Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Herbie Alvarez

The Oswego East boy's cross country team has been making noise throughout the early part of the season. With a state ranking inside the top 10 and a national ranking inside the top 40, the expectations put on the Wolves' from the outside are heavy, to say the least. However, this close-knit unit has not allowed outside noise to dictate their expectations, and for senior Herbie Alvarez and his teammates, the bond they have created provides all the support they need as they look to etch their name in the school's history book.

Herbie started running track in junior high as a way to get involved in the school. "In 6th grade, it was either cross country or wrestling, and being only 90 pounds at that point, I thought my better option was running," says Herbie.

Entering high school, Herbie continued running, allowing him to grow as a person and a runner. "Herbie has shown so much growth over the years," says head coach, Jim Milner. He goes on to add, "I've seen him come in as a freshman who kind of liked to run, to a senior who is as fierce of a competitor and dedicated teammates as anyone in the program."

Herbie and his teammate's competitive spirit have helped drive them into one of the top programs in the entire state. However, it is an internal motivation, rather than outside expectations, that drives this team to succeed. "This team has had high expectations for themselves since day one," says Jim. He goes on to say, "It's no secret we are a good team and have an opportunity to accomplish more than others in the past. However, the outside expectations of others must not affect what the team does daily."

For Herbie, the team bonding experience is what he enjoys most about cross country, despite outside observers believing cross country to be an individual sport. "This team is close, everyone treats everyone like family," says Herbie.

Herbie and the other leaders on the team have used that bond to build a culture that is about bettering yourself every single day. "For this group, and any group for that fact, to be successful they must continue to focus on their process," says Jim. He goes on to add, "The routines and approaches that have made up the team's program are the same routines and the same approach that will continue to make them successful."

Over the last four years, Herbie has bought into the process, so much so that he is one of the leaders for the highly ranked Wolves. Herbie's mother, Bessie Alvarez, credits Herbie's growth to the hard work he has put in the last four years. "Cross country has taught Herbie hard work, discipline, and teamwork," says Bessie. She goes on to add, "It has matured him mentally and physically. It has taught him not only that success is an output of his input that failure is also a part of life."

Any failure Herbie and the Wolves have incurred have only pushed them to work harder and trust the process more. Herbie's hard work has earned him a personal record of 15:03 in the 3200m and a 4:36.80 in the 1600m at Deteweiller Park, the state course for cross country. Herbie was an all-conference runner in both cross country and track last season, and is hopeful to earn all-state honors in cross country this season, a feat which requires him to place in the top 25 as an individual at the state meet.

Herbie's hard work has also put him in a position to run at the collegiate level, and he will be taking an official visit to Bowling Green University later this year. He is also looking at Illinois State University, Indiana State University, as well as a few others. "Herbie can run for any of those schools," says Jim. He goes on to add, "He can run at any level and he has the mindset to do so as well. Cross country is a sport where you can get out of it what you put into it. Herbie has shown he is willing and able to put all the pieces together, and with that continued approach hew will be successful in everything he does."

As a student at OE, Herbie has taken advantage of the many elective opportunities the school offers and found a passion for sports management and business. Herbie's Pre-Calculus teacher, Adam Thurlwell, believes Herbie has the make-up to succeed in either area, saying, "I think Herbie's demeanor and work ethic will take him anywhere. The positivity he embodies every day is something any company or employer wants. The sky is the limit for him."

Although outside noise can sometimes distract a team from the process, the 2019 Wolves are doing all they can to make sure their success is driven from within. As someone who has seen the positive impacts of participating in a sport, Herbie advises future Wolves by saying, "Get involved and get into as many clubs and sports." The 2019 cross country team is an example of a group of young people participating and working hard towards a goal, one, if they achieve, will etch their name into the OE history books.