On most days, you’ll see Javier Ventura running to school. Fast and light, Ventura isn’t running from bullies or because he’s late—he’s simply running because he can and he loves it.
An eighth-grade cross-country runner at Fesler Junior High School, Ventura is the top runner for the Falcons. Lupe Alindajao has coached the runner since September.
“The first thing that stood out to me was his enthusiasm,” Alindajao said. “He kept asking when we could start practice before permission slips were even filled out.”
The coach said that Ventura’s strengths come from his dedication and natural, fast ability. Ventura runs around a five-minute mile. He’s also the team captain.
“He runs on his own time and plays soccer as well,” Alindajao mentioned. “Running is his thing and one of the places he finds the most success.”
The coach added that Ventura is intrinsically motivated; he wants to run better and faster for himself.
The eighth-grader said he has been running since elementary school. He became interested in the sport because it’s fun for him.
“I like the challenge of running and it helps you stay healthy,” Ventura said.
His goals coming into this season were pure and simple: to try hard all the time and to get faster so he can carry on his legacy from seventh grade. Ventura has placed first in three races and second place in another. Just don’t ask him how he feels about taking second in a race.
“Getting second place makes me feel uncomfortable, like I didn’t do a good job,” Ventura said. “But I have learned from my coach that good sportsmanship is important.”
Alindajao said Ventura is very competitive, and the coaches have been trying to show him that competition can be healthy and it will help him improve.
“He is used to getting No. 1,” Alindajao said. “He is racing kids who run all year long. He realized he had his work cut out for him, but he has risen to the challenge and keeps up with them. No. 2 is not an option for him.”
Ventura has been competing with a minimum of 50 runners per race. His favorite race this season was the Pismo Beach Mountain Goat Run.
“That was the hardest race but it felt good and I got first place,” Ventura said.
The passionate runner said that coach Alindajao and another teacher on campus, Denise Sewell, have been very supportive.
“They inspire me because they tell me to keep up the hard work and encourage me to run in high school,” Ventura said.
The inspiration has surely paid off: Ventura caught the eye of the Santa Maria High School cross-country coach and joined the Saints in a race on Oct. 26.
“When I’m running, I tell my mind to never give up and keep going,” Ventura said. “I feel free when I’m running.”
Editor’s Note: Denise Sewell is a teacher at Fesler Junior High School and is the mother of Staff Writer Kristina Sewell.
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 6, 2013.