Carl Sandburg senior Will Becker grew up rooting for Xavier University. His father ran collegiately for the Musketeers and now Will will follow in those same footsteps and head to the Cincinnati campus. See how the recruiting process played out, where he visited and what he is looking forward to the most about running collegiately.
What was the recruiting process like for you?
The recruiting process was much different than I thought it would be. I worked hard to get schools to look at me and find interest. I got injured in cross country so it was hard for me to see some places losing interest as I sat on the sidelines waiting to get healthy.
Where else did you consider?
The other schools I considered were Depaul, University of Cincinnati, and Southern Illinois
Why in the end did you choose Xavier?
In the end Xavier was the perfect fit for me. My dad went there and loved it and it was always a school I cheered for as a kid. Once I met Coach Orner, my decision was pretty much made. I love the style he coache and really appreciate how he truly puts the student first. While a lot of coaches are business at all times and only running, he always made sure I came first and stressed the fact that academics would always be a big deal. I am so appreciative in the way he handled the whole recruiting process, and never once put pressure on me to make a decision. Then, when I met the team and saw how much of a family atmosphere is at Xavier, I decided I couldn’t be anywhere else. I couldn’t ask for a better iniversity to go to. I am so excited to run for Coach Orner and the Xavier Musketeers!
What are you looking forward to most about college?
I can’t wait for a change, and of course running Division 1 athletics. I have been a die hard sports fan all my life so playing a D1 sport is so cool to me. I also embrace hard work, so I cant wait to push my limits at the top national level.
Do you have any specific goals at the next level?
The goals for college would be helping Xavier get to the top level. I want to be a contributing member to a winning program and continue the great running tradition already started at Xavier.
You've had a successful high school career. What will you remember the most?
I will always remember what my high school has done for me. I didn’t start off as a very good runner, but with the constant pushing of my coach John O’Malley, and the rest of my team, I cannot thank them enough for helping me get to this point.
Now that your college decision is made you can focus on your senior track season. What are the goals for the coming months?
I am in love with the sport of track. I can’t wait to get on the oval and start competing against the best in the state. I didn’t have a great cross country season so I am excited to prove I can compete near the top of the state. I am a distance oriented runner so I will stick mostly to the 3200m run. I truly believe that with hard work you can accomplish your goals, and thats what I want to prove this season. My goals for this year would be qualifying for the state meet, and coming home with All-State medal.
Did you ever think when you started running you'd get a college scholarship?
I absolutely never thought I would make it to this point. I came into cross country and track and was not very good my freshman and sophomore year. Coach O’Malley made sure I always knew he saw something in me and always gave me the confidence that if I just stepped up my work ethic I could get to this level. I listened to him and decided to put everything I had into the sport. Without Coach O’Malley I honestly don’t think I could have made it to earning a scholarship to run at the Division 1 level. It is almost surreal in a way but I have worked very hard and am so blessed that Xavier University has given me this unbelievable opportunity.
Personal Bests
- 3,200 Meter Run - 9:32.25
- Three Mile Run - 15:17.00
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