Stevens Flores (Long and Triple Jump & High Jump)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
I started to do track because I want to be one of the best athletes. I get motivated by God.
2. What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you balance academics and athletics?
I run and practice my jumps. I do all my work in class and practice without having to worry about anything.
3. What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?
Getting 2nd in triple and 3rd in long for Rosemead.
4. How do you handle pressure or nerves before a big competition or game?
I pray to God, so I don’t get hurt and to get rid of my worries.
Christopher Bautista Garcia (Sprinter)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
I started my Track & Field career my sophomore year because of my motivation to become faster for the upcoming Soccer season. After things didn’t go to plan, I stayed within Track & Field because I enjoyed running and competing with friends.
2. How do you handle pressure or nerves before a big competition or game?
I handle the pressure by humming a song called “Pressure” by Rushy. By doing so I can get psyched for the important event. Plus, this allows me to do my best and not leave knowing I could’ve done better.
3. What advice would you give to younger athletes who are just starting in your sport?
Advice I give to younger athletes is to find someone that will encourage you to keep going. Moreover, find a section that is meant for you so you can gain more experience for the upcoming years.
4. Are there any role models or athletes you look up to? How have they influenced your approach to your sport?
I have 2 role models. Coach Goose who made me challenge myself throughout the years. He allowed me to have fun at the fullest extent with hard workouts. The 2nd being an alumni called Arnulfo. We had similar backgrounds and guided me with encouragement and tips to get faster.
Michael Alvarado (Thrower)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
My friend Holcog was a thrower & he encouraged me to come out & throw. My motivation came from my coach, my family, & my friends.
2. What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you balance academics and athletics?
I start off by stretching with the team, then I get some throws in & get explosive in the weightroom. It ends at my house when I do strength training & stretches. I balance school & training by doing my homework as soon as I get it. I try to get as much training as possible before locking in for homework.
3. What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?
My most memorable moment is when I placed 2nd in League Finals in my first year of throwing.
4. How do you handle pressure or nerves before a big competition or game?
You got to act like you’ve been there before.
Micah Watson (Distance)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
My friends made me try it out and I started loving it more every day, my motivation was my teammates and family.
2. What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you balance academics and athletics?
I normally run 5 to 6 miles a day; stretch with the team. I just stay up all night doing homework because I don’t wanna be behind.
3. What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?
When I took the Mt.Sac school record and when I raced at Rosemead
4. How do you handle pressure or nerves before a big competition or game?
I remind myself that all the hard work I put in led to this moment.
Isaiah Sanchez (Hurdler)
1. How did you get started in Track and Field and what motivated you to continue?
I joined sophomore year to get faster for soccer and had no plans to actually fall in love and enjoy all of my events so now the love for the sport motivates me.
2. What does a typical day of training look like for you? How do you balance academics and athletics?
We start with warmups then stretching and eventually get to the hurdle workouts.
3. What has been your most memorable moment or achievement in your athletic career so far?
A memorable moment for me would be getting first in the 110 hurdles at Covina but every PR is an achievement.
4. How do you handle pressure or nerves before a big competition or game?
Stay in routine and listen to my music but I just tell myself I need to kill my body for such a such a short amount of my life than it will be all over once I cross that line.
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.