The nation's top ranked 800m runner John Rivera of Lakewood Ranch (FL) recently announced his college commitment to Ole Miss. Rivera boasts PR's of 1:50.38 for two laps, 4:20.61 for 1,600m, and 16:31.19 for cross country (5k). We caught up with him to talk about his decision, his plans for the 2017 season and more.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
The recruiting process for was rather more calm then stressful. At times though, I'd get upset but knew I had to keep my focus to stay on track. The process though was something new for my family and I. My dad being a Division 1 athlete at Penn State made it much more relaxed for me. Having him be able to guide me was key to the whole thing. The main goal though was to stay patient and make sure to humble myself. Everything was eventually going to fall in place, but I had to keep believing.
When did you really see schools expressing interest?
Everything began to take off as soon as I ran at New Balance Outdoor Nationals last summer. When I got done, I had my first two ever track schools want me. It was exciting. From there I knew it was only going to be the beginning because that's when I started making a name for myself. As soon as I started running cross country my senior year more schools came. The main thing I knew that had to be done was to run indoor this year and showcase myself. I traveled to a lot of places to make that happen. It started with my first to Ohio, then to NC then to Texas and finally, New York for the New Balance Nationals Indoor Championships. From here, the joy began to show. I accomplished one of my main goals which was to be an All-american. I got 4th place in the 800m. After that I knew I was ready to run fast. Trusted my coaches and family and all of the hard work would get me to where I need to be. After FSU Relays and Florida Relays everything came together. I was soon going to be committing.
Where all did you visit consider?
I visited four schools: Ole Miss, Georgetown, University of Florida and Florida State University. I considered Penn State late on. All five schools had great things to offer and most importantly the major I wanted to do.
In the end you chose Ole Miss. What sold you on the Rebels?
In the end I will be furthering my future running and academic career for the next four years at Ole Miss. Coach Vanhoy has a fantastic program over there and I can't wait to be a future Rebel. The team is fantastic and I can't wait to get up to Oxford. I know I'm going to be taken care of over there and I'm really looking forward to starting it with my new teammates. Hotty Toddy!
You've done everything from 400 to 5k. Do you plan on doing both track and cross country at the next level or just sticking to mid distance?
I love middle distance and the plan is to be running the 800 and 1500 there. I've talked with Coach Vanhoy about cross country and it's something to think about down the road. He will choose what's best for me so I have no worries.
What are you looking forward to the most?
The thing I'm looking forward to most is being able to be coached by Coach Vanhoy and what he is going to turn me into. On the other hand, the team is going to be my second family. The guys there I already love and with the other recruits coming in I know they are going to have my back and I'm going to do the same
for them.
I know we chatted at FL Relays that you always thought u were gonna be a D1 soccer player than injury kind of changed those plans and you fell in love with track. Talk about that.
Not many people know, so I guess i should explain it now. Junior year during mid way of XC season I got a Navicular Stress Fracture on the top of my foot. I was out for 5 1/2 months and came back right before districts to be able to run the last bit of the year. I was a soccer player at the time and I was confident that, that's what my future was going to be. Who know's though. Anyway, I got hurt and things back pedaled right there for me with soccer. I always had a love for track but didn't think it would be as much or more than soccer. With track you have to be more focused and determined than ever. Track is a new love for me and I know it's going to take me to places. I trust this sport more than ever.
What else did you learn from that moment?
It took a lot of hard work and dedication to get where I am today. My life is completely different now and I love what this sport has done for me so far. Every athlete has to overcome some sort of obstacle. A major injury did that for me. With things like this, you learn and take with you into your later years if life. I stayed motivated. I trusted my family, coaches and friends. God and my parents guided me in the right direction and all I can do is thank them. Without my parents, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish everything I did. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.
What can OIe Miss expect from John Rivera?
That kind of athlete that Ole Miss will be getting will be someone who is hard working and is never going to give up on himself or the team. Someone who is going to dedicate himself to Ole Miss. I believe in myself everyday and will bring that with me to Mississippi.
Now that the decision is behind you what do you want to accomplish in your senior year?
The way I want to close my senior season out is with a State championship in the 4x800, 800 and the mile. I know I'm capable of all three and have the best team to push. The 4x800 guys are who get me going and aren't going to let me give up. I'm going to fight for everything that day at states. Post season being after that I want to either run at New Balance Nationals or Brooks PR and become a 2x All-American. The biggest thing is the National Title. With how the season is going now, who knows what could happen later on. Plan on maybe running at the junior trials to maybe make the USA team for the Pan American Games.
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By The Numbers (Personal Bests)
- 400m - 49.43
- 800m (in) - 1:51.90
- 800m - 1:50.38
- 1600m - 4:20.61
- 5K (xc) - 16:31.19
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