Bishop Diego cross country captain Liz Verduzco is being recognized as a Santa Barbara Running Co. High School Runner of the Month.
Verduzco is a three-sport athlete who is in charge of leading the Cardinals this fall season.
“Individually, I’m just working on speed because I had an injury two seasons ago in track and it’s been a recovery process,” explains Verduzco. “As a team, we’re working on mechanics a lot and taking care of our bodies. Our speed is definitely increasing as time goes on.”
The senior was an easy choice as team captain according to coaches Patrick Torellas and Rob Beamer because of her great leadership qualities and commitment to the team.
“She just does her job,” Torellas said, describing her as a quiet leader who leads by example.
“Those are the best kind (of leader),” Beamer added.
She takes on many other activities too, as Verduzco is the president of the BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) Club and the Food Lovers Club. Not one to miss out, Verduzco is also in the school choir.?Verduzco wants to become a pediatrician and attended an intense 10-day medical forum at UCLA during her summer vacation. She is applying to pre-med programs this winter.
Verduzco runs year-round and was the recipient of Bishop Diego’s Distance Runner Achievement Award as a junior. She picked up her passion for running from her older brother.
“My older brother used to run cross country and track and I liked watching his discipline growing up. He’s someone I really admire.”
She is currently running six days a week during the cross country season.
“I like that I get a moment of peace with myself. It’s a great stress reliever.”
The High School Runner of the Month award recognizes local prep runners that exemplify the term ?Student-Athlete? by demonstrating leadership and excellence in high school athletics. ?Thanks to?Santa Barbara Running Company??for making this award possible and for supporting local athletes.
Find other Runners of the Month?HERE
