Thursdays are normally reserved for Future Stars. This week, however, I wanted to divert and give a well-deserved recognition to an outstanding talent who is often overshadowed by his teammate. Armando Cruz of Belen Jesuit has quietly established himself as one of Florida's elite distance runners. It's tough when your teammate is one of the nation's leading distance runners and garnishes most of the national attention. Armando Cruz, however, has silently accepted his role behind Marcelo Mantecon, but this week the junior displayed his talent, strength, and determination to challenge Mantecon.
At the Belen Home Meet 1, Cruz was in the spotlight with an incredible triple in the 1600m, the 800m, and the 3200m. He opened with a 4:13.75 in the 1600m. Came back to win the 800m in 1:53.85. Then closed the evening with a second in the 3200m with a strong 9:07.25.
Photo Credit: Danny Aguas
To put his performances into greater perspective, in less than two hours, he ran current:
1600m - 4:13.75 • FL No. 4 • U.S. No. 2 (Juniors) • U.S. No. 5 (All Grades)
800m - 1:53.85 • FL No. 2 • U.S. No. 2 (Juniors) • U.S. No. 8 (All Grades)
3200m - 9:07.25 • FL No. 2 • U.S. No. 2 (Juniors) • U.S. No. 3 (All Grades)
His 4:13.75 in the 1600m is faster than 94% of Division I athletes' performances as juniors.
His 1:53.85 in the 800m surpasses 88% of Division I athletes' junior-year marks.
His 9:07.25 in the 3200m exceeds 94% of Division I athletes' performances as juniors.