St. Thomas Aquinas senior Maurice Dix has been an integral key to St. Thomas Aquinas five consecutive state titles. Recently the 2012 runner-up in the 300 meter hurdles committed to the University of North Carolina. See why he chose the Tarheels, his goals for 2013, and more.
What has the recruiting process been like for you?
The recruiting process for me was fun, exciting, and a bit stressful. At first the mail, questionnaires, and phone calls were very overwhelming because I didn't want to disappoint anyone. I was trying to make sure I made a good enough impression for a coach or recruiter. Overtime I was able to ween a lot of schools out because I'd came up with the idea of what I was looking for in a college academically and athletically. 
The fun part was realizing how many colleges and universities were interested in someone like myself, who's usually considered the little guy or underdog.
The fun part was realizing how many colleges and universities were interested in someone like myself, who's usually considered the little guy or underdog.
What schools did you take visits to?
I took visits to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Clemson University, and the University of Mississippi. I chose all out of state school's because I've always dreamed of being able to go out-of-state for school so these were the perfect opportunities to see if I'd actually be able to follow through with no longer being in Florida.
Why did you ultimately choose the Tarheels?
I ultimately chose the Tarheels because of the high standard they hold their student- athletes to, the family environment overall in Chapel Hill, the level of respect for each sport at the school, the future goals of the team and the new coaching staff, and the dynamic sprints and hurdles history that has came through and from UNC- Chapel Hill.
How did you get along with the coaches and runners?
My bond with the coaches and runners was a lot like the relationship I have with my coaches and teammates here at St. Thomas Aquinas. I felt at home in a family environment where everyone is there to help one another get better towards the ultimate goal of being the best as individuals and a team. The coaches also explained to me what a meant to be a Tarheel and why they take so much pride in the school. The athletes showed me through their work ethic and the way they carried themselves while I was on my visit.
I am a do whatever it takes to get points for the team and try to beat the clock while you're at it type of runner; I find myself most times just making sure I’m having fun while I’m running because thats when I perform at my best.
What kind of runner is UNC getting in Maurice Dix?
I am a do whatever it takes to get points for the team and try to beat the clock while you're at it type of runner; I find myself most times just making sure I’m having fun while I’m running because thats when I perform at my best.
What are you looking forward to most about running in college?
In college I'm mostly looking forward to the elevated level of competition and being able to compete in one of the best conferences in sprints and hurdling.
How much of a relief was it to get it out of the way so you could focus on your senior season?
Getting the recruiting process out of the way was definetly a big relief preparing for my senior season because now I can just concentrate on training, competing, and achieving my goals.
What are some of your greatest memories from High School?
Some of my greatest memories from high school are running the 4x400m relay with my teammates my sophomore year at Florida Relays and at the state track meet. My junior year my greatest memory was winning our fifth straight state title as a team because we came in as the underdogs. Another highlight was being able to place 2nd in the 300m hurdles final with a PR of 37.03 after suffering from a hamstring injury mid-season.
It's your senior year what are your goals for this year and beyond?
My goals for senior year are to win the state title in both hurdles, go sub 14 in the 110s and 36.4 or below in the 300s, lead my team to our 6th straight state title, and get a national title under my belt whether it be AAU, USA, or New Balance. Beyond High School I want to go on to be a great competitor in both hurdles and win a couple of conference titles and NCAA titles as an individual and a team.
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