Westminster Academy senior Brandon Bejarano's times are dropping tremendously as the state meet is approaching. Recently heposted a time of 4:24 in the mile, nearly a seven second personal best and has an 800m PR of 1:57.79. He shows his versatility by being a pivotal leg on WA’s 4x400m. Brandon also runs the 2000m steeplechase, taking 3rd in the USATF World Youth Trials last summer running 6:24.09. Denise Spann caught up with Bejarano before the 1A Regional 4 Championship to talk about the 2014 season. (Note: Bejarano was first in the 800, second in the 1600 and a member of the team's winning relay. Westminster dominated the boy's side with a 173 point victory over runner-up Dade Christian)
How did you get into the sport of track and field?
I first started track in the sixth grade only to keep in shape for travel baseball. However, as I started running the more I ran the more I enjoyed it. Before I knew it I had coaches who saw potential in me and the rest is history.
What were your goals at the beginning of the season?
I had many goals at the beginning of the season. The main goal was to drop my times as low as possible; 4:25 for the mile and 1:55 for the 800m. I knew if I could hit those times my goal of possibly winning a state title and achieving a scholarship could be attained.
With two weeks left until the state meet have the goals changed at all?
The goals are still the same as previously mentioned. Though I hit my mile time, I still have work for the 800m. With states right around the corner I look to be a top contender and hopefully win not only as an individual but also as a team.
What would you say your specialty is?
My specialty race I would have to say is the 1600 although do enjoy running the steeplechase whenever I get a chance.
What is your favorite moment this season so far?
I actually have two favorite moments so far this season. The first one would be when the WA guys team first realized that we have a chance to win states It helped all of us buckle down and realize that we need to take everything seriously. My second favorite moment was when I beat my personal best in the 1600m at the Pepsi Florida Relays. It was a good feeling to know that all my hard efforts had paid off.
How do you think your team is looking going into the state meet?
As of right now I think our team is looking great going into the state meet, ccording to Flrunners were are ranked first at states just slightly over First Academy. it's exciting because I know we can go all the way and win it. We're a much different team since the beginning of the season and our performances are showing that.
Who do you look up to in the track and field world?
Believe or not I don't look up to any professional or collegiate athlete in the track and field world, I look up to my coaches. My coaches are experienced and have been through all of this before, I trust their training and respect them and their leadership. They're more then coaches, they're my mentor and friend and know they're always supporting me.
8. Do you look to up to any high school athletes? If so who?
One high school athlete I look up to is Javon Patterson. Javon runs for Boyd Anderson High and also has the U.S.#2 time in the 800n as of right now. I've known Javon for about 4 years now and he is a great friend of mine. He has a heart for track and field and whenever I train with him he pushes me to become a better runner.
OFF THE TRACK
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is the Lego Movie, which was also one of the most recent ones I have seen.
What do you like to do when you’re not running?
If I'm not running I'm usually doing something, it's never nothing. Whether it's school work, working, eating or even spending time with the family I'm never doing nothing. Most of the time it's eating. I love food.
What is your favorite wild animal?
My favorite wild animal is an alligator. Alligators are calm yet aggressive and just look cool.
If you didn’t live in Florida, where would you live and why?
New York because I love the city and the lights. It’s a thriving city and there’s so much to do. It also has a taste of nature to it as well; the mountains are beautiful to go hike and even snowboard.
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