2020 Division 3 State Championship runner-up and Belpre senior, Eli Fullerton outlined to MileSplit his recent commitment to the Indiana Wesleyan University Wildcats.
Why did you ultimately choose IWU?
I chose IWU because of the atmosphere of the university. Everyone seemed to know everybody, even if they weren't involved with an athletic team. The conversation seemed to be Christ centered everywhere you went which is very important to me as a Christian. Also, they have an amazing Sports Management Program which is my intended major.
What separated IWU from other schools that you were considering?
There was a chemistry between the team that was built like I have never seen before. The coaches really seem to know what they are doing and how to take a high school athlete and develop them into the best athlete and person that they can become.
Who are the coaches and teammates who've helped put you in a position to compete at the college level?
Coach Rod, Coach Jen, Coach Pintz, and Coach Peyton have all helped me to become the athlete that I am today. Coach Wells asked me to come out and run cross country during my seventh grade year after a baseball tournament with her son and my now teammate Evan Wells and after trying it out, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
What goals do you have set for yourself during college competition?
I hope to be able to learn how to race well at the next level and hopefully help the team accomplish the goal of getting Indiana Wesleyan a National Championship.
Is there any unfinished business that you feel you still need to accomplish at the high school level?
I came 5 seconds short of my goal of a state title last weekend. I'm hoping that I can cap off my high school career with a state championship win in either the 1600 or the 3200 this spring.
What tips you can share with others who are going through the recruiting process?
My advice to someone going through the recruiting process is to visit as many schools that you can that you are interested in. Ask a lot of questions because there is no such thing as a dumb question. Finally, when on your visits try and picture yourself at that university and see how you would fit in and how you can contribute to the program.
