Pasco's Weaver Finds Perfect Fit In Mississippi State

Zach Weaver transferred from Tennessee to Florida for his senior year. As a member of Pasco High School's cross country team, he was 12th at the 2A Cross Country Finals. Recently, he picked the Mississippi State Bulldogs has his college choice. We caught up with Zack to talk about the recruiting process, the next four years in Starkville, and much more!

What was the recruiting process like for you and when did you really see schools starting to show interest?

The recruiting process certainly has been a great experience and I enjoyed it very much. It was interesting to see the similarities and differences between the coaches that were recruiting me. I started getting a little interest the summer before junior year, but nothing really big. Then I started to notice an increase in interest from college coaches after I laid down a 15:38 to finish my junior XC season. I continued to get letters all through the winter and track season. After running a solid 3200 at FSU Relays early in my track season there were some more schools that contacted me.


Did the transition from Tennessee to Florida for your senior year have any impact on you?

It was definitely different not being able to train with my former teammate Wesley Pectol, but he graduated and now runs for Auburn, so he wouldn't have been at my school in TN regardless my senior year. My team at Pasco has a great group of guys and they constantly encourage me and cheer for me as much as anyone. They were really easy to get to know and are now like family to me. A lot of people have asked me that question about this school not being as competitive and the only thing I can say is that Pasco is good in their athletics across the board. I'm just trying to leave my mark and represent my school to the best of my ability in cross country and track.

What other schools did you visit/consider?

I had it narrowed down to the University of Florida, FSU, Mississippi State, University of Tennessee, University of Kentucky and William & Mary.

What sold you on the Bulldogs?

I had an unbelievable time when I took an official visit to Starkville and it was definitely a place I could see myself growing as a student athlete. The amount of upside that this program has is another big factor that sold me and the facilities were second to none. I definitely believe we will contend to win SECs in the near future.

How did you fit in with the coaches and other guys?

The guys on the team made it seem like I was already part of the team during my visit. It just simply felt right. Coach Franks is a coach who quickly understood the type of runner I am and the work ethic I bring. He can already see what drives me and what I expect from myself. I immediately felt a connection with Coach Franks as we share the same team goals and the belief where I can ultimately be in achieving my personal goals at MSU. So I feel that we are already on the same page and have great chemistry.

What are u looking fwd to the most about competing there? ANy goals?

I am excited about it all. Being an athlete at a big time college, in the toughest conference for all sports, has been a goal of mine since freshman year. I definitely have a ton of goals already for my college career. I would love to help my team win an SEC title and become an All-American in track and XC before I complete my collegiate career.

How excited are you to have this decision out of the way and to know where you will be running for the next four years?

I'm pumped about making this decision. Originally, I wasn't planning on committing until after cross country season, but I believe the timing and opportunity worked out perfectly. I can now run with nothing to lose and put it all on the line. I'm fortunate that Coach Franks could already see my true potential and knows what I can bring to the table with top notch coaching. I'm ready to prove to the country that Mississippi State made a great choice!
 

Personal Bests

  • 1,600 Meter Run - 4:30.32
  • 3,200 Meter Run- 9:30.00
  • 5,000 Meter Run - 15:38.00


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