Eric SorensonNobody had to convince Centennial High’s Alex Escobar. The shifty junior running back decided it was time to stretch his legs this so-to-speak as he added track shoes to his collection of football cleats this spring.
After placing first in the 100-meter sprint last Friday at the well-regarded Chandler Rotary Track Meet, it’s safe to say Escobar is picking up his second sport quite nicely which isn’t surprising considering his success away from the athletic fields at CHS.
Just a few of the medalists from the day! Good work and congrats to all the athletes. pic.twitter.com/HX0qjQY8u4
— CoyoteTrack&Field (@YoteTracknField) March 25, 2017
“Track season is going really well,” Escobar said to Sports360AZ.com. “It’s my first season so I’m giving it all I got. Track definitely helps with your speed overall…knee drive. A lot of things that can help you out on the football field, as well.”
Despite his early success, he admits he’s still a work-in-progress when it comes to perfecting his craft in his new sport. Coach Simone Terry has helped work out some of the kinks along the way.
He also believes running track takes a far different mind-set than carrying a football. Escobar admits it was trial-by-fire initially until he adapted to the nuances of track.
“Its very hard, it’s different,” he explained. “My first track meet, [I didn’t] know what to expect. You see a bunch of fast guys. It’s a little bit harder.”
Escobar said his main purpose for joining the Coyotes’ track team was to improve his quickness, as well as blend a different variety of training as he ramps up towards his final prep football season this fall.
After seeing their State Championship three-peat fall just short against Williams Field, the ‘Yotes appear loaded for another deep post-season run.
Proud of my team, we will continue to work hard, next season starts now pic.twitter.com/WHRSYTbGcs
— Alex Escobar (@Alex_Escobar05) November 28, 2016
“We can’t wait to get back on the field and make our city proud.”
It seems Escobar has already made his city proud in a new sport along the way.
