BY TATIANA SABANERO

Ruben Velasco is a four year member of football (including two years of earning the title of league champions) and a two year member of track. Currently, Velasco is undefeated in the 100 and 200 events for track.

For the duration of track season, he hopes to remain successful and achieve his goals.

Last year, he qualified for CIF preliminaries but didn’t continue on. This year, he is determined to obtain that goal.

“My plans are to place or get a qualifying time in CIF prelims and go to CIF championships. I also hope to to take 1st in league championships,” Velasco said.

Velasco has turned eyes due to his successful season last year and this year, especially due to the fact that this year is only his second year. He joined track to be a better overall athlete along with motivation from the persuasion from Coach Mike Maggiore.

“Coach Maggiore would always tell the football team to do track to get faster. I think he especially wanted me to do it because I had the fastest 40 yard dash time on the team. He knew I would be a good sprinter,” Velasco said.

Ruben participates in the 4×1, 100, and 200 events in which he is very successful in. Although he is currently undefeated in the 100, and 200 events, surprisingly, his favorite event is the 4×1 relay.

“I’m the last one to get the baton, so if we’re losing, then the pressure is on me to catch up and win. If it is a close race, I have to push through in order to win. It’s very thrilling to have all the pressure on me; I don’t want to disappoint and it motivates me to try even harder,” Velasco said.

Velasco surrounds himself with positive influences on good and bad days. His family is at every meet to support and motivate him.

“My biggest motivation is my dad. He’s always there recording my races and seeing where I need to improve. I do it for the little kid inside me that always wanted to be a star athlete,” Velasco said.

In order to stay positive and improve, Velasco always remembers why he fell in love with the sport in the first place and how far he has come.

“Behind the athlete you’ve become is the little boy that fell in love with the game. Play for him,” Velasco said.