Anthony Sanchez

Anthony Sanchez is a senior at Madill High School who competes on the cross country and track teams. He is the son of Josie and Juan Sanchez and has attended Madill public schools the last four years.

Sanchez has placed top fifteen at regionals as well as receiving a medal at regionals all four years of high school. He said his biggest challenge during his high school has been this year, his senior year.

All his friends who he has ran with over the last few years graduated last year. The forced him to run by himself during the offseason of cross country. His favorite memories from cross country are when he attended the camps his freshman and sophomore year of high school.

Sanchez said a recent Madill alum is his inspiration. "My cousin Miguel Duran inspired me to run cross country," Sanchez said. "I was a grade below him and so I wanted to try it out to see if I liked it and I ended up loving the sport."

Even though his cousin is a major inspiration in cross country, his mom is his inspiration for everything else.

"The person who inspires me in life is my mom," he said. "She wasn't born here, didn't know English, and she had me at a young age and still managed to graduate high school. She then went to college at Murray for two years and worked while having an infant to care for."

Sanchez wanted to take a moment to thank everybody who helped him along the way.

"I'd like to say thank you to my coaches for everything you have done," he said. "I appreciate your time and dedication you have put into coaching. Thank you for all the encouragement you have given me. Thank you for believing in me. Through all the countless practice miles, workouts, and long runs you guys have motivated me."

"When I didn't think I could run a specific time in practice or in a race, you gave me encouragement," he proudly continued. "Thank you for always having the confidence in me when I didn't . And a special thank you to Coach E for not only being a coach but a mentor and motivator." "I'd also like to tell my

"I'd also like to tell my parents thank you for being my biggest supporters," he added with pride. "Thank you for being there when I needed you the most. Thank you for waking up early in the mornings and driving far to go see me run. Thank you for being proud of me, no matter what!"

Sanchez's plans after high school are to attend Murray State College. His advice for the younger class is, "whatever sport you do, take it seriously, work hard, and never give up."