Jun 02, 2021

Jerrick Maldonado

Jerrick Maldonado is a young man that is already known around the state for being a fierce competitor and a history of sportsmanship that has garnered national attention. Jerrick has consistently proven to be one of the top athletes in the state with his current 5A lead in the 800m (1:55) and 3200m (9:53) and today we get to know more about his motivations, favorite hobbies, and even what superfood is apart of his pre-race snack in our New Mexico's Getting To Know Series.

When did you first start competing in track and field, and do you recall any of your childhood competitions?

I remember I started in 7th grade. Even though I was a distance runner they would always put me in sprinting events.

Was there a certain moment when you realized you'd be able to compete at such a high level?

I think the moment I realized I would compete at a high level was Freshman year of High School. I realized that if I was capable of beating guys 3 years older than me, that I could get pretty fast in my later years of High School.

What are some bumps in the road that you've encountered when it comes to training for different events during the season?

Honestly just staying healthy and avoiding injury. Although I do not get injured often, I still get somewhat hurt from training; I would usually sit out a meet.

How did COVID impact your training as you prepared for the season?

It definitely made training harder, and when I wasn't hitting the times that I had the years before; it made me lose motivation to keep going. I did not set any goals to reach for XC season, so I did not perform as well as I should have.

If you had to pick: Track and Field or Cross Country, and why?

I love XC because it feels more like a family than track. However, I love track way more because even though I'm good at running a 5k; I like to consider myself more of a middle-distance runner. I excel more in the mile and 800 than the 2-mile or 5k.

How is the college recruiting process going, and what schools are you looking at?

I have actually committed to Adams State University in Alamosa Colorado.

Where are you going to college? If you have already committed, what made you choose them?

I chose Adams because the environment and feel of the place just felt right to me, and of course the prestigious running program.

Is there another track event you wish you were good at? What is appealing about it?

I wish I was good at a field event such as long jump. All I do is running events and even though I enjoy it, it would be cools to switch it up sometimes.

What are some hobbies and interests you have outside of running?

I enjoy writing, I have a journal in which I write poetry. I also love going camping and walking with my dogs.

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model would probably have to be my parents and my coach. I look up to both of them and how they have lived their lives. I realized that I want to be successful like they are.

Everyone has a bucket list, so give us some of the things on your list!

I have never been to Yellow Stone National park. As a child, I would always watch Animal Planet instead of cartoons. Ever since then I have always wanted to visit Yellow Stone.

What is the best advice you have received?

My coaches have always given me good advice but the one that sticks with me the most that both my coaches and parents tell me is to "Push through, no matter how hard it gets".

What is your favorite pre-race snack, tradition, etc.?

Chicken Nuggets

If you could do a sport other than XC/Track, what sport would it be, and why?

Before running I actually played soccer and I played for years. I made the high school team as an 8th grader and it was really fun. I quit and decided to commit to running though. However, if I could do another sport it would most definitely be soccer. It is just such a beautiful sport.