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 The first year after of high school can be filled with new challenges, unexpected success, surprising disappointment, homesickness, bad dining hall food, new friends and late nights.  Knowing the adjustment isn't always easy, we've asked ESPN RISE intern Hilary May, herself a high school standout at Corona del Mar CA and a collegiate runner at Harvard, to contact some of last year's top prep track and field athletes and find out how things are going...one year out.

 
                                                                       Cory Leslie


“I chose Ohio State because of Coach Gary and the program he is building.


Firstly, how are you?

I’m doing well, training is going good. I love being down here and being able to train with my teammates in Columbus.

Complete this sentence: My freshman year was...

a good learning experience.

After one year of college, have your goals changed?

My goals really haven’t changed; I still want to be able to help my team win a Big 10 title.

How rigorous is your college training compared to your high school training?

It’s not so much different as it is longer and harder than what I was used to. Where in high school a long run was 8-10 miles slow, now its 10-12 pretty up-tempo.

On the academic side of things, how do you find Ohio State academically?

They’re tough, there’s definitely no down time in the classroom. We have study tables and advisors that make sure we stay on top of things. I’m still undecided [about a major], I have about another year before I have to really make a decision.


  Cory Leslie battles then-junior Robby Andrews to the line at the
  2008 Penn Relays Mile.  Cory won, barely - Photo John Nepolitan

Do you go to football games? What about the Michigan-Ohio State football game, what was that like as a student?

I went to a couple of games. I did go to the Michigan game and it was absolutely crazy. Whenever we have some off-time I like to play soccer and basketball at the Rec Center.

What is your typical Saturday night like?

In season we’re either getting back from a meet late or still in the hotel getting ready to leave Sunday morning.

What is your typical Monday night like?

Usually will consist of class, dinner at commons, study tables, and back in time for The Hills before bed.

If you could do it all over again, knowing what you know now, would you still choose Ohio State?

Absolutely, I couldn’t have asked for a better school or running program to be a part of. I chose Ohio State because of Coach Gary and the program he is building.

What is your favorite meal in the dining hall?

Nothing beats a meal at Fresh Express; they have everything a college kid could be hungry for.

You stayed in-state for college. Are you still happy with that decision?

Yeah, it’s not bad being in-state (except in the winter). There was a little bit of an adjustment just to being on your own all the time.

What do you think of the Big 10?

It’s a great conference, when you look at the national meet and see Big 10 guys in every event you get a sense of how great the competition really is.

You competed in the Big 10 Championships indoors on the Distance Medley Relay, anchoring the Buckeyes to a sixth place finish. What was competing in your first championship meet like?

It was a good experience. Things didn’t go as well as we had hoped but I learned a lot from the race and what it takes to compete at this level. 

What is your relationship like with coach Robert Gary?

He’s a great coach. We talk quite a bit, when were not at practice; it’s often through text messaging. 

What was the biggest disappointment?

Not running well at outdoor Big 10’s.

What was the best part?

Being able to join a team where everyone pushes each other to get better.

What are most looking forward to?

Improvement over the next few years.

What is your favorite college meet?

Drake Relays

What are your summer plans?

Work a few running camps, train in Columbus.

After college I see myself....

it’d be nice to continue running but realistically entering the real world and getting a job.


Stats:

High School:

800m – 1:50; 1500m – 3:49; 1600m – 4:08; Penn Relays – Mile Winner

College:

3k Steeplechase – 8:55



Photos: headshot - ohiostatebuckeyes.com; middle, John Nepolitan; bottom, John Ealy

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