Evan Quinones, sophomore at FSC , was named runner of the week.
Next week, Quinones and his team will travel to Huntsville, Ala., for the South Regionals.
To Quinones a great athlete needs to have two key components.
“In my opinion, hard work and discipline are the key components in becoming a successful runner,” Quinones said.
There are some challenges within each sport, but Quinones suggest how to overcome them.
[pullquote]“You’re always hungry to cross forbidden lines and be the best possible runner that you can be, but that takes enduring pain, and lots of it[/pullquote]
“To progress, you can’t let the bad days get to you. This is hard concept, which I still struggle with mentally. When its time to toe the line you have to be confident with both yourself and your training. You have to go through the worst to reach the ecstasy,” Quinone said.
Native from New York has made him face weather changes that have affected his performance, which has become a task that he had to adapt more than the coache’s style.
“As a native New Yorker, 90 and humid wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. The temperature drop has for sure helped me out as well the patience of my awesome coach,” Quinones said.
Quinones trusts Coach Ben Martucci’s plans for the team.
“I’m definitely responding to Coach Martucci’s training and have complete confidence in his workouts,” Quinones said.
The athlete has been able to manage the demands of the different rolls as a student and runner.
“Just keeping my priorities straight. The reason I attend Florida Southern is to better my education and to run fast. I need to stay driven and eliminate any negative factors that could hinder either priorities,” Quinones said.
Every athlete is looking for an excellent performance, but to Quinones there is a plan behind it.
“You’re always hungry to cross forbidden lines and be the best possible runner that you can be, but that takes enduring pain, and lots of it. Setting a new personal record takes running more mileage, faster workouts, and longer long runs,” Quinones said.
Quinones places high standards for the team this year.
“We have a very special team this year, and sky’s the limit when I think about future races to come. Winning conference is first on the agenda; then a repeat at regionals, and then the big goal this year is top 15 at nationals,” Quinones said.
To Quinones the team knows well when is serious time and when is time to have some fun.
“I love my teammates. They really are some of the hardest working guys I know, and I’m proud to call myself a Moc. We are the first to mess with one another, but the first to help one another. They know when it’s time to have fun and when its time to grind,” Quinones said.
“There’s just something about suffering through long runs, wearing shorts shorter than boxers and having the same goals as one another that just creates such a brotherhood,” Quinones said. “Also always looking fit and not worrying too much about what I eat is nice, too.”
