Winter Park senior John Lindsey has been a valuable part of the Winter Park distance program over the past four years. Lindsey finished 17th at the 4A Cross Country Finals and eighth in the 800 at the FHSAA 4A Outdoor State Finals as a junior. He was also a member of hte Wildcat's nationally ranked 4x800 meter relay team, and placed 11th in the 2000m steeplechase at New Balance outdoor Nationals. Recently, he announced that he will walk on the track and field and cross country teams at the University of Georgia.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
The recruiting process for me was fun, but not too hectic. I got looks from schools that interested me, but everything got exciting right at the end.! The recruiting process really helped me figure out what kind of college I was really looking for, and made me think about where my future will take me. I wasn’t very stressed through the process because I was just happy to have choices in the end. In the end. I realized that there are hundreds of top caliber runners in the nation, so it is most likely going to take a little self recruiting.
What schools did you consider?
What schools did you consider?
Georgia was always a school I wanted to attend, but was not the only school I considered. I looked at many schools around Florida, but in the end it came down to UNF, Rice University, and Georgia. After visiting Rice University in Houston, Texas, the decision process started. It was hard to pass up some wonderful coaching and a prestigious Education at Rice, but after talking to Coach Cunniff from UGA, I knew what I wanted.
How did you get in touch with the UGA staff?
How did you get in touch with the UGA staff?
During the fall, my dad and I met with the head coach at UGA, Coach Wayne Norton, in Athens. At the time, they were going through a distance coaching change and didn’t have a distance coach, so I wasn’t fortunate enough to meet with current distance coach, Patrick Cunniff. From there I stayed in contact and my coaches, Coach Dennis Kozub, and Coach Kristin McWilliams helped me along the way.
You've had a solid career at Winter Park. Were there any performances that really got the ball rolling on your recruitment and opened up doors?
I was always a decent runner, but being from a great running program at Winter Park and a great running community in Central Florida, I always seemed to be running in the shadows of some of the greatest. I will never forget the bittersweet feeling of finishing third at states in the 4X8 with a time of 7:42. This just shows the great talent that we have in Florida. Consistency is key, but there were definitely certain performances that helped me get noticed. The steeplechase is a race that I will most likely specialize in throughout college, so it helped that Coach Kozub had me run it in high school and led me to New Balance Outdoor Nationals. Other performances such as the UK indoor mile and running races that are out of my norm were all helpful as well.
What were you feeling when you got the call from Coach Cunniff at Georgia?
What were you feeling when you got the call from Coach Cunniff at Georgia?
When I got the call from Coach Cunniff, I was ecstatic! I was thrilled to have a chance to study and compete for such a great school. I chose Georgia because it is no doubt the most well rounded school that I have come across. Athens is a town full of culture and life, where you only get good vibes. Ultimately I chose the University of Georgia because of what the school has to offer, not only with running, but the great balance it has between academics, culture, and tradition. It is a Cherry on top that I will be able to run for arguably one of the best running programs in the nation; a program that ranks highly in both the NCAA and the SEC. I am looking forward to the competition and challenges that await me. GO DAWGS!
You've had a great support staff throughout your high school career that have got you to where you are at today. Who would you like to say thank you to?
You've had a great support staff throughout your high school career that have got you to where you are at today. Who would you like to say thank you to?
I wouldn’t have these choices today If It weren’t for my head coach, Coach Kozub. Sometimes I think he’s trying to kill me with his workouts, but they have only made me better! Coach McWilliams, the girls head coach has also always been for me. Lastly I thank all my teammates that I was fortunate enough to train with over the years; Especially Nick Posada, Billy Anguish, and more recently, Brylan Slay. (Nick you are overrated).
Personal Bests
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1,600 Meter Run4:23.65
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2,000 Meter Steeplechase6:16.00
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5,000 Meter Run15:55.60
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800 Meter Run1:56.31
