- 2019 Highlights
Personal Statement
Hi my name is Sam Torres, a senior varsity track and cross country athlete and future 2020 graduate attending Smithson Valley High School, Spring Branch, TX near San Antonio. I serve as the Alpha Company XO in my JROTC battalion, holding leadership to a high standard and investing in my people everyday. I help them improve their marching, military knowledge, and personal excellence. In the last half of 7th grade my family moved here to Texas from Germany where my dad -a pilot instructor in the Air Force for 20 years- was stationed at Ramstein AB. I am looking forward to pursuing an aerospace/aeronautical engineering degree in college and I wish to become a pilot, serve my country, and carry on the legacy of the family.
I have always loved running and am very coachable. I work hard daily to be the best runner on the team. I am team-centered and selfless. I urge my friends to work harder in practice and love to see them improve with me throughout the year. I joined cross country and track as soon it was offered: my 7th grade year when I moved to Texas. I was the slowest on the team my first year of middle school, but by the 8th grade I earned the title of "Most Improved Runner" because I had improved so much that I was in the top of my team. In high school I was the top of my JV team from 9th to 10th grade, and then earned my varsity title in 11th grade. I continually and consistently improve my PR’s year after year. I compete in the largest school level (and the most competitive) in Texas: University Interscholastic League 6A. Last year our team won 1st at Regionals and 5th at State. This year I earned my space on the UIL District 26-6A All District 1st Team and UIL Region IV 6A All Region Team. I was the ONLY varsity boy on our team to qualify and compete in the University Interscholastic League State Meet individually.
Not only do I stay committed and persistent in my varsity sport, but I study and work hard in school as well. This year I was awarded 1st Team Academic All-State while taking AP courses. I believe this award is a reflection of the full dedication I invest towards both academics and athletics, how much I cherish my learning and hold personal growth to a high standard. I have attended several running camps, from the T3 Top Tier Training camp hosted by veteran coaches right here in Texas, to the nationally competitive Air Force Academy Sports Camp I attended last summer. This gave me a feel for the high altitude training and an opportunity to compete with some of the best runners in the nation. I am seeking a college that offers the highest competitive environment for me in both academics and athletics.
