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Name: Chris D'Angelo
School: Desert Vista
Chris D'Angelo has played a vital part of the Thunder program since
joining the team as a sophomore in 2014. Last November, Chris finished 14th
at the D1 Cross Country State Championships in a time of 16:21. As a Senior he
made enormous progress for 3200m, with 9:38 at Sun Angel and then a lifetime-best
of 9:29 for 5th place at the State Track and Field Meet.
Q: What was your most memorable race?
A: My most memorable race had to be the state championship my Senior year. My team for the first time in 2 years was the underdog going in and we captured our third in a row state title.
Q: Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?
A: I would say my four biggest competitors would be Matt Anciaux (Desert Vista, Class of 2016), Habtamu Cheney (Desert Vista, Class of 2018), Slade Sumners (Corona Del Sol, Class of 2017), and Luke Mason (Brophy College Prep, Class of 2017).
Q: What was your greatest accomplishment?
A: My greatest accomplishment was to be the first Desert Vista Cross Country athlete to be a part of three state titles in a row, scoring each time.
Q: If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
A: I wouldn't change a thing. My high school running career has made me lifetime friends, taught me numerous lessons, and been a blessing in my life.
Q: What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
A: My junior year I had a grade 3 strain of the Peroneus Longus (Lower leg) in my right leg that sidelined me for the rest of the year. I was in the training room every day until I healed and continued to rehab throughout my senior year to stay healthy.
Q: What will you miss the most about competing for Desert Vista?
A: The team is more than just being on any high school team. I's a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime because each guy on the team is pushing as hard as they can every time they are out there racing and you respect them for that. The bond of DVCC's brotherhood can never be broken and I will miss it dearly.
Q: What advice do you give to the younger athletes at DV?
A: Enjoy your time in high school on such an incredible team. You will miss it when you graduate.
Q: What influence has Coach Hanson had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
A: Coach Hanson has not only put me in a position to continue my running career, but has also been an incredible role model to me in my time at Desert Vista and couldn't be more thankful to have him as my coach.
Q: What are your plans at Grand Canyon University? Do you have a major?
A: My plans are to run Cross Country and Track for GCU and pursue a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Q: Who would you like to thank for your success in high school?
My teammates, family, and coaches have all pushed me to be better.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
A: LOPES UP!!!!!