Miguel Gamboa is a sophomore at Granite Hills who enjoys running for the experience, personal growth, and opportunities for his future.
Known for his dedication and determination, Gamboa thrives on challenges that push his limits and achieve personal goals. His love goes beyond the cross-country trails and extends outward toward basketball and track and field. Gamboa exemplifies the spirit of endurance, teamwork, and efforts to motivate others while on the track to success.
“Miguel is such an awesome student and an awesome athlete. He’s always consistent, always willing to put in 100 percent of the work, coach Natalie Guerrero said. “He just has such a great attitude and I think that it is definitely contagious.”
What initially attracted Gamboa to the cross-country trails was his confusion as a freshman about what sport to try. He found his love for the sport grew as time went on. Before race days, he prepares himself mentally by thinking positively and physically by starting a dieting process a week prior by eating clean and cutting out junk and fatty foods.
Gamboa stresses the importance of teamwork as he continues his journey as a second-year runner. There are many levels to being a runner, teamwork is one of many of those levels that are important to him.
“It actually has a major impact when running,” Gamboa said. “When one does not feel like running we are all here to motivate and push each other.”
Gamboa’s aspirations go further than just running at the high-school level; he envisions continuing his journey to a collegiate or competitive level. As time advances he will continue until he feels as if he has met his full potential. From this, he hopes to inspire others in the same community who will eventually also lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
“That is actually one of my biggest goals to try and continue running at the collegiate level,” Gamboa said.
He sees himself meeting new personal best running times this season in hopes of qualifying for the Valley Championship meet. Fueled by the dedication and time he has committed to this season, he is more than ready for what the Valley has in store for him.
Although Gamboa mentions the brighter outlook of this season he also has unforeseen challenges that heavily weigh on him. Things such as slothfulness come into play when having to practice. He openly admits that there are days he feels unmotivated, and he is still finding ways to try and overcome this. Something that does keep him motivated is the joy of reaching a new personal record.
“An obstacle I face are those days where I do not feel like running or doing anything at all,” Gamboa said. “Things that motivate me are meeting new times and goals.
For new runners joining the team, Gamboa believes that by embracing this journey with an open mind and positive outlook you will find success within the sport. A valuable lesson Gamboa has learned is to stay consistent while running.
“Some advice I would give new runners joining the team would be to be patient, stay consistent, stay away from junk food, and enjoy the process,” he said.
The dedication and resilience displayed by Gamboa is a remarkable thing to take note of.
“I can tell when Miguel is around that the rest of the kids kind of follow him,” Guerrero said. “He is such a great leader and he has so many good qualities while adding so much to the team.”
