“I actually didn’t train at all until this summer,” said Woodland’s All State cross country runner, Samuel Ambrocio.

Ambrocio describes that this was his first summer really spent working towards improving his running technique and speed.

“I would sprint for a minute, then jog for a minute, then repeat the cycle twenty times. I would also do the usual track workouts, but to a much greater extent,” said Ambrocio.

This intense summer training surely paid off, as Ambrocio finished in the top eight out of 117 runners at the SS state cross country meet. Going into the meet, Ambrocio recalls knowing that he was approximately in the top ten, but he didn’t know exactly how the race would play out.

“I just kind of ran, but there was one point where I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it. I was right on the edge, but I managed to pull it off at the end,” said Ambrocio.

He explains that his motivation during his moments of doubt came from knowing that this was his last year and he had never made All State for cross country.

“I saw that I could do it, and I very much could beat some of the people in front of me since I had beat them in the past. I just tried catching up to them; I passed a couple, and eventually got to where I wanted to be.”

Ambrocio reflected on this accomplishment as a goal that he has had since junior year.

“[All state] became a goal when I realized that I was up there with some of the fastest kids in the state. I just stuck with it and kept going.”

Ambrocio’s persistent efforts and unwavering commitment to the sport allowed him to accomplish a major goal and set an example for the rest of his team.

“As a captain, I felt that I had to be a leader. I wanted to show an example of dedication. I aimed to focus on doing well, while also showing good sportsmanship.”

Ambrocio understands that cross country is by no means an easy sport. He is thankful for his accomplishment, and the people who helped him get to that point.

“I am always kind to people, respect what they do, and I always cheer on my teammates. My teammates would also cheer for me which is huge motivation, especially in the last 100, just hearing them yell, I knew I had to perform for them.”