ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Sergio Santiago

Since arriving at Olympia High nearly three years ago from Puerto Rico, senior Sergio Santiago has been a valuable addition to the Titans’ cross-country program. Most recently, Santiago set a personal record at the West Metro Conference championship meet Oct. 23. Santiago’s time of 16:32.73 led Olympia and helped the Titans claim the championship. 

Now, Santiago and his teammates will look to advance out of the region to the state meet for the first time in his career.

How did you feel out there at the Metro meet?

I felt great, and I was a leader on my team that day. I felt really, really awesome that day.

What’s it like to set a personal record at this stage in your career, knowing that you’re still improving?

That is awesome, because I know that the training is making a difference. I’ve been practicing hard every week and my times have been going down every week.

Could this be the year that Olympia’s boys team advances out of the “Region of Death?”

This is definitely the year that we could make it. We have an awesome team. … I think we are now seeded fifth in the region, and I think we can do even better that day.

Has coming up short of advancing to state the past few years motivated you?

Yeah, it has motivated me a lot, because I know we can do it, but it hasn’t (happened) the last few years.

How do you focus yourself, mentally, when training for cross country?

I just block out (everything). … I start slow and then get even better every mile and finish strong.

Is there another distance or event that you enjoy doing?

In track, I love to run the mile, too.

When did you start running cross country competitively?

It was my second semester of eighth grade that I started.

What’s the biggest difference between life here in Central Florida and life in Puerto Rico?

The language.

What’s your favorite subject in the classroom?

Math — I like algebra and equations, solving them.

What would you like to do for a living one day?

I want to be a personal trainer and study exercise physiology.

What’s your favorite TV show?

I don’t really watch television, but I like to watch the NBA.

Since you like basketball, which team is your favorite?

Cleveland Cavaliers — I love LeBron James.

What has been your best memory from your time running cross country at Olympia?

Getting to win the Metros and Districts. Moving forward, I think we can do it at states this year.

What’s it like being a leader for the program this fall?

I like it. It’s great that I can be a leader on this team and make an example, so that the next generation can do great.