot of going up to San Diego and this time more prepared and ready to compete! It would mean the world for me to make it back up there and to be given another shot to put it all out there with the best in the country.
FLR: Have you even started thinking about track or is it solely let's conquer these next couple weeks?
SC: I am still focused solely on cross country. Track thoughts will come after.
FLR: What makes Steven Cross such a strong runner?
SC: Sheer determination to do whatever it takes to be the best that I can be and the ability to fight through pain better than the next guy. That is what it takes to be a great runner.
FLR: What are you looking forward to most about being a Seminole?
SC: I am looking forward to moving on with my running career and challenging myself at the next level of competition. My immediate goals going into freshman year are to be on that top 5 line up, and be competing to improve not only my self but my teammates as well.
FLR: Finish this sentence Steven Cross is... ____
SC: A worker, a team player, and a leader. He leads by example, by working harder than any guy out there, and doesn't take much slack when it comes to getting things done.
Personal Records
1600m - 4:13.97
3200m - 9:22.73
5K (xc) - 14:56.00
