JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA--There is truth in some rumors. Episcopal head boys cross country coach, Joe McKinney, confirmed today that former Trinity Prep standout, Tim McLeod, is in the process of transferring to the Jacksonville private school.
The soon-to-be Eagle has been a part of the Trinity Prep squad since his eighth grade year. Since then McLeod has risen through the ranks to become one of Florida's top distance runners. McLeod has posted many excellent performances during his career, including 15:57 for 5,000 and 4:23 for 1,600. The transfer came as a great surprise to McKinney when McLeod first came to him about his plans to move to Jacksonville in early July.
"We're obviously extremely pleased to have Tim join our program," said McKinney. "His running abilities and talents speak for themselves, but Tim's character and personality make him a gem to be around."
Many people are already wondering why McLeod would decide to make such a move in the middle of his successful high school career.
"I think that Tim's parents are looking for a place to secure Tim's future. His father is an Episcoplian minister and his mother is involved in the ministry as well," McKinney explained.
With the addition of McLeod, Episcopal is one of the favorites for a class 1A state title, but McKinney and his squad have had this goal in mind for quite some time now.
"My guys get along great with Tim and are thrilled to have someone like him on our team. That being said, as a team our goals don't change at all," McKinney explained. "Before Tim became a member of our program our team goal was to win a region and state title this year and that obviously remains the ultimate goal.".
With former Floridian Ryan Deak heading out West, the top returning spot in class 1A has been left for McLeod, and a big opportunity has opened up for Episcopal.
"Right now, we're just focusing on getting better as runners and students of the sport everyday. I think it's important for me to point out how very proud I am of how far our program has come in a short period of time," said McKinney.