Trinity Prep senior Trent Mandato has made his decision and has decided to take his athletics to the next level at Furman University! Trent took to Twitter late Tuesday night to officially proclaim his decision.

A force on the distance running scene, we’ve seen him run truly phenomenal races over the past few years. Really bursting onto the scene as a sophomore when he finished fourth at the cross country state meet in 2014, Mandato continued to drive forward, boasting a 15:34 personal-best from last season, also being part of the Avery Creek crew who qualified for Nike Cross Nationals in 2015.

In track this year, we saw him drop a 9:15 in a very stacked and wet 3200 at the FSU Relays, as well as being part of the Trinity Prep 3200 sweep at the 2A Region 2 meet in true TP fashion. He then went on to finish third at the state meet in the event, but then one week after the state meet, Mandato drops a 15:15 in the 5000-meters on the track at the Avery Creek Distance Showcase!

DyeStat Florida caught up with Trent and got some insight on why Furman is the place for him.

DyeStat Florida: “Why did you choose Furman over other potential schools?”

Trent Mandato: “I chose Furman because of many reasons. One of the awesome aspects of the program is the program's focus on developing their athletes. When I first first talked to Coach Gary with a 9:36 as my 3200m PR he told me he was excited about my interest in the program and made me feel special even before my times dropped. This is unique because many coaches will not even talk to you unless you have a 9:20 or 4:20.”

DyeStat Florida: (In regards to choosing Furman) Was it a tough decision? What other schools were you looking at?

Trent Mandato: “My decision was definitely tough, but obviously not impossible. It came between UF and FU for me. I knew the Florida runners more before the visit began, and my bestfriend runs for UF.”

DyeStat Florida: What things do you hope to accomplish by the end of your high school
career to  bring to Furman next fall?

Trent Mandato: “I do not really care as much about times during cross country season; I care more about my team. We are hoping to make it back to NXN and win states again, and I hope to contribute to these goals. I do not want to leave high school thinking I could have done more.”

DyeStat Florida: How does it feel to be a Paladin?

Trent Mandato: “It feels surreal.”

DyeStat Florida: How does it feel to be starting a new chapter in your life?

Trent Mandato: “It is overwhelming but exciting. This process has been and will be amazing only because of my support system, which includes my family and friends. Shoutout to Jess.”

DyeStat Florida: What are you most looking forward to at Furman?

Trent Mandato: “I am looking forward to bonding with a new group of guys and compete on the collegiate level.”

Congratulations Trent! We wish you all the best in your future!