MileSplit and FloTrack have partnered with New Balance to create the "Local Heroes" program, in order to recognize local high school distance runners who are making a real difference in the world around them. Congratulations to our finalists from the Northern California Area for the New Balance Local Heroes Contest. Each finalist will receive a special gear kit from New Balance. From these five finalists, we will announce one overall winner of the New Balance Local Hero contest from each of the five regions at the end of August. The winner will receive an awards party at a local running shoe retailer and their XC team will be outfitted with free New Balance shoes!
Jillian Colwell - Dublin High School - "Jillian Colwell has run cross country and the distances in track and field for Dublin High School ever since she set foot on campus her freshman year. Her impact on our school and community extends far beyond the trails and the track. Jillian balances a 4.24 grade point average while showing up to every practice and also volunteers at the East Bay SPCA. She was a captain of our teams as a junior, a role she will continue as a senior. Jillian is constantly someone we can rely on to help any student athlete on our team whether it be for running related issues, academic help or personal problems and many if not all of her teammates look to her for guidance. I have always been impressed with how driven she is to want to make a difference in our program and community. By volunteering at the SPCA, she has helped raise awareness about the cruelty to animals and has talked openly about that with our team. I hope you look favorably on her nomination of a “Local Hero,” because she is one to me."
Fred Huxman - Redwood High School - "Fred's impact on his team is positive on many levels. He demonstrates discipline and leadership supports a healthy environment everyday at practice. Fred showed exceptional work ethnic this spring, particularly when dealing with injury. During his time away from competition , he helped younger kids that may not be as talented. As a junior he ran 15:30 at the California cross country state meet to place third. This spring he ran 4:14 for 1600 meters. Academically he excels as a writer. During his senior season he will be a team captain."
Precious Listana- Sacred Heart Cathedral - ":Precious was born in the Phillipines and attended DeMarillac Middle School in the Tenderloin (a pretty poor neighborhood in San Francisco). She is part of the Piro Scholar program at SHC, a program for students who show college potential but whose families do not earn enough money to afford a Catholic school education. Despite these challenges, Precious, who only just finished her sophomore year, is a real local hero. In addition to being a cross country (varsity team member, ran at the state meet) and track and field runner, she is active in many other facets of the community. She is a member of student council and also on the speech and debate team. She applied and was accepted into a summer program called SMASH (Summer Math And Science Honors) program. She volunteers to help at her old middle school and also helps our school’s Admissions Department by participating in the shadow ambassador program, taking interested 8th grade students on tours of the school and answering their questions."
Allie Timbrell - Alhambra High School - "Allie has taken a week away from training to go on a mission in Mexico this summer. In addition to religious work, she is volunteering to help the local community with housing needs. In the spring of 2013 she ran 5:06 for 1600 meters. She will be a junior in the fall of 2013. She maintains a grade point average over 3.0 and is an honors student. She will be a team captain this fall and has been very coachable. Her competitive drive drive is helps her be successful."
Jake Willard - De La Salle High School - "Jake is a leader and outstanding role model for his classmates at De La Salle. In addition to being a top student and solid member of the track and cross country teams, Jake helps others after school and during the summer. He volunteers at the DeMarilliac Academy in San Francisco as a tutor in their after school program. Jake is also helping out at Loaves and Fishes where he serves meals to needy in his home town of Martinez. Anyone who spends time around Jake immediately picks up on his positive energy and his eagerness to improve himself through hard work."