Track and Field: The Love for Running
March 19, 2019
Speed, technique, and endurance on the track has united those who enjoy sports. The constant training, discipline, and attention to physical health are costs many are willing to pay. At Downey High, it is no different as students in track and field dedicate time and effort to participate in track.
Student Hector Garcia, 10, has enjoyed competition and running from a young age. His love for racing and winning against peers has influenced him to join the track team at Downey High. Garcia’s pursuit of becoming a professional runner stems from his dedication to a promise he made to a childhood friend.
“I remember all those years ago when I would race with my friend, I promised him I would go pro,” Garcia stated. “Joining the track team has surely helped me surpass personal goals and I’m keeping that promise to my friend.”
Students clinging on to promises is not the only motivation many have in track. Junior Katia Arriaga enjoys the thrill and excitement in races. She dedicates her time and energy to track in order to be united with teammates and enjoy the thrill of racing.
“The friendships and family bonds are what keep me going in this sport,” Arriaga stated. “Knowing that not only my friends keep me going, but that I also enjoy running, is a blessing.”
Arriaga manages her time in track with school by keeping a clear head throughout the day. Similarly, sophomore Andrew Henriquez explains that even the biggest obstacles in track, such as injuries, and rigorous training, are not enough to hold him back. School work gets in the way of regular practices, but he manages. Henriquez’s passion for sports has never let him down.
“Honestly the time management is one of the hardest part, but I think anyone can [handle it],” Henriquez stated. “The amount of friends, experience, and fun you’ll have is enough to satisfy you to keep going.”
The dedication, promise, and love these runners have for track catalyzes their success and perseverance through the obstacles.
When asked how he got into music he responded, “It was the absolute thrill of exploring possible dynamic range in different genres of music,” Martinez stated. This just goes to show how Martinez isn’t afraid of getting out of his comfort zone and trying new things. When asked why he chose to be a writer for newspaper he stated, “I enjoy writing, it is a pastime and helps me get my mind off of things,” Martinez stated.
The first time I talked to Xenia was when she came up to me and told me how much she loved my pictures. I had never really talked to her prior to that so when it happened, it made me feel really good about my work. Talking to her was really nice because she was very understanding of my idea behind the pictures. Ever since then I knew if I needed an opinion on any new ideas, I could go to her. I don’t really think she knows this but seeing her work pushed me to try new ideas in photography. She steps out of her comfort zone and isn’t afraid to face a new challenge. Her love for photography is so big that she will be majoring in photojournalism at San Francisco State University.
-Eliza Vargas
![The Commissioner of the CIF Southern Section, Rob Wigod, came to Downey High School to talk to the 1,300+ student-athletes about “Pursuing Victory with Honor” on February 13. “I came to talk to all student-athletes to make them aware of the strong impact you [they] have on any younger/upcoming student-athletes,” Wigod said. “If a child comes to your game and sees the determination and persistence in your performance, what do you think that child will do? They would want to be like you one day.”](https://www.thedowneylegend.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/sports.assembly-316x475.jpg)
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