By ROY HESS | THE BROWNSVILLE HERALD
Signing an athletic scholarship agreement to compete in college is always a joyous event.
That was the feeling Wednesday afternoon at Hanna as two of its top senior cross country and track & field athletes put their names on scholarship agreements with family, classmates, coaches, teachers and other Brownsville ISD personnel on hand to share in the celebration.
Audren Pineda signed to run for Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio next school year, while Leonel Pena will continue his running career at Bethel University in Tennessee.
Both athletes have had to overcome injuries during their time at Hanna. They have made it to the regional meet in cross country and each of them is striving to qualify for regionals in track & field for the first time this spring with strong showings at next week’s District 32-6A meet.
Pena underwent wrist surgery a year ago as a junior right before the district meet in track and it hurt his chances of advancing to regionals. He sees himself as a lot healthier and with a better chance this time.
“This day means almost everything to me,” said Pena, whose primary events in track are the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races. “My life, my health (and avoiding injury) is the main concern. This (signing) is the second. This (day) is really my dream come true.
“It actually gives me extra motivation, honestly it really does,” Pena added. “I plan to work even harder to prove myself.”
Pena said he will study industrial engineering in college, while Pineda wants to pursue a degree in kinesiology with the intent of someday becoming a physical therapist.
“This day means so much to me,” said Pineda, who competes in the 200, 400 and 800 meters plus relays and the long jump. “For four years I’ve been working really hard to get to this point. I’ve had a lot of setbacks (with injuries), but I’m finally here and I’m very happy I’ve gotten to spend this moment with everyone (at this signing event), especially my family.
“It’s comforting (now) knowing I have my college plans set out and it’s also very motivating as well knowing I’ve accomplished this for myself,” she added. “The coaches are looking at me (as a college signee), so it’s definitely motivating (as I try to show what I can do). I know I have to keep working hard.”
The two standout runners are headed off to college after they graduate in a couple of months with the blessings of their Hanna coaches.
“They’ve paid their dues and now they’re moving on (before too long),” Hanna track & field/cross country coach Armando Rocha said. “It’s awesome. These two are role models for our program. I’m happy for them.”
Added Olaya Teran, also a Hanna cross country/ track & field coach, “In their four years, they’ve done outstanding. I’m honored to be their coach.”
Pineda is grateful for all the support she’s received in life, particularly during high school.
“I’d just like to thank my family and my coaches,” she said. “They’re a big part of this process, and I couldn’t have done it without them. I’m really happy right now that I get to do this (signing).”
Pena took the opportunity to pass along some encouragement to his fellow students, and actually, some advice for everyone.
“To those who ever feel like giving up, it’s just like a cross country race,” he said. “Sometimes you feel like you can’t go any farther and your mind is telling you that your legs just can’t go on. But then you get a grip on yourself and you keep going. That’s what really matters is finishing (your race in) life in a good way.”
Roy Hess covers sports for The Brownsville Herald. You can reach him via email at [email protected]. On Twitter he’s @HessRgehess