Chiefs' del Monte commits to FSU

Chamberlain senior distance-running standout Max del Monte, runnerup at last fall's Class 3A state cross country meet, announced today he has committed to Florida State.

He'll sign with the 'Noles on Feb. 1.

"I really wanted, from the very beginning, to run for one of the top programs," said del Monte, who selected FSU over Oklahoma State.
"I think FSU is the best place I can achieve my goals as a runner. The coach there (Bob Braman) is outstanding; he's everything I'm looking for as a coach."

Del Monte, who is home-schooled, ended his prep cross country career with two top-five and three top-20 state finishes, and twice was named the Times' boys runner of the year for Hillsborough County. He won county and district titles last fall before his second-place finish (15:28.38) at the state meet on a warm morning in Dade City.

Last track season, he finished second in the 1,600 meters at the 4A state meet (4:12.51), breaking his own school mark. He also won county, district and region titles in the 3,200.

FSU won the NCAA men's and women's South Region championship last fall, with the men placing 12th at nationals. The track team has won two national titles in the past six seasons.

"I know I can develop there as a runner," del Monte said.

Recruiting updates more