Matt Cortez Kicks

Matthew Cortez is a senior who joined the team last year. He has really stepped up to be consistently one of the top 3 runners this year. He is into tae kwon do and has a younger brother who also runs.

KXC: Matt, Bri is going to be mad if you don’t mention her. Is there anything you would like to mention about her?

Matt: I just remember that one time we first ran together, with Jamadio and that was my first time to finish 12 miles.

KXC: Why did you start running cross country?

Matt: Last year, Emilio told me to start up because it was an energy boost for endurance.

KXC: What do you like most about running?

Matt: I think more about times. I always look down at my watch to make sure I’m going to make it.

KXC: What are your time goals for this season?

Matt: To break 16 for 3 miles would be a good accomplishment.

KXC: How about tomorrow at Clear Creek? Do you think you could break 16 there?

Matt: My leg is stopping me right now but I think if I do my best I can break it.

KXC: The leg?

Matt: No, the time.

KXC: Who is your greatest influence when it comes to athletics?

Matt: Steven Lopez, the gold medalist in tae kwon do. He shows you that anything is possible.

KXC: What do you think is going to happen for the boys’ team at District?

Matt: I know for a fact we’re going to get first, team wise. At regionals we will dominate.

KXC: Is there anything you wished I would have asked you that I didn’t?

Matt: How many days I’ve run?

KXC: Well, how many?

Matt: 68 today.

Coach Dye: That beats my record by 11 days.

KXC: Good luck tomorrow. I hope your leg feels great and you break 16.