Running has always been a love for first year City College cross-country coach Miguel Galindo.
Galindo said becoming a coach was easy because his motivation and dedication for the game was something he wanted to share with others.
“I wanted to be a part of something,” Galindo said.
Growing up in Oxnard, Galindo is very comfortable with the atmosphere at City College.
“Oxnard is a very diverse city,” said Galindo. “I was raised speaking Spanish but learned about other cultures.”
Besides running, Galindo loves martial arts. Galindo said that he appreciates the art of skill and the determination of mentality of the game. Galindo admits that a guilty pleasure of his is the ultimate fighting competitions.
“I respect the athlete’s work ethic,” said Galindo. “It takes determination to have such endurance.”
Galindo said his appreciation for many sports comes from watching sporting events with his father and brothers. Watching boxing and soccer were some of his favorite past times.
“I loved watching Julio Caesar Chavez in the ring,” he said.
Galindo got his start in running his freshman year of high school as a sprinter. He said the love for long-distance running did not come until his sophomore year.
His older brother, who attended the University of Arizona and ran cross-country, was an influence on his path to cross-country. Galindo said his brother gave him advice that he appreciated.
“It was tough love, but he is the reason I have my strength,” he said.
After high school, Galindo attended Ventura College where he won numerous division titles, including ranking second in the state. But he wanted more.
“I was very dedicated, I wanted to move to the next level.”
Galindo went on to graduate school at Chico State and began coaching track at the high school level. He was an assistant coach for two years and instructed high jumpers and sprinters.
“I believe learning about different aspects of athletics made me a well-rounded coach,” he said.
Galindo said his first year being a coach has been a challenge, but it was a lot better than expected.
“I’m an optimist, but also a realist,” he said.
The members of the cross-country team have finished with great running times.
Five runners will be competing in the state championships. Galindo said that the runners have done a great job putting in the time and effort to achieve their goals.
“They respect me,” he said. “We’re here to do what we need to do.” He went further to say it was his responsibility to make sure they succeed. “It is my job,” he said.
Fabian Arellano, first-year runner for the team, said Galindo has a disciplined technique of coaching, but his tough love pays off in the end.
“He can be a great friend as well,” said Arellano. “He has times when he needs to be a coach and times when he jokes around.”
Arellano also said he is very down to Earth, and has a great attitude.
Another first-year runner, Spencer May, came into the season a little later than anticipated. He said Galindo gave him the motivation to bring his best and compete.
“He is confident in all his runners,” said May. “He pays attention and looks at each individual runner. He believes in everyone.”
The cross-country championships are being held Nov. 17 in Fresno and Galindo has confidence that his team will come out strong.
“These kids have a great future,” he said. “I feel in control and know how much dedication it takes to succeed.”
