Madrigal stands proudly above Granite in the hills.

Granite Hills High School star cross country runner, senior Sal Madrigal has high hopes for this year's season. Madrigal hopes to win EYL and get a chance to run in the Valley meet this year. Madrigal says he knows that this is his last year and because he's progressed a lot these past few years makes him a strong contender, but he will continue to take it one meet at a time and when the EYL meet comes, he will be ready for it.

Although the boys cross country is a young team, Madrigal simply wants to have a great time doing what he loves. He also thinks that there are a lot of returning runners for the next few years that will allow the team be able to compete at a higher level in the future.

What keeps Madrigal motivated while running on those long five mile runs in the 100 degree weather? He knows that it is going to just make him a stronger and faster runner. In order to do well, Madrigal runs five and a half miles a day and does 45 minutes of Strandex, an ab work out, everyday to stay in good physical condition. While running, Madrigal's listens to country music. Madrigal simply loves running and thrives on getting first. It is also a way to escape from his family and school issues. Running is simply his way of relaxing.

"The heat around here is fine with me; it doesn't bother me a bit," chuckles Madrigal.

Running is in Sal's family; all his brothers and sisters run, which influenced him to start running and join cross country and track. When Sal turned seven years old, he started running every day. Aside from cross-country, Sal also wrestles for the Grizzlies in the winter, and when spring comes, Sal runs track. Track is also Madrigal's favorite sport because its an independent sport, as well as just being fun.

After training most of the summer with the Marines, he realized that the intense workouts were just what he was looking for. Madrigal plans on joining the Marines and serving his country.

"Sal is a great leader and leads by example every time he runs," said fellow teammate Katie Taylor.

Madrigal's last meet was against the Delano Tigers and he finished first with the time of 18:38 seconds, which is a great time considering nobody was within thirty seconds of his time. Madrigal pushed himself the whole time while running what is considered to be the hardest course in The San Joaquin Valley. Madrigal's best time for running three miles is 17:00 minutes flat, but he hopes to keep decreasing that time for the EYL meets that is November 1, at Tulare Union. Madrigal will continue to rise to the challenges that face him. Whether it's in the Marines or running in the Olympics. The next meet is at Tulare Western on Wednesday, October 10 th and anyone is welcome to come to support Madrigal and other runners during their run.