Every month we recognize two student-athletes, one male and one female. This month, we recognize freshman Jake Galdamez.

Jake Galdamez, a freshman at Birmingham Community Charter High School, competes in middle-distance events on the frosh/soph track team. He began his running journey in cross country and continues to train actively, embracing the simple style yet rewarding art of the sport.

Q: Why did you choose Track and Field?

A: I chose Track and Field because I really enjoyed cross country. I liked cross country since it was simple—I just needed to run a couple of miles.

Q: What events do you run?

A: I run the 1600m, also known as the mile.

Q: Do you prefer Cross Country or Track and Field?

A: I prefer cross country because I enjoyed all the places we got to visit during the season.

Q: What was your favorite memory from this season?

A: My favorite memory was running my personal best in the mile and getting to hang out with my teammates after the meet.

Q: What is your mile time?

A: My fastest mile time is 6 minutes and 10 seconds..

Q: What is your favorite meet you’ve been to?

A: I really liked the Taft meet, even though it was ruined by the rain. I thought the school was really nice and clean. Afterwards my mom got me Panda Express.

Q: Do you like the new track Birmingham has?

A: I really like the new track. Supposedly, it doesn’t form puddles or get slippery when it rains. I also like the color blue.

Q: What inspires you to keep training and getting better?

A: I really like seeing myself improve, it gives me a reason to keep trying.

Q: What do you do the day before your races?

A: I usually have a lucky meal that’s high in carbs, like pasta. I like going to Olive Garden and getting pasta with marinara sauce.

Q: Will you continue to do track next year?

A: Yeah, I want to continue. I’m even thinking about trying the 2-mile, also known as the 3200m.