REEDLEY – When that opening shot gets fired off into the air, signaling the start of another race, Reedley High cross-country runner Mauricio Herrera takes off in a flash. And in his senior season, Herrera is dashing his way towards possible glory.
So far, in his first three races, Herrera has flown to the top of the leader boards with top five finishes, showcasing his consistency and tremendous endurance.
“I just want to make a statement this year that I want to be the best and try to make the top-10 at state, and that’s always been my goal since I got here,” said Herrera.
According to Athleticnet.com, Herrera came in 4th in the 2 miles (9.20.6) at the Fleet Feet Summer Sizzle on Aug. 9. Then came 2nd place finishes in the 5000 meters at the Sanger XC Invitational (15.48.2) on Sept. 12, and at the 22nd Annual Golden Eagle Invitational (Varsity Small) (16.14.7) on Sept. 26.
With his gigantic strides this season, Herrera wants to make his final season with the Pirates one for the record books. And even though this Reedley team doesn’t sail entirely on his breeze, Herrera undoubtedly guides them on the best trajectory towards the finish line.
“He helps all of us be better by motivating us every single day, whether it’s during workouts or just tips on shoes, equipment or anything we need,” said teammate Justin Villa. “We help him by keeping him motivated and striving for something greater.”
As Reedley gets deeper into their season, a strong push down the home stretch will make them a tough team to run off the course once the conference championship meets roll around. And with that final leg of the season still to be taken, Herrera expects to remain front and center of the rest of the field.
“Im gonna try to get first at league, but I want my teammates to get more motivated,” said Herrera.
Herrera’s racing journey started when his parents saw something in him that beckoned his future calling on the race course. And ever since the third grade, he hasn’t slowed down for anyone.
“My parents have always told me to run,” said Herrera. “It just motivated me.”
But there were times when Herrera questioned whether this was what he was destined to do. His first love, basketball, had him wondering if he should lace up the Air Jordans rather than the running sneakers. But Herrera stuck it out, and he’s never regretted the decision.
“I did basketball first, and that’s always been my main sport,” said Herrera. “And then I noticed that I got better in cross-country, so I just quit basketball.”
Herrera transferred to Reedley from Orange Cove High after 2022. His initial success in running didn’t initially come as fast as his current race times. There were some divots in the road that had to be hurdled, as Herrera participated in multiple sports, making it challenging to focus on just running.
But when Herrera finally dropped the other sports, and committed himself to cross-country full time, he eventually became the team captain and an inspirational leader.
“The biggest thing is his commitment – he really bought in,” said Reedley High Cross-County Coach Robert Jarrett. “It took him probably the first semester when he came over to really believe, so he never set his mind to one thing; and ever since then, you see him accelerate.”
