Hello there, Milesplit! It’s been a while since my last journal, and a lot has happened! I’ll
give a brief overview of what’s gone on this past month and a half before getting into Heisman
weekend in NYC! (Photo above: the top 12 finalist at the top of Rockefeller Center)
I believe I last talked about my Sectional race and the week heading into the State meet.
The Division II race at state went out slowly and in a large pack. I took the lead about a mile out,
but unfortunately it wasn’t my day and I ran out of gas in the last stretch. While I really wanted
to get the win, Brandon Kocmoud ran a tremendous race and I couldn’t ask for the title to go a
better runner or nicer person! I was extremely proud of my team for rising to the occasion,
despite some adverse events, and securing the team title. I was especially proud of Dylan Souza
for running an incredibly gutsy race only three days after surgery!
Heading into Nike Southwest, I was having some very strong workouts and looking
forward to running fast on a quick course and against some formidable competition. However,
the dreaded flu had other plans as it came back with a vengeance and ruined all the fun. I decided
to take a couple weeks off and try to get healthy and regroup. I really want to end my high school
cross country career on a high note, so I’ll be running at the USA Junior XC Championships in
February as part of preparation for track!
I’ve definitely enjoyed the mental and physical break the last few weeks have provided;
it’s particularly nice not to have to worry about getting enough sleep or eating healthy! This past
weekend was an awesome reward for a long fall as I had the chance to go to New York City! A
couple weeks ago, we had a surprise assembly at my school and I learned I was one of 6 male
national finalists for the Wendy’s High School Heisman award, an honor that recognizes
excellence in academics, athletics, and community/school involvement. I was blown away and
really excited to hear that I’d get the chance to fly to New York for Heisman weekend! While my
break from training prevented me from packing the tights, gloves, and running shoes, it turns out
I wouldn’t have had any time to head out for a run anyways, as the Wendy’s people really had a
lot planned for us!
My family and I landed in NYC Thursday afternoon and were pleasantly surprised when
we were met at the airport by a driver from Capricorn Limousine Services! Susan from Wendy’s
recommended we get a good night’s sleep because the rest of the weekend would be largely
sleep-free, so after a quick dinner we took her advice and went to bed! At brunch on Friday
morning, we met the other 11 national finalists and their families, as well the past high school
Heisman winners. (One of the coolest things about being the overall winner is that they fly you
back to New York for the weekend every year!) The remainder of Friday was spent sightseeing,
as we went to the top of the Rockefeller building, saw Christmas Spectacular at Radio City
Music Hall, and had lunch at Mickey Mantle’s.
After eating dinner in the same room as the four collegiate Heisman candidates, we all
ventured across the street to the Best Buy Theater in Times Square. It was very interesting to
watch the video profiles of each finalist and see what their lives are like. All of them are
extremely impressive students, athletes, and citizens. I certainly was more than happy to be a
part of such a multi-talented group and be in New York for the weekend! When it was announced
that I was the national winner, I was simply overwhelmed! It was incredible to share that
experience with my family (including my brother, aunt, uncle, and grandma who had made the
trip down for the night!) and all of the new friends I’d made on the trip. The rest of the weekend
was a jam-packed blur, including midnight pizza runs, authentic Italian cuisine in Little Italy, a
moving tour of Ground Zero, and prime seats (and several seconds of airtime) at the collegiate
Heisman ceremony on Saturday night! It was a great couple of days and I was sad to leave the
city and head back to reality (and finals) in Tucson. (Photo below: the 6 male finalist posing with the Collegiate Heisman Trophy)
What this award really does is reflect back on the people who have worked hard to ensure
I have success in the different areas of my life. I cannot thank my family (particularly my brother
and dad) enough for what they have done for me, as well as my coach, Doug Keen, and my
teammates and friends. The Arizona running community is an incredible group of kind,
supportive people and all of them have helped me a great deal over the years. Margot Kelly does
so much for the sport and has such a refreshing enthusiasm and passion for cross country and
track and field that is contagious! I’d also like to thank Jessica Tonn, as I wouldn’t have even
heard of the Wendy’s Heisman if it weren’t for her success last year! (One of the cool parts of the
weekend was meeting former Footlocker champion and Heisman winner Kathy Kroeger, now
Jessica’s teammate at Stanford!)
(Photo above: Abby Badura (female Heisman High School Winner), Cam Newton (Heisman Winner) and Rex Woodbury (male Heisman High School Winner)
Lastly, I’d like to mention that a surprisingly disproportionate number of the finalists last
weekend were cross country and track and field athletes. I think that the discipline and work
ethic that’s critical for success in our sport translates well into other areas of life. It’s so
important to use the drive and commitment that running demands also in school and in giving
back to the community. This makes a well-rounded, successful, balanced, and happy person. The
running community (particularly in Arizona) is filled with friendly, caring, supportive individuals
and I’m really fortunate that I’ve been able to get to know some of them! Great job to the
Arizona runners at State, Nike Southwest, and Footlocker West. Congratulations to Alejandro
Valencia and Bernie Montoya for strong performances at NXN and to Billy Orman for a great
conclusion to an incredible season! Have a safe and fun holiday and I look forward to seeing all
of you out on the roads and trails this winter, and then on the track in the spring!
-Rex