Destiney Rentie (High Jump & Sprints)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
I got started with track my freshmen year. I simply started it because of basketball. I wanted to better my stamina. What motivated me to continue is my family and this year more of my teammates from basketball joined.
2. What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you balance academics and athletics?
What a typical training day looks like for me is basically working on speed and endurance. How I balance academics and athletics is I make sure I handle all schoolwork before games, meets or practices. I go to tutoring if needed. I don’t fall behind and I stay on top of my game.
3. What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?
My most memorable moment or achievement in my athletic career so far is going to CIF for both basketball and track and field. It was very exciting especially since I was a freshman competing with people older than me.
4. How do you handle pressure or nerves before a big competition or game?
How I handle pressure or nerves before a big competition or game is I relaxing, warming up, and staying positive.
5. What advice would you give to younger athletes who are just starting in your sport?
The advice I would give younger athletes who are just starting in my sport is you have to be committed to your sport, always willing to learn new things, being a good all-around player, and being positive.
6. Are there any role models or athletes you look up to? How have they influenced your approach to your sport?
The role models or athletes that I look up to is JuJu walkins from Usc. She is a really good player especially coming from high school and only being a freshman in college. She has a lot of sponsors. I want to be just like her in the next 2 years.
7. Can you talk about any challenges you've faced as an athlete and how you've overcome them?
Some challenges that I have faced as an athlete is a lot of criticism. Criticism is a big thing for any athlete. There are people that say things that might get to you or try to bring you down. I stay positive and not letting those things getting to me.
Arianna Brito (Thrower)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
This is actually my first-year throwing, so I just recently got Into Track & Field. Ever since volleyball senior night he has been trying to recruit me. I wasn't interested at first, but I finally caved and came to a practice. Been coming ever since. Also, fun fact coach Mario coached my Tio, when he was in High School, so I’ve always known coach Mario through him.
2. What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you balance academics and athletics?
Every day we train, Monday through Friday. I throw both disc and shot so most days, so most days I throw both if not I split it into two depending on what I need to work on. I've been balancing being an athlete since my freshman year it’s definitely tiring but I try doing most of my hw during school hours it not I stay up really late (yk all those AP classes).
3. What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?
I haven't made too many memorable moments during my time in track & field. However, I will say I love the times in practice with my family hyping each other up. Also, a memory that will be forever with me is placing second in shot during my first ever meet.
4. Are there any role models or athletes you look up to? How have they influenced your approach to your sport?
All my friends and family have been so supportive in my decision to start my throwing career. As for who I look up to, isn't just 1 person. I look up to the whole throwing family and coaches. We all keep each other in check, help one another, give each other advice on what we can do better in.
Dorian Torreblanca (Distance)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
How I got started was I was a part of XC & I wanted to stay in condition for next season. What kept me motivated was seeing how much I have progressed every race. I wanted to continue to PR.
2. What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you balance academics and athletics?
First of all, I start with a mile and a half warm up, then we either do a workout on the track or we go out &do street runs. Then we stretch & go home. I balance my academics by using my free period and do all my homework then.
3. What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?
My most memorable achievement was coming in first place in a league meet for the 1600.
4.What advice would you give to younger athletes who are just starting in your sport?
I’d tell them to keep trying and have some confidence in themselves. And overall to have fun with the sport.
Marilyn Barajas (Hurdler)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
I got started in track and field after being introduced to it by my best friend. What motivated me to continue was my family and being able to see my progress.
2. What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you balance academics and athletics?
We start with warm up and hurdle mobility then move on to the workout of the day. I balance academics and athletics by completing work in 6th period, study hall.
3. What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?
A most memorable achievement for me in my athletic career so far was getting a PR in the 100 hurdles.
4. How do you handle the pressure or nerves before a big competition or game?
I always say a prayer to calm my nerves before a big competition.
About the Contributor
Cielo Aguirre, Staff Writer
Cielo Aguirre is the president of The Steeler Chronicle. She is either found in the library with her nose stuck between a romance novel or running away from her problems if she isn’t injured. If found, please help her find her way.