Sammy Vazquez always envisioned he would be coaching. When and where was the question. Vazquez, a former high school star at Flagler Palm Coast, ran collegiately at the University of Arkansas, and then at Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach.
In the year leading up to the 2012 London Olympics, he trained in Chicago without facilities, gear, coach, or a team. He stepped up in races and earned his spot. running the 1500 meters for his native Puerto Rico. Endorsement deals didn't materialize and that is when he says his long term of coaching became a reality.
"There was an opening last year at Roosevelt University (NAIA) and the former coach recommended me for the job. I was blessed with the Head Coaching position and I am very excited to sign my first recruiting class."
Two members of that class are from Vazquez's neck of the woods. CJ Westfall, a University High School (Orange City) class of 2013 graduate, continued his college career at St. Leo University. When things didn't work out, Westfall says he reached out to Vazquez who he had met at a previous Embry Riddle Camp he attended, for the opportunity at a new start.
"He was someone I could always look up to because he made it out of the city I'm from. So when things went south with the school I left, he was the one I looked to for advice. He was someone who had been through what I went through and helped me along the way. He gave me a training plan personalized for me to follow and inspired me to pursue a new school whether it was his or another one. He has served as a mentor to me when he didn't have to."
Also, making the trip to Chicago is Westfall's girlfriend, Christen Daniels, a senior distance runner at University High School. The pair of been together for two years and are looking forward to being able to run together at the next level. Daniels says she is looking forward to running under an Olympian like Vazquez.
"When I heard his story about how he and his wife ran for the same college team I wanted that same experience for us as well. I am looking forward to running under a coach with his experience and also excited to move to beautiful Downtown Chicago where we'll be staying in dorms that overlook the city. Most of all I'm excited for the opportunity to run collegiately and make an impact on Roosevelt University's team."
Coach Vazquez was interested in the pair from their first meeting. He saw their hard work, love for running, and fun personalities. He says many of the potential recruits he talks to believe in and trust his training philosophy. The former college star bases his coaching on former teachers Peter Hopfe (Embry Riddle) and John McDonnell (University of Arkansas).
"They taught me how to analyze strengths and weaknesses of each athlete and how to use that knowledge to get better. I think young athletes hear my story and can relate because I have been on the top, then very bottom (out of school) and back to the top. I try to relate to everybody with my experiences and I hope they can learn from me."
Despite being out of high school for ten years, Vazquez still has a strong following in Florida and will use to that his advantage in recruiting more Sunshine State talent down the road. He wants to give Floridians the chance to venture out and experience something new. He says running has shown him the world and he wants others to see the same.
"I consider myself as an open minded coach and fairly relaxed. I don't have many rules but my team understand that I'm serious about getting them to the next level and that they need to be at practice on time and give 100%. I have had positive remarks from the team and they believe that I can help them reach their goals."
While Vazquez contemplated retiring after his running career hit a bump in the spring of 2013, he says that passion has recently been renewed.
"My running career since the Olympics has had some ups and downs. I was injured shortly after and got back with great strength by the end of the year. Around Christmas time, I wasn't 100% mentally and considered retiring. I took about six weeks off and after a few indoor races with Roosevelt, the racing bug bit me again. This week is the first week back since Christmas and I am looking forward to making a run at Rio in 2016."