Salute to Seniors: Angel Vicioso

Florida Salute to Seniors 2019

Aug 03, 2019

Before the class of 2019 makes their final farewells to high school cross country and track and field, we want to give everyone a chance to salute them one more time! FLRunners invites all seniors to tell their stories from the past four years.

Today we salute Oviedo senior, Angel Vicioso.

What was your most memorable race/throw/jump/vault/moment?

If I had to pick only one it would be the 3200m race at States this year. The lead-up to the race was "chaos" and the actual race was special. The race was so painful and agonizing. I pushed myself that night, like no other time in my life - and for that I will always remember

Who would you consider your biggest competition over your four years?

Myself. My mentality, belief in myself, belief in those around me. Those things could be my greatest attributes or my biggest obstacles to climbing the rankings or achieving progress.

Those things used to be my obstacles but I think they're my greatest attributes now. Running has helped me learn that.

What was your greatest accomplishment?

The Triple at States this year. Winning the 4x800, 1600, and 3200 titles was a great feeling and somewhat reflected all the work that has been put into this.

Who would you consider your biggest role model over your four years competing?

Kobe Bryant

If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running or field career in high school?

Nothing. All of my mistakes and wrongdoings have been great lessons to me. I've learned the training values of trust, communication, and patience through my mistakes.

What will you miss the most?

The people. Competitors, Coaches, Teammates.

What advice would you give to younger athletes?

Comparing yourself with others can be okay and it can be very bad. I used to compare myself to the rest of the Class of 2019 all the time. I always wanted to be a top performer. I'd get frustrated because I thought I would never get to my goals or that I wasn't talented enough. I'd lose sight of what mattered the most and that was personal growth.

My advice would be: Aim for progress

It doesn't have to be number based. It can be your flexibility, confidence, core strength, trust, effort level.

What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?

(Coach Tibbetts is an incredible human.) We work well together and he has helped facilitate great training sessions and decisions that have lead to great performances. I've learned how to be calm in intense situations from shared experiences with him. Tremendous influence.

What are your post-high school or college plans?

I will be attending and competing for the University of Connecticut (UConn). I plan to major in finance and perform research on public education/politics.

Who would you like to say 'thank you' to?

Thank you to Ben Hartvigsen and Ashley Klingenberg for being some of the fiercest competitors as well as humble student-athletes to look up to.

Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Tibbets for caring so much for me as well as Oviedo High School's program. So much sacrifice and compassion... thank you to all coaches doing the same.

Thank you to my Dad and Mom for providing me with such a special foundation.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Count your blessings.

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