St Augustine Yellow Jacket, Ryan Aponte, has verbally committed to compete for Coach Pigg and the UNF Ospreys.  We caught up with Ryan soon after he made his decision.

  (Photo by Jason Towne)

How does it feel to finally have the decision to attend UNF out of the way?

It is such a big weight off my shoulders. The recruitment process is stressful because I always felt like I could be doing more. Doubts would always cross my mind that I may not even go on to run collegiately. Then you become stressed out with times. Thinking about times too much always stressed me out. It feels amazing to be committed. I don't have to worry about not being recruited anymore. I just feel like a happier person now.

What were some of your considerations in the schools you thought about attending?

At the end of the day I am going to college for an education. I know I want to major in exercise science. I would like to enter the medical field which means I will be spending a lot of money on graduate programs, so in-state tuition was another plus. The more I save on my undergraduate, the more I can use for Med-School.  I wanted a school that was in a great location, and that wasn't too big or too small. Athletically I wanted to be a part of a Division 1 school with nice facilities and a great coach.

Ultimately you decided on UNF, what sealed the deal for you?

I had visited earlier this year without a real athletic connection, and I loved it. When I came back for my official visit and got to meet the team and coaching staff I just knew it was the perfect  place for me.

How big of an influence was it knowing the Ospreys signed some really good talent last year and are having a solid year so far?

Coach Pigg is relatively new to UNF which may frighten some people. I saw his incredible history at UF and UGA as a benefit. He took already great runners that I looked up to last year and is making them even better. I believe UNF is going to greater heights and I would love to be a part of that. They are obviously doing something right.

Are you happy with your senior season so far and what goals are still left for you to conquer?

I have had some of my most memorable XC races this year. I have also had a few bumps in the road. I got very sick mid season and ran anyway at flrunners. I ran over a minute off my PR. I was pretty disappointed because I always look forward to that race. The week after was Pre-State, and I ran my current PR, still recovering from the strep, sinus, and ear infection and a newly diagnosed broncholitis I was very unhappy with my performance because it was a opportunity for a huge PR. It just leaves me hungry for some great races with incredible competitors in the upcoming state series.

 

You're the Senior Class President.  How do you handle those duties and your running commitments?

Homecoming week was insane. I was coming to school 45 minutes early, going to practice, and sticking around for an event until about 9pm every day. Nonetheless, foam rolling got thrown out the window that week. Other than homecoming week I don't have to put in any crazy hours for presidential duties. I never procrastinate, so that definitely helps. I know I have to get my runs in everyday, but if I am really struggling with the presidential stuff I have a great Vice President that helps out a lot. As this state series is approaching I have lightened my load by asking for more help from the other student council members so I can focus more on my races since it is crunch time. In the beginning of the year running was a drag for me because it was just another thing I had to do. I re-learned why I fell in love with running again. It taught me to appreciate the little things like the view of the river and ocean coming over the Vilano bridge or seeing the sun shine off the walls of the fort downtown. Running really became an escape from the stress of presidential duties, school, and work.

When you reflect on the last 4 years at St. Augustine, what will you carry with you forever?

Deep down inside I will always be a Yellow Jacket. I love St. Augustine High School. I will certainly miss wearing the maroon and gold, but I am very excited to put on the Grey and Blue. I have made so many memories both in school and running. I have also made some life long friends from the team. We still get together with the seniors from my freshman year every Christmas break. We hope to carry on that tradition as we all get older.  When I came to High School I had such a strong group of runners in front of me. Coach Collins really taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I learned to develop an incredible work ethic in order to earn my spot on the team. I feel like that is something that will stick with me my whole life.

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