Rome (Ga.) runner commits to Augusta University XC
Rome’s Patrick Motes (1284) will be joining a deep AU men’s cross-country team that is currently ranked third in the country. (photo by Marc Logan, special to the Bell Ringer)
By Justin Brosemer |
Sports writer
Rome High School standout runner Patrick Motes has decided to compete in-state while furthering his education at Augusta University.
Motes joins Lakeside High School’s Lauren Michael as one of two commitments so far this fall for the AU cross-country program. Motes says his decision came off the impressive performance from the Jaguar men’s cross-country team the last three years, which included a ninth-place finish at the NCAA Division II nationals last fall.
“I would say the most standout thing was the cross-country team finishing top 10 at nationals and going for three consecutive years,” Motes said. “You don’t see that a whole lot, and that speaks volumes about the program and what they are all about.”
To add upon that, Motes has interests in Augusta University that goes beyond cross-country. The academic side of attending Augusta University is as appealing as the prospect of running with AU’s cross-country team.
“Augusta University also has the Medical College of Georgia,” he said. “As a student-athlete who wants to study kinesiology, that is very appealing.”
Motes became a strong recruitment choice for Augusta University after winning boys’ runner of the year for Floyd County in 2019. He also would go on to place second in the region and sixth in the state meet in Carrollton. He also placed second in the Rome All-Area Championship.
Motes recognizes the work ahead for him while he adjusts to distance increases and COVID-19 safety requirements.
“Going from racing a 5K (3.1 miles) to an 8K (5 miles) will be difficult, so my main goal is to first learn how to race those most effectively,” he said. “Having (AU) Coach (Adam) Ward helping the team and I out, I know that he will help us get physically and mentally ready to compete for the season.”
Motes is eager to represent Augusta University in cross-country competitions for the 2021-22 season.
“I would say I’m most excited about training and racing with the team,” he said. “They have a phenomenal team full of really positive, upbeat and hardworking guys who all share a common goal of wanting to win and succeed.”
Matthew Moore of East Coweta High School has also committed to AU.
Under NCAA rules, Ward cannot commit on commitments until the National Letter of Intent has been processed by the NCAA.
Contact Justin Brosemer at JBROSEMER@augusta.edu.
