Alex Mandujano

From Coach Utley- Alex Mandujano’s Cross Country Coach

In the face of such sudden loss, I would like to focus on the joy and the positivity of Alex’s life and the impact he had on his coaches and teammates. The words that come to mind when we think of Alex are committed, dedicated with an amazing work ethic and goal-oriented. He always did more than what was expected, and always pushed himself beyond the limit. He was continually looking for ways to improve himself, whether it be a new diet, a different pair of shoes or a stricter regimen or training plan.
His goal this last season in cross country was to run a 17 minute 5k. After opening the season with a 19:29, he worked tirelessly to improve and dropped his time over two minutes, running a 17:23 at the regional meet. His goal for the upcoming season was to run a low 16 or even 15. He was already making a plan to achieve this and we have no doubt he would have reached this goal.
Alex was mature beyond his years. For example, while most freshman would have been up pushing the limits and trying to stay up past curfew on their first overnight trip, Alex was already asleep when coaches did room checks at the regional meet. He was intent on being rested and ready for the next days’ race. He was meticulous about what he ate and what he put in his body, rarely eating fast food but instead eating healthy. He even made his own peanut butter because he thought the store bought kind had too many unhealthy ingredients and chemicals.
Alex and his twin brother Michael were freshman on a varsity team, meaning they were the youngest of the group. However, they didn’t let their youth dictate how they approached practices and races. Seeing his great potential early on, Alex’s coaches encouraged him to challenge his older teammates. He did not disappoint, becoming the varsity’s #3 runner, behind only Jackson and Eric. However, Alex looked up to his older teammates. While watching Jackson and Eric receiving their medals at the district meet for placing in the top 10, he said “Coach, I will be standing up there next year”. And every day he worked tirelessly to make that goal a reality.
Alex... your coaches and your teammates love you and we have no doubt that you would have reached that goal and every other goal you set for yourself. We will miss you every day, but know that you will be the wind at our backs and the voice in our ears pushing us forward towards the finish line. Your spirit will live on and you will remain in our hearts always. Forever a Jag.....
“You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8
Coach Shannon Utley