Dawson Welch '23 Recruiting Profile

Running is my life!  I started running for fun with my mom when I was only in third grade.  We competed in a few open races and I would place in the top during each race.  This is when we realized that I not only enjoyed running, but I had potential to be even better.  Prior to Covid, I reached many of my goals when I placed first at the St. Louis Festival of Miles Junior High Boys Invitational and when I became an All American at the Hershey Youth National Outdoor Track Championship in the 1500 meter race.  This past year, I've experienced major medical issues when I had a lung that collapsed twice due to a growth on my rib puncturing my lung.  Not only has this experience been a physical setback, but it has been hard mentally to go from being a top runner to barely being able to complete a race.  However, I'm working hard, moving forward, and learning that struggles only make you stronger.  These struggles pushed me to fight and I'm excited to say I earned a spot to compete at the 2021 Outdoor Nationals presented by Nike in the 2k Steeple.  I also became an All American this summer at the 2021 USATF National Junior Olympics Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 800m, 1500m and 2k Steeple.  I believe I could be a good candidate for a college team because I strive to carry traits such as discipline and commitment.  Running is truly my favorite sport, and each day I give an all out effort.  I make sure to stretch, roll, and recover after every practice as I understand that working hard at practice also means I have to work hard during my post workout to avoid injury.  Currently, I want to major in Hospitality Management. I work hard to make good grades and I'm open to schools that have both a challenging academic program as well as an outstanding running program to continue to help me reach my goals.  I look forward to learning more about your colleges/universities as I progress through high school.