Astronaut High Flyer Tristan Schultheis Selects University Of Miami

In only two years of high jumping Astronaut's Tristan Schultheis has already cleared 7'2", a height that puts him as one of the best EVER to come through the state of Florida. Recently, the senior made his college decision announcing that he will continue his track and field career at the University of Miami.  Schultheis says the recruiting process was a great experience.

"A lot of people said that after a 7'2" jump my phone would be going crazy, but not that many schools contacted me. When I jumped 7'2" was when all the bigger name schools like Miami and FSU got ahold of me. It was between Miami, FSU, and Ohio State."

In the end, the high flyer selected the Hurricanes announcing via social media that he would, "taking his talents down to South Beach." Schultheis added that the combinations of superior athletics and academics made the University of Miami the perfect fit.

"When I visited there everyone I met treated me like family and all the jumpers I talked to while I was there had nothing but positive things to say about the coach, Coach Langley, and how in the short time he's been there he's helped every jumper to increase their PR."

Schultheis told us in an interview after his 7'2" clearance at the Astronaut Last Chance Meet, that one element of his event he thinks he could improve on is technique, never having a true jumps coach. Now, he believes he found that in Langley.

"I think he can push me to work and get me to be even better than I am now. 7'2"  is what's leading the ACC right now so I hope to get there and be able to work hard and win as a freshman."

Before he heads south to Coral Gables, the War Eagles standout has one more goal and that is two win his second high jump state championship. It's a feat he says is now easier with the pressure of recruitment now lifted off his shoulders.

"It's very satisfying now I can finally fully focus on what I'm going to do in these last few weeks now that it's what matters. I was over 7'4 I just didn't kick my legs up in time, so I'm going to work on that and hopefully I can get over it before the seasons over."

When Schultheis started in the sport two years ago did he ever envision signing a scholarship at a D1 track and field program? He says it was something he'd always hoped for.

"Once I started I knew it was what I wanted to do. I always hoped to get a scholarship to do this in college, but I never would've thought that I'd be going to Miami. Some of my family has gone to Miami and a lot of us are fans of the U, so it feels great to get to go here."