Francis T. Nunez
Best marks in Middle School: 200 meters 28 sec. 400 meters 64.0 , 800 meters 2:35, Mile Run 5:40, 2-Mile 12:16,
*****
I first started running track when I got into the 5th grade. Track quickly became something much more important to me than just an after-school activity. It became my refuge from the pressure of home and school. More importantly, it helped me see the opportunities that the world had to offer.
I have fond memories of spending time with Mr. Alfaro when our whole team squeezed into his minivan and drove all around Los Angeles listening to oldies as we went to track meets. Running provided me with the opportunity to visit and experience other parts of LA, something different from my neighborhood/barrio. From running I learned about the importance of dedication, hard work and education and how those qualities enable you to achieve your goals. Mr. Alfaro’s guidance and support helped me to become my own person, while helping me stay out of trouble and enjoy my childhood. Now that I am an adult, I realize just how important it is to have someone who believes in you. Mr. Alfaro was more than just a coach to me; he was my mentor, and he played an important role in helping shape the person I am today.
Denise Orosco
Best marks in Middle School : 200 meters 31 sec., 400 meters 68 sec. 800 meters 2:38, Mile Run 6:04
*****
Carlos Alfaro, inspired me to always strive for success as a runner. I first began to run with Alfaro when I was in 6th grade. I can remember the time when I first met him, I had never felt so motivated by anyone else. Running grew in my heart and became my passion. Alfaro as a mentor and coach made the sport exciting, we always listened to oldies (specially to Denise Denise by Randy and the Rainbows) and talked about what we can do to better my running. When I first began to run cross country and Track & Field for the West Valley Eagles and Aztlan team(s) I was not the most talented kid in the block, I had my struggles to get to where I wanted to be. Alfaro helped me work on my PR’s (Personal Records) by putting in long hours of practice. When I first began to run, I focused on certain events such as the mile run, and 800 meter run. During my first years of experience I ran 6:04min in the 1500meter run and 2:45min in the 800meter run. One of my favorite events to run was the 400meter run I had a personal best of 1:08min. Alfaro encouraged me to later on continue focusing on that specific event through high school because he saw that was my specialty event. As a sixth grader, I was already set on what I wanted to do through high school and college, which was to further my running career because he helped me grow love for the sport. Running for the West Valley Eagles and Aztlan team(s) was the most amazing experience in my running career. Coming from a low income community I was able to experience being part of such great teams. I am lucky to say that I participated in those teams because not every child in my town had the opportunity to travel around the United States. One of the most memorable moments was when we made it to the Junior Olympics National competition for Cross Country at Albuquerque, NM in 2003. I was so fortunate to compete and represent the West Valley Eagles. It was also my first time traveling outside of town, I was completely thrilled to see what it was like to travel around the United States. I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas for the first time and compete in the Regional Finals in 2003. I am really thankful for everything Alfaro did for me. He helped me stay motivated not only through intermediate school but also in high school. When I began running for Bell Gardens High School it was a big drastic change from what I was used to. I no longer had Alfaro to coach me day to day and I began to realize I was on my own. I wished that he would have coached my high school team at the time. I learned to work with a different coaching staff and eventually adapted to their way of coaching. All through my years in high school Alfaro checked in with me and continued helping me better my running with his words of wisdom. I continued to focus on the 800meter run and improved to have a PR of 2:24min and a 400meter PR of 1:00min. Without Alfaro’s coaching help I would of never had found myself in running and I might of ended up doing something else through high school. Having been part of Alfaro’s team, I felt like I had someone who watched over me and helped me stay out of trouble. I am really happy to have the opportunity to have met Alfaro. He not only helped me develop into a strong runner physically but most importantly mentally. Alfaro's words of wisdom helped me carry motivation throughout every single run. Alfaro's passion for Track & Field and Cross-Country made me feel inspired to one day become like him. Helping the community is what he does best, by filling hundreds of people with smiles and motivation. Alfaro is my idol. He has inspired me with his kind heart and passion for running. I truly appreciate his uniqueness ability to design and run such amazing teams by giving every student the ultimate running experience. As an adult, I can proudly say I am extremely happy to have made the right choice to continued running because it changed my life for the better.
Denise Orozco
02'-10'
Brenda G. Odell
Best marks in Middle School: 200 meters 32.0, 400 meters 73 sec. 800 meters 2:46, Mile Run 6:30
Mr. Alfaro was my teacher, coach, and mentor. For years I struggled with my weight. When I entered 5th grade, I had the pleasure to be part of Mr. Alfaro’s class. He introduced me to his “fitness walking” program. Mr. Alfaro initially asked me to walk loops around the school. It didn't take him long to get me to start running. I later joined the BGI track team and cross country team. Mr. Alfaro traveled everywhere in his little mini-van filled with Bell Gardens runners. He was so encouraging. Now that I am an adult all realize all this man did for us. He kept us out of trouble and most importantly gangs. Through the influence of running he helped us surpass the temptations of gangs, violence, and drugs. To this day (11 years later) I continue to “Run for Fun”. Thank you Mr. Alfaro, I no longer carry cheese cakes in my lunch bags…
Raúl Hernandez Rodriguez.
Best Marks: 200 meters 26.0, 400 meters 54.0, 800 meters 2.00.0 Mile Run 4:18, 5K Run 14:40, 10K 30:04
I was born in Guadalajara Jalisco in September 18th of 1958.
I used to go to L.A Each 6 Months, because at that Time I Had Three Brothers and my Mothers used to live in Bell Gardens.
Brothers used to live in Bell Gardens.
While I was staying with them, I used to go and do my work out at the Bell Gardens track. One day while I was training somebody was watching me; and he waited until I finished then he came to me and introduced himself that moment is when I met Carlos Alfaro a very polite person and also friendly . He invited me to run for Aztlán that for me I told him was an honor I don’t remember exactly the time, but I was in the year of 1983 more or less.
After that I went back to Guadalajara I was participating in races. (Street, cross country, track)
I was studying in the faculty of law; and working in a part time job.
In the year of 1985 approximately in July’s because of economic problems and my Fathers die; I had to do something to help my mother and all my family, I decided to go to work at Los Angeles California, when I was there after I work in a different jobs, I contacted Carlos Alfaro and he gave me advises and oriented me to go in my free time to study English; one day I got to injured of my back in a job and I was of out running almost for a year, Carlos and Frank Meza helped me getting me a chiropractic; until I get recovered.
After that I got back to run; Carlos took me with the coach of the trade tech college, I studied and worked and worked there during two years I ran for the college I got the third place at the cross country championship national final 1988.
In the next year at the national track and field championship final I was sub champion in 5000 meters and third in 10000 meters. I also set a college record in 10000 meters thousand meters with my personal best time 30mint.34
Well that’s what I did at the trade tech college, during my time that I was there; I want to mention a special thanks to mike Breton a manager assistant; and a bell Ortega Coach Assistant; true friends, very Leal and wonderful people.
After that I was transfer to the California state university of the Angeles, where the things didn’t go well, suddenly the coach tool it personal with me, he treated me very rear, so I was losing motivation I felt rejected; briefly I didn't achieve some friends in the team.
Well is past time I can’t tell details, everything is gone.
After this I went back to Guadalajara I want to express all admiration to the Doctor Frank Meza that was a special guy that helped me a lot.
Carlos Alfaro is a person that when he gives you advises, at the same time he is very hum bolt.
I want to say that Carlos Alfaro is my brother, my friend and my family
Jacqueline Gutierrez
Best Marks:
We are entirely in charge of our own destiny. Mistakes enhance our character and choices alter our future.
I was named after a protagonist who starred in a television novel that my mom loved. My name is Jacqueline Gutierrez. My birth is a blur, but according to my parents, Irma and Raul Gutierrez, I was born in the city of Van Nuys, November 16 of the year 1996. At the age of four, it was no longer just my older brother, David, and me. I gained a playmate, my baby brother Cesar. My mom did a great job raising all three of us in order to get along. We fought the necessary, and yet never made my mom yank her hairs off.
I grew up in Bell Gardens, CA. From what I can remember, my life felt perfect, and serene. A repetitive cycle of: school, homework, television, sleep began in Garfield Elementary school, when I was about five. My mom tells me, I was an avid student, never the brightest, but full of grit and eager to increase my learning capacity. I was always the smallest, size and age wise. I was the quiet, shy one that sat in the back of class. Even from that early childhood, I found it difficult to feel accepted. I replaced my insecurities from school with ball games frequently practiced with my brothers.
I proceeded with the vicious learning cycle at Bell Gardens Intermediate School feeling small and inferior. I was fortunate to still have David in my school for his last year; I always relied on him for everything. He was three years older than me, so when he left, Cesar would shortly join me. In my 6th grade Health & Nutrition class, I met this unique, jolly teacher, Mr. Alfaro. He was full of stories and was cherished by the entire school faculty and students. Meeting him gave an instant impression of familiarity, and speaking to him was like listening to an encyclopedia. He was a breathing treasure box that spilled adulation and memories to the ears of children. One day he passed out fliers to join the Run4fun program. I was already hypnotized by the way the class was run; I quickly filled one out. It was my first official sport, and I was the only girl, besides the temporary couple of girlfriends that would practice for a week and quit. I ran my first race and in a heartbeat, it had finished. To my dismay, I ended up in 4th place. Everyone was surprised, including myself. I remember my parents giving me pep talk, prior to my competition. They didn’t expect much from me, for they were oblivious to the damage I could do to a race course. I don’t blame them, I was the same. That unexpected day opened the doors for me. I came familiar to a new passion, it became the beginning to a unique love, to an empowered side of me. When I raced, my bashful mask decayed, I would eagerly transform into an aggressive character when competing.
I entered the large gates of Bell Gardens High School feeling insignificant. Like always, my guardian angel Mr. Alfaro encouraged me to join cross country and track, he assured me I wouldn’t regret it. I started late compared to the entire team who had efficiently been practicing every day of summer. I was already behind. After a few months of practice, my life began to bloom. I began growing wings. That year, I was Almont League Champion for Cross Country and for track and field for the 1600m. I felt like a champion, I felt I had found my niche. I was a Sophomore and I was eager to reenact my first year. Unfortunately, I got injured, plantar fasciitis paused my legacy to be. It was a sharp pain that ached when I tried taking a step. Thanks to my caring watcher and his wise rehabilitation methods; I recovered in time for track season. I was league Champion for the 800m and I had qualified for CIF.
Junior year came; I was prepared mentally and physically. But my world seemed to slowly turn. I had too much on my plate, and I experienced difficulties trying to balance school, a social life, and my sport. There were days that I couldn’t practice with the team because I was stuck taking extra classes. That delayed me a lot, even though I tried staying in shape; I was behind. I felt the heat and pressure of the oncoming season. I was no longer prepared, and I suffocated every time a day passed by. My unbalanced schedule caused me to get injured because of the days I would try to make up for the time I had lost. I had a knee injury that lasted all of cross country season. I decided to redeem myself during track season. Ready to overcome the obstacles of life, I entered with a focused mind. Just a few months into the season, I began going farther and farther from where I needed to be. I felt tiered and unexplainably weak. When we practiced anaerobic workouts, I finished in last. It was a radical change for me that I couldn’t to get myself to understand. My high school coach, Mr. Espinoza told me I was just out of shape. But it didn’t make sense to me. It was the first time in my running career that I had such a harsh downfall. I went from running in the lead with the guys to jogging behind all of the girls. I would cry after every practice. I couldn’t hit the times I was supposed to. Stress became my companion, and crying became a hobby. The season didn’t give me time to brace myself. I had constant headaches, and I always felt sick. I eventually went to the hospital. I was diagnosed with anemia and prohibited from running for at least two weeks. I recovered, and I craved running more than a hound craves a piece of meat. The season was nearly over, but I came back in time to run league finals. I finished in 2nd place for the 800m. I was a tenth of a second from winning that race. A blink of an eye was what separated me from total victory. Tears were no exception to me that day. I eventually accepted it, and looked forward to the banquet. I had a collection of trophies, one for every season, all cherished on my drawer of fame. Sad to say, it was my first banquet that I left home empty handed.
The following week, I found myself in the hospital once more. This time it was more severe. I traveled in an ambulance with oxygen pumping through my nostrils and warm blood slithering into my veins. My anemia had worsened, and if I didn’t get that blood transfusion, my life would have been shortened along with my fantasies of running and competing as a professional. I was in there for four eternal days. Thanks to three pints of blood, I was able to go home. Mr. Alfaro along with my family never abandoned me in my frightening experience. For that I am grateful. I still had anemia, and I really needed to take a break from running. With time I got healthier. I was ready for my last year. Unfortunately, I just wasn’t the same. It seemed as if I was cursed with bad times and awful races. I was mentally broken down and I felt replaced. Track only got a bit better. I finished my last year, not how I would have wanted but enough to satisfy my coach.
I thankfully graduated, and am going to attend UC Santa Barbara. Majoring in Biology, and hopefully continuing to run in college. My adventures are about to begin. And thanks to my guardian angel, Mr. Alfaro who always believed in me, through thin and thick, I can go to college knowing I did something right.
Tommy Milan (only photo available)
Best Marks:
The sixties were a decade of turmoil, radicals, along with civil unrest.
Tommy was born Caborca Mexico, in February 13, 1960. His family migrated to East Los Angeles California. As a child, Tommy developed a long life condition called asthma which continued to haunt him throughout his running career. Tommy has three brothers, Jimmy, Jose and Raul. He also has two sisters Connie and Cynthia.
During Tommy’s early years he attended Harrison School and Malabar Elementary.
Tommy attended Belvedere Junior High School. His PE teacher was also a junior high school track coach by the name of Mr. Steve Wright. Mr. Wright noticed Tommy’s style of running, he asked Tommy to join the Belvedere Comets.
By the time Tommy completed his seventh year, he was a recipient for the most coveted Junior High School Award for track and field and MVP.
We met Tommy on the Cal State Track Stadium in 1974. He was awed when he saw top national distant runners. So he asked to join Aztlan Running Club. Tommy was impress by the 5:30 mile pace that we would maintain. Tommy would jump into the pace and made it effortless. This kid had talent and he would even come over and join our evening sessions.
We signed Tommy up in some 5k runs. Tommy would eat it up and he would continue to shine on. In the longer distances, Tommy made it look easy. He ran with authority. We began our summer from Santa Barbara to San Diego every other week. That year we ran the Montebello Classic 10 Miler. Tommy posted the best prep time of 54:30 for 10 miles. Now that was 5:30 for each mile. That is the pace we train most of the time in our workouts. Of course, the other days we train for recovery.
Tommy attended Roosevelt High School that fall in 1974. He was the school’s second man varsity cross country as a sophomore. As an eleventh grader Tommy was number one, running 15:15 at Pierce College in the Los Angeles City Finals.
During the fall of his senior year, he developed shin splints which held him back from cross country.
During the spring of track, he went to City in the 2 mile where he ran 9:52. During that year, he also ran the 880 and the mile. His best 880 was 2:10 and his best mile was 4:42. Years later, I asked Tommy how much he warmed up before competition, He stated he never did plus he always carried his inhaler.
At his graduation from Roosevelt, he was a recipient for a scholarship award sponsored by Aztlan Running Club. I did not know that Aztlan Running Club gave out the award that year and Tommy did receive it.
After his graduation, Tommy attended East Los Angeles College, he tried running but needed to work to support his mom and only attended school. After he found his niche, he became a well skilled mechanic. In 1985, he married and help raise three kids, Tommy, Vanessa and David.
Tommy never lost interest in athletics. A few years ago, he was in the hospital for a whole week due to his asthma. Now, in his early fifties, Tommy runs 6 miles daily, Tommy also sponsors annually to our Aztlan Running Club. He still carries his inhaler and he is cutting down on it gradually.