FREDDY GONZALEZ | Valley Morning Star
LA FERIA — La Feria’s Dariana Sanchez might just be a sophomore, but the reserved athlete has already turned plenty of heads as a distance runner.
She qualified for state in cross country this past fall and now she’s qualified for the UIL state track meet in Austin for the second consecutive year in the 3200 meter run.
Last season as a freshman, Vasquez finished in sixth and now she’s focused on improving her time.
“Dariana is at the top of the mountain and she didn’t just fall there,” said coach Gracie Campos. “She made this a reality, not through magic but by sweat and determination, and a relentless work ethic.
“Dariana has this superpower in which she remains calm in the midst of chaos.”
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with the two-time state qualifier and get to know her a little better.
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Q: As a freshman last year you did something many haven’t done in an entire career which was to qualify for the UIL state track meet. How was that experience so early on in your career? Was it intimidating performing on the big stage?
DARIANA: Having such an experience at a young age was stunning. I was intimidated by the rest of the athletes since they were older and might have competed at that level before.
Q: This year you proved that last year’s trip to state was no fluke. What did you learn from last year’s performance to help this time around?
DARIANA: Something that really stands out to me is that there is a very large and competitive field (that goes to state). Simply making it to the state level is an impressive feat for any competitor. It is a great honor to be recognized as a state competitor for track and field.
Q: What is the first thing you do before any race?
DARIANA: The very first thing I do before a race is to pray as it has become a new habit of mine. I’ll pray with my teammates and encourage other competitors to participate with me. I get mentally prepared and praying has kept me grounded and ensures that I maintain my identity.
Q: How did you first get started in distance running?
DARIANA: My first memory of running was sprinting against my dad when I was maybe 8 years old. He was fast, but I kept up with him. After the sprint, I thought my legs were going to burn up and fall off, but I enjoyed the rush. Later, my sixth grade P.E. teacher made us run about a mile every week. I remember liking it most of the time since I was running next to my best friends.
Q: If you had a time machine and could visit any place in time, what would you do?
DARIANA: I would go back in time so I could travel to meet Albert Einstein, the most celebrated physicist of all times. I would like to learn his ideas about time machines, which interest me so much, and see him in daily life.
Q: What do you do to calm the butterflies when you compete?
DARIANA: I’m very nervous most of the time so I make sure I have an opportunity to talk to my coach before the race. We set goals and we visualize these together. My coach is my biggest believer so speaking to him gives me the confidence boost and the rev-up I need to get out there and perform.
Q: What was your favorite TV show when growing up?
DARIANA: I used to watch reruns of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” only the original ‘80s TV version. The catchy theme song, the toys and the ongoing animated characters had me exclaiming “cowabunga” a lot.
Q: What is your favorite breakfast cereal?
DARIANA: That would be Fruity Pebbles. They’re pretty filling and they don’t get soggy too quickly. The brightly colored milk is good, too.
Q: If you could have lunch with anybody in history who would it be and why?
DARIANA: I would love to have lunch with Pope Francis and spend time with him. He has achieved such an admirable balance between his beliefs and the diversity of beliefs in our world. He’s also maintained a genuine love for mankind regardless of each difference.
Q: What is your advice to the all the first-timers competing at the state tournament?
DARIANA: Aim for excellence, not perfection. Running at the state level is something not many are capable of doing. With that in mind, a runner should give it his all and show what he’s worked so arduous for.