Senior Emmanuel Hidalgo from McClintock is our next Watch List athlete.
As the season starts we will continue to add athletes to the list.
Keep checking back as we highlight some of Arizona's best. Good luck to everyone - see you on the course!!
Still waiting on watch list for athletes from the following schools: Xavier, Mesquite, Ganado, Vista Grande, Chaparral, Flagstaff, Ironwood Ridge, Tuba City, Catalina Magnet, Hamilton, Cholla, Centennial, Hopi, and Highland. All "Watch List" must be in by Friday.
Journal Questions:
Name: Emmanuel Hidalgo (Emmanuel's Milesplit Profile)
High School:
McClintock High School
Year of Graduation:
My graduation year is 2015!!!
Best time in a 5K and a 3 Mile Race:
My best time in a 5K race is 15:55 and my best time in a 3 mile race is 15:43.
When did you get started as a runner:
I started running my freshman year when I came out for track at McClintock High School. Changed my life.
Which meets will you be running this year?
The AIA Division II State Meet for sure… I hope… The Desert Twilight for the music obviously, and the Tempe City Meet.
What are your goals for the upcoming track season? What do you look forward to the most?
I really only have two major goals this season. The first being to PR, preferably at the State Meet, and the second to win State as a team. I think we have an amazing group of guys and I am fairly confident this is McClintock’s year!
Do you cross train (lift, swim, bike etc)?
I have been taking Weight Training since last year in hopes to improve my muscular endurance so that I may perform at the best of my abilities.
Do you follow any kind of nutrition program or watch what you eat?
Unfortunately, I do watch what I eat. When I’m training I tend to avoid eating any type of fatty foods like McDonald’s or foods with little nutritional value. My mother seems to know how to meet all my nutritional needs and plays key role in what I eat. It’s miserable. I am human though, I do occasionally have cheat days. I have a weakness for milkshakes. 
Have you ever been injured?
Yes, it was when I first started out running freshman year. I wasn’t used to running every day and I ended up injuring my hip. I missed the freshman showcase.
So far in your high school career, what is your favorite cross country race or cross country memory?
I can’t single out any given moment as my favorite. There are so many moments I can give at the top of my head, but I can’t even begin to pick JUST one as my “favorite”. Every single moment has been a memorable one. There hasn’t been a dull day. One might say that I fell in love with it all.
What is the best part of running?
Definitely the team. I have had such an amazing time with these guys and I just don’t think I would be anything if I didn’t have them by my side messing around, sharing laughs, and just making complete fools out of ourselves. Let’s not forget our amazing head coach Jeff Dodge who has literally built me up from nothing to the runner that I am today. If anyone deserves the Coach of the Year Award it should be him. Together they all inspire me to go out there every day and give them my best effort. I race for them.
Out of all your running accomplishments so far, which stands out the most?
Well at this point, it’d probably be my 4th place finish at State last year. It may not be that high of an honor but it was definitely something I never thought I could do.
When you are not running what do you like to do?
I like to go play basketball, to see new movies, and you know, maybe play a little Minecraft. Most of all, I love to eat. 
How have your coaches influenced you overall?
Dodge has been amazing. He is not only approachable and fun to talk to, but he’s also an amazing motivator. What he has done with this entire program is just unbelievable. I can’t imagine where I’d be without someone like him in my corner. He has been the source of my vast improvements these last couple years and I cannot even begin to thank him enough. These past years have been the best years of my life and it’s a huge thanks to him. I truly believe he deserves the Coach of the Year award.
Shout outs?
The gorgeous Taylor Ryan and her wonderful family, my dad Tomas Hidalgo for working hard every day to support his family, my mom and #1 fan Blanca Hidalgo, all of my supportive siblings (Tomas, Geomhara, Blanca, Jessica, and Karina) the rest of the cross country team and parents. I love you all.
Quick 6:
Ethan Clah, Guillermo Morales, Abdi Aden, Michael Rojas, Amir (Husen Husen), Chris Wolfbank
Favorite Post-race Meal?
Surprisingly, I do not have a favorite post-race food. I can’t even begin to think about food after a race. 
I do have a favorite pre-race food though, popcorn shrimp and salad with almonds and teriyaki dressing mmm!!!
Kind of shoes you train in?
I have always found Nikes to be the most comfortable however I’m not sure what the shoe itself is classified as but I do get the same kind every time I need a new pair.
Flat course or hills?
Ha! Flat courses of course! (Pun) I’m not a weirdo that likes the pain of going up a steep hill 2.8 miles into a race.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook but to be truly honest, neither. I’m not all that involved in social media.
Hot or cold weather?
I prefer cold weather, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter. I’ve never been severely affected by the weather.
Favorite song at the moment?
"Boys" by Brittany Spears is my favorite song currently :p