Add another commitment to the University of Florida’s 2010 cross country recruiting class. Charlotte senior Tyler Cardillo has informed FLRunners.com that he will be the newest Gator to run for Coach Todd Morgan’s squad.
“I thought long and hard about it and everything. I talked to a lot of friends and family, and prayed a lot about it. There were three major institutions (Florida, Oregon, and Georgetown) but the main reason I chose Florida is because it has always been close to my heart.
His faith in Coach Holloway and Coach Morgan and the direction of the program also played a factor into his decision.
“I knew what (they have) done with athletes and what’s to come in the future for the University of Florida with guys like Matt Mizereck and Jimmy Clark. I have a good support group up there a lot of friends and family, I think that’s the main reason.
Cardillo placed third in Saturday’s 3A state championship with a time of 15:38. Champion Jimmy Clark of Creekside (14:58), as well as Phil Duncan and John Logan Hines of Boone will join Cardillo in Gainesville next season.
He thinks those signings make for an exciting future. What does he attribute to the Gator’s recent recruiting success?
“I don’t know what (the Gators are) doing but (they're) really turning athletes to look forward. I think everybody sees what the University of Florida is doing and can do and everyone would like to jump on board. It’s awesome to say you can help your own state and build up a program. Why not stay in-state and help boost the in-state classes and everything? The University of Florida is such a prestigious academic and athletic institution I felt really at home when I was there and I think that’s how a lot of the kids feel.”
One thing is uncertain though, whether he will run cross country or where his heart lies, on the track.
“I don’t know if I’ll be running cross country. I talked to Coach Morgan a little about it but I’m not sure if he said I’d be redshirting or not in cross country my freshman year, but I think I’d primarily be running the 800 and 1500 in track. My coaches around here they really feel that the 1500 is my specialty.”
