Davis Bove is taking his talents to Baton Rouge.
The Centennial senior capped off a fantastic cross country season at the state meet. He finished fourth in 15:45. That's not too shabby on such a tough course.
Bove was the individual winner at Jesse Owens in 15:32. His PR of 15:12 came at the Mid State Championship last October.
Come track season, Bove will be a major threat for his first state championship. In the 1600 meters, Bove ran 4:14 for second place last season. He'll be gunning for more this spring.
Next fall, Bove will head down to the bayou to join LSU. Here's what he had to say about his decision to become a Tiger.
What was the deciding factor in your decision to choose LSU?
Really the deciding factor for me was where I felt like I had the greatest opportunity to succeed. LSU is a top notch school academically, and the learning environment that I saw on my visit was really impressive. LSU also gives me the opportunity to compete in the SEC and continue my dreams in triathlon as well, which is something that I was really hoping to continue through the next phase.
What impressed you on your visit?
To be honest, just about everything at LSU left me impressed. The athletic and academic facilities were the best of the best. The coaches are great. The culture and the tradition of success was extensive. But I can't lie, one of my favorite things about the visit was the food. Everywhere I turned there was another place where I could get more food, and I really like to eat. All in all LSU is home to an amazing group of people all chasing after amazing things on the best path to get there.
How did you like the coaches?
The coaches at LSU are absolutely amazing. As far as knowledge of the sport and how to succeed, simply looking at the history of the program shows they are doing something right. I saw coaches that loved their jobs and loved their athletes and created an environment that I could really see myself excelling in.
What's your favorite thing about LSU?
Honestly above everything else, my favorite thing about LSU is the culture. LSU is a university unlike any other. The culture is unique and the whole population embraces that and loves it. Every sport seems to be loved and supported, which was not quite as prevalent at some of the other schools I visited. I am really excited to be a Tiger and become a part of a culture larger than myself.
Have you decided on a major?
As of right now I am looking to major in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Aerospace Engineering.
What goals do you have for the track season?
Understanding that this is my last high school track season is hard to grasp, and so obviously I want it to be the best season I have ever had. I would love to claim state titles, win every event, or to even break 4 minutes in the mile, as much of a long shot as that may be. But more than any of that, I want to leave knowing I made a difference in this school and in this area. My biggest goal is to run with a smile and spread more joy around than ever before. If I am enjoying racing then other people will be smiling as well, and then there will be nothing to complain about. As long as I finish my season and my parents say they are proud of me, I will have be happy with my high school career.
What other schools did you consider?
The other schools that I primarily considered to run at were Auburn and Alabama. I also looked at joining an elite triathlon squad based out of ASU in Tempe, but decided that LSU presented the best opportunities for my future.
