Creekside senior Nick Deal is one of the top distance runners in the state of Florida and a valuable part of the Knight's success both on the cross country course and on the track. Recently, he announced he will join up with long time friend and teammate Matt Clark to run for the Gators. We talked to him about the recruiting process, his decision, and the 2017 track season.
The recruiting process was pretty weird for me. I had one school call me when the recruiting process started. As the cross country season went along, I had more and more schools call me.
Where all did you visit/consider?
I took an official visit to Lipscomb during the cross country season and an unofficial to USF. I wanted to focus on the upcoming postseason, so I postponed the rest of my visits till after the season. Once the season ended, I visited UF and Davidson. Then I also visited UNF. I also considered FSU.
In the end you picked Florida. What sold you on the Gators?
I picked Florida because I felt like athletes are set up for success there. From the athlete academic building to the dorms, I felt like everything fit perfectly for me. Coach Spangler and and Coach Holloway are outstanding coaches and have coached the best of the best over the past couple of years. The team was really fun to be around and are extremely dedicated. The facilities were unbelievable and blew me away.
I know your teammate Matt Clark is going there as well. How much did your friendship with him impact your decision? Was he kind of in your ear to join him in Gainesville?I tried to decide without our friendship being too much of a factor, but he was telling me he really wanted me to be apart of the Gator Nation with him. So I guess I listened to him. We've been training partners since freshman year and push each other everyday in practice and in races, so it just made sense because we work so well together. We've been teammates since 4th grade, so it's pretty remarkable to be able to continue on as teammates at the next level.
I think we all were in different boats this season. Personally, I just wanted to have a great xc season with my team by trying to win another state title and not waste a moment with them, so that's why I pushed back my visits. I think it was better to go around and look at all the options before I made a decision.
I think it says a lot about the culture that the graduates, like Jimmy Clark, Cash Tampa, and Zack Bias, have set. They really laid down the foundation for us and showed us what it's like to train at the level of a champion. Also, Coach Frank and Coach Navarro have done a great job with getting more and more guys out to the team each year and making them feel welcome. With a group of 61 guys, it can be tough on them with our funny jokes and sayings, but they deal with us.
3A is going to be a really tough classification this year. Chiles is looking to win another state title and they return a lot of guys and Miami Northwestern returns a lot also. The goal for this track season is to have fun in my last season with all of my teammates and coaches
What will you remember the most about your time at Creekside?
The thing I'll remember most about Creekside is the people. I've met some amazing people through running and have gained some of my best friends through the sport. There were so many great people along the way that made running way more fun.
What are you looking forward to most about college?
The thing I'll be looking forward to the most in college is the opportunity to run for the Gators. It's been my dream ever since 6th grade to run for them and to fulfill it will be surreal.
Lastly, would you like to thank anyone for helping you on your journey?
I'd just like to thank God, my parents, my teammates, my coaches, and my friends for all the support and for helping me along the way to get where I am now
Coach's Speak
Coach Eric Frank o what Nick Deal meant to the program and his future impact on the Gators.
"Nick has had a tremendous career at Creekside. His dedication, hard work, and love for his teammates is remarkable. I'm proud to call myself his Coach and I wish him the best of luck at the University of Florida."
"I know he will bring the same intensity to the orange blue that he brought while wearing the red and black of Creekside. Coach Holloway and the University of Florida are very lucky to get such an outstanding young man."
By The Numbers (Personal Records)
- 800m - 1:59.11
- 1600m - 4:29.13
- 3200m - 9:34.28
- 5K (xc) - 15:35.71