Senior Ashton Rel signs to run long distance track and cross country at Dallas Baptist University
Senior Ashton Rel gathered his friends and family in the auditorium at 9 a.m. to watch him sign to DBU Tuesday, April 22.
“I chose DBU because I knew a private school was the right choice for me,” Rel said. “Also their track and cross country teams are amazing.”
Ashton set a long distance school record for the 800 meter dash this year with a time of 2:02 minutes.
“His record for the 800 meter dash will probably stay around for a while,” Olford said.
Rel decided to put his focus on the mile and 800 meter run.
“He came up to me in the beginning of the year with a passion to run long distance,” track coach Jason Olford said.
Rel prepares for meets by listening to music.
“I always listen to George Strait and I eat the same meal before every race,” Rel said.
Rel’s favorite meet this year was the Lancaster Meet of Champions.
“At the meet I got to run the 1200 meter distance medley relay,” Rel said. “We placed third in that event.”
Rel likes to run long distance because it challenges him.
“You can push yourself to your limits,” Rel said. “Not just by a couple seconds but you can improve by minutes.”
Rel looks forward to being part of a team again.
“When you’re an athlete, your team is your family,” Rel said. “The teams at DBU seem like they’d be a great second family.”