On Thursday, March 6, 2014, Council Rock North seniors Rob Simmons and Ross Wilson were recognized at a special news conference/recognition breakfast for committing to compete in track at the collegiate level. To view photos of the signing, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Cardinal Camera sponsors all SOL college signings on SuburbanOneSports.com. For additional information about purchasing a commemorative keepsake of the signing, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/forms/college-signings.
Rob Simmons – University of Alaska (Track)
Major: Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: Alaska, University of Texas, University of Colorado, University of Iowa
Reasons for choosing Alaska: “I visited Alaska with my family on a vacation, not really thinking about schools at that point four years ago. We were there for two weeks, and I just kind of fell in love with the state – the nature, and I love hiking and fishing, and that was something that caught my eye. Last year, I ran track. I didn’t run my first two years.
“I found out Alaska had a good track program, so I e-mailed the coach, he got back to me and sounded interested. We went from there. I visited last fall, and I really liked it.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track at the collegiate level? “I ran track over the summer with my club team, but for some reason, I never came out for the school team. I went out last year, and my first year I got a lot better. Kids kept telling me – you can do this in college. I didn’t really think about it, but I realized – I can. I started talking to coaches, and it went from there.”
Coach Dave Marrington says: “Rob didn’t run for us until the winter of his junior year, and you could tell right off the bat that he was really going to be good. He ran AAU track, but he never ran for the school, so we really didn’t know much about him. Watching him run, he’s incredibly efficient.
“He’s a very unique personality, and he was a big part of our team by the end. We regretted not having him come out earlier. I think he’s got a real high end at Alaska. He’s got low mileage on him. They have a very good program.”
About Rob:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: Captain Phillips
Favorite music: “Just about everything”
Ross Wilson – University of Pennsylvania (Track)
Major: Mathematics
Final list of colleges: Penn, Michigan, Syracuse, Georgetown
Reasons for choosing Penn: “I took official visits to Michigan, Syracuse, Georgetown and Penn. It became obvious to me that Penn was the place I wanted to be. It has the perfect combination of academics and athletics. Not to mention its close proximity to home - something that means a lot to my parents. I look forward to the endeavors that wait ahead for me.”
What was the progression that led you to running at the collegiate level? "My progression was an interesting one because until junior year I always envisioned myself playing basketball in college - not track. Though, I always knew I was a better runner than basketball player, I enjoyed shooting hooops more than going out to run 10 miles. Makes sense. But I had a very successful sophomore and junior year of running, and that opened some doors for me to compete at the collegiate level. I didn't play basketball my junior year in order to focus all of my attention towards track. It was hard for me to compete at my best during outdoor track when I was unable to train in winter because of the basketball season. It was definitely tough to give up basketball, but I don't think anyone would argue that it was the right decision. The decision paid dividends as I finished second in the 3200-meter run my junior year. My successful outdoor season got me some attention from college coaches, and that's when I think I knew I would be competing at the next level.
Coach Dave Marrington says: “Aside from being a good runner, he was also one of our captains and was probably one of the better leaders we had both by example and just by his personality. He brought things to the program having played varsity basketball and giving it up for track, which doesn’t happen very often. I think it gave our program a little wider interest in the school because he brought kids in that normally don’t pay a lot of attention to cross country or track.
“Ross has school records in the indoor mile, the 3200 and 3K, and our school records weren't soft. He also was our fourth Foot Locker finalist in cross country.”
About Ross:
Favorite food: Philly Cheesesteak (although I'm very particular)
Favorite movie: The Dark Knight trilogy
Favorite music: "I have a wide variety of music on my iPhone, but Kid Cudi, Aer and The Dirty Heads are a few of my favorite bands."
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