(Photos by Meredyth Hope Hall)
Colonial senior Andres Arroyo added three more state titles to his resume by winning the distance triple at the 4A State Championships. Those three golds brought Arroyo's total to six in track. He has also has two individual titles in cross country and two team titles to go along with them. For his accomplishments, he was honored by Governor Rick Scott at a recent state cabinet meeting at Nemours Childrens Hospital. Arroyo says it was a great feeling to be reocgnized by the governor.
"It was awesome meeting the Governor because he already knew who I was. He congratulated me on all of my achievements."
Coach Rene Plasencia who is involved with local politcs, and ran for a house seat had a hand in making this happen. When he found out the cabinet was going to be in town,several of his friends and fellow politicians knew he was also a coach in the area, knew of Arroyo's accomplishments, and made sure they would be acknowledged. He says it was a great experience for Andres and the Governor even showed a sense of humor with the youngster.
"Before he sat down with his cabinet one of Governor Scott's advisors got us and wanted to meet us. So we went down there and the Governor asked Andres where he was going to college. He said let me introduce you to the President of the University of Florida and he introduced him. He said this is Andres Arroyo and he's the fastest kid in the state. I'm pretty sure he is going to FSU,. Want to talk him out of it? Governor Scott announced he was joking and that he is running for the University of Florida. We had a good laugh and took a ton of pictures with everyone."
Coach Rene Plasencia who is involved with local politcs, and ran for a house seat had a hand in making this happen. When he found out the cabinet was going to be in town,several of his friends and fellow politicians knew he was also a coach in the area, knew of Arroyo's accomplishments, and made sure they would be acknowledged. He says it was a great experience for Andres and the Governor even showed a sense of humor with the youngster."Before he sat down with his cabinet one of Governor Scott's advisors got us and wanted to meet us. So we went down there and the Governor asked Andres where he was going to college. He said let me introduce you to the President of the University of Florida and he introduced him. He said this is Andres Arroyo and he's the fastest kid in the state. I'm pretty sure he is going to FSU,. Want to talk him out of it? Governor Scott announced he was joking and that he is running for the University of Florida. We had a good laugh and took a ton of pictures with everyone."
After the festivities it was back to school and then to practice for Arroyo. Tonight, he will receive another award, Metro Conference Athlete of the Year. Then it is back to work on Thursday. Next up for the Grenadier star is a chance to make history at the Adidas Dream Mile in New York City. Arroyo will be in a field of the nations' top distance runners who are all trying to break the elite four minute mile barrier.