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Max Martinez's Best Marks
800 Meters - 2:02.69
1600 Meters - 4:30.21 (at altitude)
3200 Meters - 9:41.17 (at altitude)
5K Cross Country - 15:17.3
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Tell us first about the decision for Colorado State. What made that the school for you?
It was a tough one at first. I had some options lined up going into this year that made my head spin trying to figure out a decision. I was already leading towards in-state to keep the altitude training strong. However, once I took an official visit up to CSU for the first time, I absolutely fell in love with the campus and the town itself. That's when I knew above all that's where I want to spend my college adventures at. Not only that, I was very pleased with their academic standings and variety of majors and concentrations. I was able to meet with some of the faulty in certain departments which gave me a better understanding of the school's academic rigorousness and benefits that CSU students obtain by attending. Furthermore, I can definitely buy into their young running program. At is already stands, their cross country team has achieved many honors under Coach Siemers and Coach Dahlberg. Two amazing coaches that I've already had the opportunity to know and bond with personally and athletically. Overall, the school and the team, made it feel like home.
What do you plan to study at CSU?
I plan to study Political Science with a Pre-Law emphasis. Haven't figured out a minor yet indefinitely, but I'm leaning towards Criminal Justice, communications, or history. What can I say, I'm a history nerd.
For all for years of your high school career, things have been pretty competitive around the Colorado Springs area, and perhaps especially so with the boys Class of 2017. How has facing these guys week after week after week throughout your high school career shaped you as a runner?
I thank them. They are what keeps things always fresh and interesting throughout the four years of high school experience. Either on the track or an XC course, you never know the definite outcome because we are all so talented and determined to strive to be our best. With that being said, I can say they have pushed me indirectly through training months--either in the summer or winter. When it's been a rough day and my legs feel like lead, a thought creeps into my mind. That thought is that they are working just as hard as I am and taking days off or making excuses means they now have an easy advantage on me coming race seasons. That's something I can't risk.
Your Widefield team finished second at state in cross country this fall. Was that even a dream when you started high school?
It was a dream that became reality. We wanted the title just as much as any other well deserving team out there but our main goal was bringing home a big trophy and we did just that. It felt so good to realize that our hard work has finally paid off as a group. It felt even more thrilling to be the underdogs that nobody really thought had a chance at the big trophies nor saw as big threat and to display what we did at state showed them we meant business. It also felt wonderful to be recognized within our school and most importantly state-wide for our accomplishment. This sets a great motivation for our track team as a whole knowing that we have a good distance crew to help bring home some more big trophies this spring.
What has been the most satisfying moment of your high school career to date?
The long period of time that consisted of watching my team grow over the past four years; growing with them as well. That big moment as a whole. All growing to become better athletes then we were the year before--creating memories along the way. Watching us all succeed when we needed each other the most. Creating a family that has built a legacy for future gladiators to walk in our footsteps and continue our great programs successes. Not only was I honored to lead my team in our first regional title in school history and a state runner-up title, I can end my high school cross country career knowing I gave it my all for the team.
What's still left on the table to accomplish as you enter your final season of high school track and field this spring?
So much is left untouched for me. A good winter training and I'll be more ready than ever. Hopefully create new PR's in all my events--sub 2 in the 800m, 4:22 in the 1600m, and Sub 9:30 in the 3200m. Those are my goals this spring and I know I have every opportunity to achieve them, as well as going for that 3200m title.
