It may not be the happiest day in Gator nation after their loss on the football field to Alabama, but at least there is some very good news for cross country and track fans! Matt Mizereck, the top Florida qualifier at Foot Locker South, has chosen to put on the orange and blue next year. Mizereck gave flrunners.com the exclusive this evening on his decision.
The move is perhaps surprising given the fact that the senior from Leon High School is a Tallahassee native. One might expect that he would stay in town with recent three-time national champs Florida State in the garnet and gold.
Mizereck said it was a tough decision. "I had decided early I wanted to stay in Florida, so it was between UF and FSU, " Matt said today. After visiting both schools and meeting with the coaches and teams he had a positive impression of both programs, but in the end it came down to chemistry.
He explained that on this trip to Gainesville he "experienced a great time and a real sense of belonging at UF."
With big aspriations looking forward, he hopes to make UF into even more of a national powerhouse on the course and the track. "I want to start something great at UF. I want (to help lead them) to nationals," he said. Mizereck also hopes to be part of a movement of other of Florida's great runners to put on the uniform, saying he wants to "help attract other great Florida runners and from other states to create a national calibur team."
Congrats to Matt, his family, and to the Gator running nation! We certainly support keeping more of our top talent in state!!!
