A New Mountain Top – Paschal enjoys life in the flatlands

Ro Paschal is not averse to changes. 

It can be seen in two key areas of his life. The first occurred during high school, and the other happened as he became a collegiate upperclassman.

Looking at the shift in high school, it was from the courts of basketball to running. When saying running, it was complete immersion for Ro. 

"Honestly, there isn't too much else to do in Mancos, Colorado," he said with a slight laugh. "It's pretty desolate in that southwest part of the state. Running can offer you a lot, too --- so much awesome scenery on trails that you can just go take-off and concentrate on the sport 100 percent."

Paschal's move to the cross country and track and field disciplines while at District 6 High School caught the eye of one of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's premier Division II programs. Adams State College, a multiple-time national champion in cross country and track and field, came a calling, and there was a mutual interest, so he took his academic and athletic skills there.

All the while, though, the other school that showed a great deal of enthusiasm for him stayed in the back of his mind. 

"Adams State tested you in every practice and competition," he reflected. "It was extremely competitive." 

Three years in, Ro wondered if there might be something else out there for him.

"There has to be more to a collegiate experience than just running and studying," he remembered. "So, I reached out to (Morningside University head coach Dave) Nash and talked to him about transferring."

So, the other campus in his recruiting trail became the top choice for Paschal.

"It felt like there were more options there socially, academically, and even in running --- being a part of a family," he said. "It's been that from the start. Coach Nash is a great coach and mentor. The team is wonderful to be a part of --- the professors are great --- it's what I was looking for."

Another life change is ahead of the Rocky Mountain State native as he moves into his first national championship level opportunity this weekend. He's running the mile on the blue track of the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex in Brookings, S.D.

"I'm pretty excited to be here," he admitted. "As I look at the heat sheet, a few guys have run faster times, but the majority of the field is around my qualifying time. I just need to stay patient and make the right move at the right time. I'm looking forward to it, as I'm hoping to provide a highlight for our 4x800 team, which didn't qualify."

Readying for another life's change --- something he's used to.