Each week during the school year, The News-Press will select a player who stood out from the previous week based on coaches’ reports and school nominations sent to sports@news-press.com, as well as our own reporting. These players will be voted on every Monday at news-press.com, where readers can vote for who they think performed best. The winner of The News-Press’ Player of the Week poll, sponsored by Elevate Home Service, will receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. To get to know the winners better, The News-Press will hold a Q&A with each player each week.
The News-Press Week Athlete of the Year Award, sponsored by Elevate Home Services, for Aug. 19-24, was awarded to Mariner cross country runner Angel Cruz. He received 8,498 votes out of 22,473, or 37.81 percent, of the votes. He was selected for the ballot because of his second-place finish at the Lehigh Invitational on Aug. 24 with a time of 16 minutes, 13.7 seconds.
Q: What got you into long distance running?
Cruz: So I started taking it seriously in eighth grade. There was a regional race and I was expected to win. I was so overconfident and I was really humiliated because I lost to that kid. And I thought, “Wow, I’m never letting that happen again.” So I basically started training almost nine miles every day. And then I got to high school and I was really humiliated. And then I dug a lot deeper and met my coach, Mr. Lewis. He actually moved to Colorado and he’s been so helpful. Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without him. He’s like a father to me. He always sends me workouts. Whatever he sends me, I’m going to do it. Because I have a big goal and that goal is to finish in the top 10 in the state by the state meet. And I want to be the first state placer in cross country and track for Mariner.
What do you like about this sport?
Cruz: It’s really beautiful. I love the environment. It’s interesting because in other sports you have to do things as a punishment. They say, “Dude, you’re crazy. Why are you running so much every day?” I love that feeling. It motivates me to get better every day.
Previously: News-Press Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Elevate Home Services, Aug. 19-24
Do you have any superstitions or habits before a race?
Cruz: Honestly, I listen to the same song every race: “Dreams and Nightmares” by Meek Mill. It’s my lucky charm every time. I can’t stop listening to it.
Are there any runners you admire?
Cruz: I’m not gonna lie. Me and him have a little bit of a rivalry. He goes to Fort Myers. Craig (Allard Jr.). He always inspires me, so I look up to him.
What advice do you have for young runners?
Cruz: Honestly, never give up and be consistent. Consistency is key. I’ve found that if you just tell yourself, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” it will fall apart over time. So consistency is the most important thing. Get some sleep, stay healthy, and pursue the things you really love. If it’s something you really want, you’ll work at it until you achieve your goal. That’s what I do.
