Page 48 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2024 - Online Magazine

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Senior
Senior

Ryun Martinez & Krysa Villegas

High School

Coaches as Mentors

Coach Ryun Martinez & Jax Alford
by Jax and Presley Alford

Teachers and coaches are essential in of education and coaching after
inspiring future generations, many being inspired by his coach who
of whom become leaders who have took the time to mentor him during
the potential to change the world. high school. His ability to relate
They embody the true qualities of to athletes like us developed a
a leader and try to impart wisdom positive and powerful environment
to their young students before they to improve us physically, mentally,
enter the world at large. Throughout and emotionally. Coach Martinez is
our high school career, two coaches an unshakeable force in the lives of
have inspired us to better ourselves his students, to help guide them to a
through their constant presence in better, healthier life.
our lives, to strengthen our minds
and to improve our attitudes toward Jax: Presley and I are greatly
life. Ryun Martinez and Krysa inspired by his coaching, but the
Villegas represent the true character most influential moment for me
of a coach, dedicating themselves to was a random track practice during
mentoring students like us to be the the winter holiday. Unfortunately, Coach Krysa Villegas & Preslry Alford
best we can be. I lost track of time and was late for
practice. Coach Martinez sacrificed
Coach Ryun Martinez devotes his his time off to stay late and allow satisfied with mediocrity in any area
life to the growth and development me the opportunity to practice. His of my life.
of his athletes. Our admiration for form of “boot camp” challenged
Coach Martinez emerged during me even beyond physical success. Presley: A distinct moment of our
middle school from his coaching I appreciate his advice on hard close relationship formed during one
techniques that refused the idea work and continuing to power of my first track practices. When I
of quitting and by sharpening through situations no matter the was running, Coach Martinez asked
our minds to push through the circumstances. Coach Martinez my teammate for my name before
pain to achieve higher goals. His makes connections with each of his he jokingly said, "Elvis, you run like
perseverance is shown through his students that are unique to them and a princess." Initially, I was puzzled
treatment of his students and his their personalities. Coach Martinez when he called me "Elvis," but later
attitude in his own life experiences. has put in the time, effort, and late I realized he was referring to Elvis
Coach Martinez chose the path practices to ensure I was never Presley. That amusing moment

48 Lubbock Senior Link