On Monday, October 15, 2021, senior Santos Flores represented Judson High School at the cross country regionals in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

“It was really fun to go out to Corpus to run and experience being around great athletes. Those guys who won really deserve to make it to state,” Flores said.

He was the only student from Judson to advance to regionals this year. One can assume it’s because of the work he put in this season, and the support he received from his teammates. 

Because of his constant practice and commitment, Flores runs his 800-meter with an impressive time of 1:54.36. 

“I’d usually run in the mornings, then during third period with Coach Noyola, and then I’d do an after-school workout. It was the coaching, a lot of mental strength and discipline,” Flores said.

When Flores found out he had advanced to regionals, he found himself feeling a variety of emotions.

“It was pretty cool because this year was the first year I made it to regionals, but at the same time, I was kind of sad because I didn’t win districts, even though I had planned to,” Flores said. 

When asked if there was specifically anyone who supported him more than anyone else, he shared his appreciation for his teammate, sophomore Josiah Harris.

“He helped me after everyone else didn’t make it to regionals and he decided to come out and help me with my training so I’d like to thank him for that,” Flores said.

Unfortunately, this was the end of the cross country season for Flores. He did not advance to state.

“These last four years in cross country were amazing. I’ve made a lot of friends, as well as a lot of [friendly] rivalries with a bunch of students from other schools.”

Despite Flores not advancing to state this year, the Rockets can still expect great things from him. Flores still plans on having a successful track season. 

“I plan on winning Indoor Nationals in the 800-event as well as District Regionals and state, I’m trying to get a really good track season in,” Flores said. 

The Rocket’s first track meet will take place in February.

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