Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

New cross country runner brings home first place

                                                                                           photo courtesy of Kelly Parsley
Freshman cross country runner, Eric Torres poses for a photo after a meet. Torres was named
the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s Runner of the Week last week.

At 6 years old, Eric Torres decided he wanted to follow in his mother’s footsteps as an amazing cross country runner in high school and he has surpassed that goal.

Torres won the men’s 5K at the Wooster Invitational by 13 seconds with a time of 16:38 on Aug. 29 and was named Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s (KIAC) Runner of the Week.

 “I felt accomplished for a split second as I crossed the finish line in first place, and then I was dying for water shortly after,” said Torres, a freshman public relations and advertising major at Point Park.

Leading up to the race, Torres stayed focused, despite being extremely anxious.

“The first race was nerve-wracking. I was terrified to see the outcome, but I was focused to try my hardest,” Torres said.

 Torres’ work ethic and focus is admired by his teammates.

“Eric’s biggest strength as a runner is probably his dedication. He goes up and over what coach asks him to do to get better. He is a great guy because he reaches out to people and is super friendly,” said Heath Hougas, a cross country runner and sophomore psychology major. “As a teammate Eric’s biggest strength is that he will go out of his way to push you to try to be better.” 

“Eric is really humble and doesn’t brag about being good even though he obviously is,” said McKenzie Wilson, a cross country runner and freshman intelligence and national security major. “He also always works really hard and puts forth effort.”

 The dedication has led Torres to success throughout his whole running career.

“My first memory would have to be in seventh grade. It was my very first cross country meet and I was the only one representing my school. I ended up placing first so it wasn’t too bad,” Torres said.

His favorite running memory was when he was at the regional meet in San Antonio, Tx. and he finished with a time of 14:56. “That time is pretty darn fast,” Torres said.

 Being named KIAC’s Runner of the Week, Torres has another accomplishment to add to his list.

“The best part about being named KIAC’s Runner of the Week was that it was unexpected and gave me the confidence to give it my all my freshman year,” Torres said. Torres was congratulated at practice with a big round of applause by the team.

Torres’ decision to come to Point Park was influenced greatly by the new track and field and cross country programs.

“I saw an opportunity at Point Park with the news of a new track program and knew that I could throw in my part to shape it,” Torres said.

So far he’s enjoying his time with the cross country team and is looking forward to track season.

“My favorite part about the team is that we take care of each other and hang out as a family and the best part about the coach is that he can tell a good joke and have us crying of laughter,” Torres said. “Also, my long-distance family will always be there. Whether it’s fall or spring, we’ll be running our miles.”

Torres hopes to make it to nationals in November and his teammates believe this is within reach.

 “Eric is going to be one of the top runners for Point Park, if not the top runner, so he will do wonders for our team,” Hougas said. “I think with Eric leading the team, we could go to Nationals with him individually breaking a school record.”

Torres and the rest of the team are preparing for their next event at the Penn State-Behrend Invitational on Sept. 13.

Torres asks that everyone keeps cheering him and the team on.

 
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