Ryan Wade '20 Recruiting Profile

I joined track in 7th grade to get involved in a sport.  It was a tough start and something I thought I would enjoy turned out to be a bit different from what I imagined.  Not only was I not very good I was actually one of the less athletic members of the team.  I could not even run a mile that first season.  I wanted to prove to myself that I could run a mile if I really wanted it.  I started to run over the winter before the next season with the goal of being able to complete a mile around the track.  Even at the time trials I was actually not that great but I was excited that I could at least finish the mile.  At the first meet for 8th grade my goal was just to finish the race and in the middle of the race I suddenly realized that I could pretty easily pass the others and came in at a time that surprised not only myself but my coach as well.  That was when I realized I might actually have something to contribute to the team.

Running is not just an individual sport for me.  I have made many great friends on my high school track and cross country team. I look forward to competing at a higher level with a group of athletes that are just as dedicated and motivated as I am.  Competing has opened the door to meeting other people with the same passion for running that I have.  I love how supportive other schools are of athletes that are not even on their team.  It really shows the character and sportsmanship that is part of what I really like about the sport.  This sport has really pushed me physically and mentally to be involved and has changed my life for the better.