Cerritos College Freshman cross country runner Daniel Herrera continued an improbable season, winning the Male Athlete of the Month award for the month of October.
Herrera is the fifth male Cerritos College athlete to win the award, which is given out by the California Community College Athletic Association.
According to Herrera, his awards and first-place finishes were acquired by a change in his racing mindset.
“I would attribute my success to the change in my mindset during races,” Herrera said.
“I’ve learned to never give up, regardless of how tired I may be.”
The freshman runner has won five of the six events that he has competed in this season.
He adds, “The support of my coaches, family and teammates has helped make me a stronger individual as well.”
The only competition that he did not come in first place was at the Commodore Invitational held at Vanderbilt University in October.
He finished sixth in that competition, competing against Div. I competition such as competitors from the universities of Cincinnati and Alabama.
Herrera says he has had support since his first race.
“My coaches and team have been proud of me since day one of the season. They have the utmost confidence in my ability,” he said.