By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
SANTA ROSA — Santa Rosa senior Andrew Ruiz has shown an abundance of patience and faith throughout his track & field career.
He started running at an early age and has long dreamed of moving on to the college ranks. Injuries almost derailed his plan, but Ruiz didn’t give up and neither did his support system. The hard work and persistence paid off for Ruiz on Friday when he signed to run for Neosho County Community College.
“I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a kid. My dad put me in track, and it just means so much. It’s been a tough couple of years lately, but it was a blessing to get an opportunity from a coach,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz competed in the 400- and 800-meter runs and the 1,600 relay for the Warriors. He’s expecting to do all of those events when he gets to Chanute, Kan., to join the Panthers. Ruiz reached out to Neosho coach Trey Bruton after hearing about the school from a former Santa Rosa runner. Though he hasn’t visited the campus, he saw it virtually and has talked with some future teammates, and he’s excited for the new journey.
“It was actually pretty tough, not being able to see the campus because of COVID. But it was pretty good seeing it on Zoom and getting familiar with the campus,” Ruiz said. “I know it’s pretty far away, but it felt like home to me. I got to talk to some of the guys there, and they seem down to earth and they’re fun guys. And Coach Bruton knows his stuff. I fell in love with the program and just want to compete. I’m looking forward to the experience and learning, and to give it my very best and try to prove to everybody that I belong.”
Warriors coach Robbie Cruz said watching Ruiz battle back from injuries has been motivational for other athletes in the program. Ruiz pulled his hamstring twice this year, but he worked his way back to help the mile relay hit its best time at the regional meet.
“He’s one heck of an athlete. He’s going to prove to everyone that he can go out there and compete with anyone,” Cruz said. “I know he had some setbacks, but the fact that he’s getting the chance, I’m just so proud of him. At any point he could’ve just quit and said, ‘You know what, it’s not happening for me.’ He still showed up every single day to practice, and those are the types of athletes coaches wish to have in their program. The younger ones see that and see that they need to keep pushing and getting better.”
Cruz continuously assured Ruiz that his time was coming and good things were ahead while he worked back through injuries, and the senior appreciated his help trusting the process. Ruiz is going to study physical education and plans to become a coach after graduation, inspired by the coaches he’s had and the lessons he learned.
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot from my coaches, and I think it’ll make me be a good one. Coach Cruz helped me a lot, helped me be patient. Also my parents always being there for me,” Ruiz said. “I’m already missing running with this team. It was a great experience. (I learned to) stay patient and always have faith. Trust the process, trust your coaches and always put the work in.”