Justin Rawe, a senior cross country runner known for his dedication, hard work, and love for the sport, has pushed himself to new heights, and consistently dominated races. His impressive achievements have earned him a spot at Southern Utah University, where he’ll continue to compete at the collegiate level.
Rawe says, “I am going on a mission so a big factor was them holding my scholarship until I get back. They also have had a history of being a really amazing program.”
The coaches from SUU have had really successful runners in the last couple years that Rawe believes he will be able to thrive academically and athletically.
“Getting the offer I was so thrilled. SUU checked all the boxes as far as athletics, academics, and it’s hard to turn down going to a college that is ticking all of the boxes to help me reach all my goals,” says Rawe.
The jump from high school to college training will be a crazy experience. He will be trying new methods of training, recovery, and nutrition to keep him successful in the change.
Rawe says, “At first I wasn’t fast enough to be able to run at Southern Utah University, so they sent me the walk on standard so as I continued to get faster talks would progress, Then I continued to stay in touch while also going on a visit. Then the offer came my way.”
With the location being so close it will be awesome for Rawe. It’s close to home but also far enough and gives a good college town feel.
Rawe says, “College is a lot different than high school because everyone is there to compete. I have Landon and Carson who are both hard workers so it will be a cool experience to have a whole team of elite runners who will be there to work everyday, while being there pushing me in the right direction everyday at practice.”
Rawe wants to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business and also be an All American for cross country.
“The size of the school was solid. It is a little small but I enjoyed it enough because I did visit big colleges with a bigger population but I like the smaller feel,” says Rawe.
It will definitely be tough but he’s excited for it because he knows it will make him grow as a better athlete and student.
