By Scott Metz

Altus High School junior Santiago Guerrero can be considered a veteran of Boys Cross Country, having been involved in the sport since the age of 12, starting cross country in the seventh grade. In addition to Cross Country, Santiago plays striker in soccer, and has been a soccer player since he learned to walk.

When it comes to who his biggest role model is, Santiago looks towards his family. Santiago proclaimed, “My dad is my biggest role model. My dad had coached me, all my life, until high-school, he taught me to be mentally tough, and that there is nothing unattainable, as long as you’re willing to put in the time and make the sacrifices for what you want.”

Many student athletes have a coach or teacher that has had a last impact on them. Santiago stated, “Coach Reyna has definitely had the biggest impact on my life. He has coached me in soccer since freshman year and in cross country since sophomore year. He wakes up at 3:00 AM. lifts, then runs eight miles each day with no excuses, which always motivates to me finish, even when I am pushed to the limit.”

In terms as to what it has taken Santiago to become a success at soccer, Santiago accounted, “It has taken a lot of practice, but I am not nearly as successful as I’d like to be. In order to have gotten where I am today, took more discipline than I ever thought I had.”

Besides Boys Cross Country for Altus High School, and a soccer player for the Altus High School soccer team, Santiago is a referee for the Altus Soccer Club.

After graduating from high school, Santiago plans on pursuing higher education. Santiago stated, “After I graduate from Altus High School, I would like to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. I am not sure where yet I will attend, but I do want to become a real estate agent, and get into business.”