Seffner Christian’s Noah Perkins picks the University of North Florida

DSFL - Noah, congratulations from DyeStatFL, can you tell us why the University of North Florida is right for you?

NP - Thanks!  After taking on a few visits in the fall, I really began seeing what I wanted in the school and distance program that I was going to be a part of in the coming year. I wanted a school with a team that had a great group of guys, who not only wanted to work hard, but also work together to reach their goals. I also  wanted a great coaching staff who had a set philosophy for their team, and also a school which had a nice campus, and great academics. In the end, UNF was the school that really fit what I wanted, and I think Coach Pigg, Coach Cooke, and the guys on the team are all awesome! I also love the team mascot! Go Ospreys!


DSFL - What can you bring to the Osprey XC / T&F programs?

NP - I will bring hard work, a want to become better, and a winning attitude.



DSFL - As a top distance athlete in Florida this is a significant commitment announcement for both yourself and the Ospreys.  How did you get to this point?

NP - After my Junior year of track I had a few colleges start talking to me, but it wasn't till I started really getting better in XC that I started getting quite a bit of attention. As others who have been through the recruiting process know, the last few months have been really crazy. I had finally narrowed down the choice to three schools: Belmont University in TN, University of Florida, and North Florida. After thinking long and hard, and sleeping on it a few times, I finally saw that UNF was the right fit for me!

DSFL - Can you describe your emotions after making the call to Coach Pigg and the Ospreys?

NP - Honestly, it was a feeling of relief!  Now that I have found the right program for me, I can focus on the track season and end my senior year with a bang!

DSFL - What information would you like to pass on to other Seniors going through this process now?

NP - The biggest thing I learned from my experience is don't rush your decision making process. No matter how much pressure you have in making a decision, just take your time, look at the colleges you have on the table, and pick the one that most suits you.

Noah Perkins by the numbers:
1600m - 4:28.6
3200m - 9:23.0
5000m - 15:20.8