In the state of Florida when middle distance runners are thought of former Miami Central star and current University of Florida athlete Moise Joseph is certain to come to mind. He\'s not only one of the state\'s best and a dominating force in the SEC; Joseph has gained a nationwide reputation as a force to be reckoned with--especially at distances between 800 and 1500 meters.
The SEC realized when Moise was just 18 that he was the real deal. As a freshman, Joseph doubled in the 800 and 1500 at the SEC Outdoor meet. \"I think a lot of people didn\'t notice it,\" said Joseph. The senior now reminisces on how he gave David Kimani a run for his money in the 1500. Then he came back less than an hour later to battle one of the nation\'s best in the 800. \"It was a tough double. I was shocked,\" added Joseph on his fondest memory at Florida.
Flash forward to this past weekend at the Tyson Invitational, Joseph took fourth in the seeded 800 in 1:48. \"I can say it was a very fast time, but I\'m not the type to be satisfied. I lost, but I am happy with how I ran. I was a little flat, and this is my first try on the banked track. I had to get my feet wet. The DMR (1:47.5) went a lot better. I was ready and I ran a lot faster.\" Indeed, they did. The Florida relay of Shane Stroup, Stefan Pastor, and Steve Zieminski took fourth in 9:46.56.
Joseph is determined to end his career on his highest honor yet. His passion is the 800, but the 1200 leg in the DMR is a close second. \"It goes a lot quicker and it's over with,\" said Moise of the 800.
\"I\'m going after the win in the 800 and as well with the DMR. There is no reason we can\'t win the DMR. With everything falling into place we can win a team National Championship. I\'m focusing on all three. I'm not giving a higher standard to either event,\" added Joseph.
During his time at UF, Joseph had undergo coaching changes, but has learned to remain positive in all circumstances. \"The main thing was understanding the coaches I\'m running under. I got hurt during last indoor season. I had to stay positive and believe that I had the talent to run, and to have confidence in those who are coaching me. I know had to focus work ethic, dedication, and drive. I\'m here there and now I\'m here. The transition was so fast. I didn\'t have time to think what if? I had to just go with it,\" said Joseph of dealing with the transition of adapting to new coaches during his career.
Coaching an athlete with range from 400 meters to 10K cross country is an extreme assignment. \"I have such a big range. It\'s hard to put me in one group. I work out individually for the most part. I make things a little difficult on both coaches. I\'ll run with the distance groups to get some strength, but my main priority is working on running a fast 800,\" added Moise, who tries not to be burden on the training plans of his coaches.
Joseph also helps out the UF cross country team as well. The former Florida high school two-time state champ in cross country doesn\'t just go through the motions in the fall.
\"I definitely take cross country serious. During the cross country season, I know I focus on being a distance runner. I have that mentality. I look at cross country and track as two different seasons. There\'s no doubt about it. Cross Country is hard. It\'s breaktaking running 10K at that kind of pace,\" said Joseph who\'s earned a few All-Region honors in cross country for the Gators.
But for now he\'s got other business to tend to. Joseph is after the 800 title again. The Miami Central High School graudate wants to leave a lasting memory at UF. \"I need to focus more energy towards the 800. It\'s my senior year. I\'m not settling for less. I\'m going to win, but if I don\'t win, I don\'t win. I want to go out there and give it out my best. I want to have a healthy, successful senior year,\" commented Joseph on his goals for the season.
During the outdoor season last spring, Joseph realized he didn\'t lay it on the line at NCAAs. \"Last year, I felt like I didn\'t give it my best when I took fourth. This year I definitely want to hold nothing back.\"
Through wins and losses, Moise Joseph is always an intense competitor. And that legacy will not soon dim in the state of Florida.