Jason Roascio, who graduated from San Benito High on June 3 and
competed in the CIF-State Track and Field Championships later that
same day, signed a National Letter of Intent to the University of
Wyoming recently and is expected compete for the Cowboys during
both their indoor and outdoor seasons.
HOLLISTER
Some times, a phone call can make all the difference.
While searching for a four-year college, one that offered exactly what now-former Baler Jason Roascio was looking for in a school and a track and field program, it was the University of Wyoming and head coach Don Yentes that instead came searching for him.
“I was getting letters and looks from all over the place,” Roascio said. “It was basically, ‘We’ve noticed you.’ But [Yentes] took the time, called me up and attempted to get a hold of me personally.”
“He told me I was what they needed,” Roascio later added, “a 200/400 runner.”
Signed. Sealed. Delivered.
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Roascio, who graduated from San Benito High on June 3 and competed in the CIF-State Track and Field Championships later that same day, signed a National Letter of Intent to the University of Wyoming recently and is expected compete for the Cowboys during both their indoor and outdoor seasons.
“I thought it was perfect,” Roascio said of the school.
The sprinter, who also competed in the 4×400 relay for the Balers this past season, will join an extremely youthful Wyoming team. A Division I program — Wyoming competes in the Mountain West Conference — the Cowboys last season had all of four seniors on the squad, and are expected to have all of six seniors on the team next season.
The team is otherwise compiled of juniors and sophomores, as well as the handful of incoming freshmen — Roascio included.
Aiding in the former Baler’s decision was the thought that he could step in to a starting role, as the Cowboys’ top performances of the past season list just one mark in the 400 meters — a time of 50.35 seconds.
Roascio’s top time in the 400 meters this past season was a 49.53, while his best in the 200 meters was a 22.06.
“It was just a really nice campus, and I also met the team while I was there and it was a great set of guys,” Roascio said. “All-around, it was a good experience.”
The school, located 7,200 feet above sea level in Laramie, Wyo., piqued Roascio’s interest during an official visit in early April — the campus, the coaches and the entire team all delivered passing grades in his short stay.
In fact, scheduled to make another visit to the University of Montana later that same month — where he would have been a walk-on to the track team — Roascio instead decided to not go; his mind was already made up.
“I felt like I could fit in,” Roascio said simply of Wyoming.
He later added, “[Yentes], he really seemed like he wanted me on the team, and the rest of the team, too.”
Roascio said he expects to compete in the 200 and 400 next season, and possibly the 4×400 as well. He also expects the nagging leg injury that he experienced for much of this past season to eventually clear up, too.
Roascio this season suffered a minor bout of compartment syndrome in his right leg, which eventually extended down into his right foot. Although the pain prevented the then-senior to properly train for the better part of the season, it never truly sidelined him. Roascio still competed in the 400 meters at the Central Coast Section Championships, and later at state in the 1,600-meter relay.
He said he’s been resting the leg since state, and even had x-rays on it this week — all of which will hopefully allow the recent San Benito grad to post a quick turnaround for the indoor track season in the winter.
“It’s time to get it better,” Roascio said.
