Mhalicki Bronson, the Division 2 State Championship runner-up, has confirmed that he'll be making his way to Oxford next year to suit up for the Miami University RedHawks in cross country and distance track events.
Prior to his senior year at Defiance, Bronson put up solid numbers and results that included trips to the state meet as a freshman and a sophomore and a mark of 15:30.80 over 5k as a junior. He was even the 2018 District - Findlay champion.
The year 2019, however, has been a different story. To say that Bronson has raised his game during the current XC campaign would be an understatement. To date, he's taken seven individual victories in his nine outings, including a 15:00.30 first place finish at one of the region's top meets, the Portage Invitational. His clocking at Portage West stations him at No. 3 in Ohio's overall rankings, trailing only state champions Caleb Brown and Matt Duvall. Bronson's efforts over the last few months have not gone unnoticed. He currently resides at No. 18 on the MileSplit50 list and he took home National Performer of the Week honors back in mid-September following his win at another elite gathering, the MSU Spartan Invite.
On the track, Bronson contests races ranging from the 400 to the 3200, but the 3200 is unquestionably his wheelhouse. He's qualified for the OHSAA State Championship meet the past two years and he claimed a fifth place finish as a junior due to his 9:19.03 showing at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
MileSplit tracked down Mhalicki for more insight on his commitment -
Elaborate on why you felt like Miami University was the right fit for you.
"When I went on my visit, Miami's campus felt very much at home. Then when I reviewed what they had to offer academically, it fit right with where I want my future to go."
"Their academics mixed with the direction that their XC program was heading made them stick out to me more than most other schools."
"They had a coaching staff that all seemed to work well with each other, and everyone fed off of everyone else's energy. They all have the same goal in mind and it seems like a place that I will quickly fit in and thrive with the team."
Recognizing that it's still very early, have you thought about any goals you'd like to accomplish at the college level?
"During my early college career I just want to be able to be an asset to the team and continue my development as an athlete. As I go on, I just want to keep improving and reach the best of my ability, and hopefully go somewhere with that."
Talk about the support network that you have at Defiance. Who has helped you along the way?
"At home my coach has been one of if not the biggest supporter to get me where I am now. He has pushed me in more aspects than running, if it weren't for him I most likely would not have even considered college as an option. He never gave up on me when I made mistakes, he taught me more than just how to run. He taught me how to deal with failure and loss, and how to come back, learn from it and grow stronger."
(Mhalicki Bronson has made his presence known in the Wolverine State this season by taking wins at both MSU and Portage West)
The talent level of your fellow competitors will be much higher during college competition. What do you feel like you'll need to do in order to ensure that you're successful?
"To be successful at the next level I believe I will just have to continue my growth. Each year I have slowly increased my mileage and intensity, so I believe I will just continue this trend, and I should be able to maintain my development. It will take a while to adjust to the new environment, coaches, and team but I am excited for this next step in my life."
What else would you like to share regarding your commitment to the RedHawks?
"I am definitely looking forward to the increase in distance for college races. It is always fun to see how far you can push your body until it reaches its limit and to try and push past that limit. I know there will be an increase in mileage to prepare for the added distance but this is a challenge I am excited to face."
Coverage -
High School
| Outdoor | |
| 400 Meter Dash | 53.91 |
| 800 Meter Run | 2:00.61 |
| 1600 Meter Run | 4:29.44 |
| 3200 Meter Run | 9:16.20 |
| Indoor | |
| 800 Meter Run | 2:19.76 |
| 1600 Meter Run | 4:37.50 |
| 3200 Meter Run | 9:45.83 |
| CC | |
| 5000 Meter Run | 15:00.30 |
Mhalicki Bronson, the Division 2 State Championship runner-up, has confirmed that he'll be making his way to Oxford next year to suit up for the Miami University RedHawks in cross country and distance track events.