Track and Field: The Love for Running

Diego Martinez and Xenia Pena
March 19, 2019

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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.

About the Writers

Diego Martinez, Copy Editor

Planning to attend a Cal. State to major in English and Philosophy, copy editor, Diego Martinez 11, is very active when it comes to school. He is going on to his second year in newspaper, tutors at the writing center, and has taken multiple AP classes. He is a very talkative and a family oriented person. He often visits his family in Mexico and gets in trouble for talking too much in class. Listening to a variety of music including neoclassical, musical structures, heavy metal, and progressives, Martinez enjoys playing the guitar and sometimes composes his own music as well.

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.

Xenia Pena, Photographer

Determined to continue her photography career after high school, senior Xenia Pena pursues photography in the newspaper and yearbook staff. “I like photography because I can capture moments that I can look back on in the future,” Pena said. “I like to show my creativity side through photography.”

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