Marco Rios '19 Recruiting Profile

My current goals, nearing the end of my senior year, I am expecting to be at the sub-15:50 mark for cross country, and below or at 4:25 for the mile/1600. I would say that the clear cut difference between myself and any other recruit, is that I am one of the most positive and chipper people whom you will ever see in a cross country/track uniform; while still being able to lock in and focus for all races and challenges headed my way.  Additionally, I cook the best team dinners; whatever the theme may be, and that's what I think about when I run: food, form, and breathing.  If my breathing's off a little, well, I  address that quickly before it gets out of control.  As for academics, I won't lie, I'm barely in the top half of my class, but there isn't a chance in heck that I would say that that is due to a lack of hard work.  It doesn't come as easy to me as it does to many kids who barely study and don't even seem to try.  All my life people have been telling me I'm not good enough or dumb, which does not bother me now because it has made me stronger, resilient, and more carefree. I have continued since birth to defy other's expectations; in both academics and athletics. I plan to have an A-B average in college; while running a sub-15 5k.  Simply, I will continue to defy the odds.  Thank you for your time and consideration.  Have a great day!