By FREDDY GONZALEZ | Valley Morning Star
If the name Reyes Rodriguez sounds familiar, that’s probably because it’s practically a household word.
Last year the 6-foot-2 Rodriguez placed second in a tightly contested 800-meter race at the UIL track and field meet. This year he will return to state and try to top last year’s achievement in the both the 800 and the 1600, which are two races the senior took first place in at regionals this season.
“Reyes has been working hard the last two years,” said track coach Evie Sanchez. “He wants to run at the next level so it’s not like we’re having to beg him to come out and practice. What you see at the track meets is exactly what you get from him at practice. He brings his best every day and as a coach what more can you ask for?”
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Rodriguez and get to know him a little more before he heads up to Austin this weekend.
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Q: You won silver after a hard-fought race last year at state and you performed in front of thousands of spectators. What was the best part of last season?
REYES: Crossing that finish line after a very tight race for second. The amount of relief and stress that was released from me was one of the best feelings. Seeing myself compete with some of the best gave me lots of self-confidence.
Q: How do you see last year’s performance helping you this time around?
REYES: I see last year’s performance as an eye opener. That race really gave me a lot of confidence coming into this year’s season. I have trained extremely hard this year because my ultimate goal was to go back to state. I cannot thank God enough for giving me this third and last opportunity to go back to state.
Q: What is your main motivation when running?
REYES: A lot of factors motivate me when I run, but my main motivation is probably my school. It always equips the track team with new uniforms and shoes. Along with that, my classmates, teachers, and coaches have all shown much support to me and my successes, but I would not be where I am without my supporting parents, who have never missed a race, and, most importantly, God.
Q: How do you not lose focus during a race?
REYES: The race goes by so fast I don’t lose focus.
Q: Takes us five minutes before a race starts. What do you do to prepare?
REYES: I like to spend the five minutes relaxing and clearing my mind of anything. I say my prayer and then I go into race mode, and think about strategy and picture the race play out.
Q: This is your senior season. What are you going to miss the most after graduation?
REYES: I will probably miss the bus rides going to the track meets. I’ll miss hearing the loud music while talking to my teammates.
Q: You’ve had plenty of positive moments in your athletic career, but which one stands out the most in your mind?
REYES: Nothing beats standing on the medal podium at the state meet. Although it was silver, that moment stands out the most to me because all the hard work and long practices paid off. It was such a sweet moment.