Commitment, dedication, and a love of the sport have kept Ryder Guerrero at the top of his game. The Miami Junior Senior High School senior placed 6th in the nation in the 800-meter race at the USA Track & Field (USATF) National Junior Olympics Track & Field Championships in Norwalk, Calif., earning All-American Top 6 status in the 17-18 age division.
The weeklong competition ended August 2. Guerrero finished the 800 in 1:54 — his second-fastest time — while competing against the country's top runners in his age group.
"It was really fun," he said. "Last year I was in the 15-16 age group and I won at nationals. This year I was at the bottom of the 17-18 age group, and made the All-American Top 6."
From football to the track
Guerrero's path to elite running wasn't planned. His mom, Sheena Sanchez-Acosta, said he started running track in 6th grade and began competing seriously in 10th grade.
"I think he tried track just to keep in shape for football, but he found his skill," she said.
That skill eventually pulled him away from football entirely. Guerrero said he stopped playing after joining the Arizona Flames Track Club in 10th grade. "I started the club and really, really loved it," he said.
The commitment has been demanding. Before Guerrero had his driver's license, his mom drove him to the valley three days a week to train with the club. Now that he drives himself, he makes the trip Monday through Saturday — leaving town around 4:30 p.m., training from 5:50 to 7 p.m., then heading home for dinner and bed.
A role model on and off the track
Guerrero's family made the trip to Nationals to watch him compete, including younger siblings who look up to him. His mom recalled one of his brothers, age 6, telling Ryder's coach that he runs fast too, eager to show him.
"He's a good role model for his siblings," Sanchez-Acosta said.
That character extends beyond his family.
"I'm really so proud of him," his mom said. "He's good in sports, he's good academically. He's a good person, very humble, very down to earth. Just a really good teenager. He's first in his class right now."
Miami schools superintendent Dr. Richard Ramos echoed that sentiment: "Ryder is an inspiration to those who know him. He is driven with goals and works hard to accomplish them. I am impressed by his kindness as well. He is a very balanced human being."
Looking ahead
Guerrero plans to attend Arizona State University or Grand Canyon University after graduation, with the opportunity for an athletic scholarship at either school.
"I've gone to GCU a lot to practice there," he said. "My coach's son trains me, and he has a lot of good connections."
Reflecting on his performance at Nationals, Guerrero said strategy is what he's focusing on improving going forward.
"My biggest thing is strategy when running," he said. "I trusted my training, and I definitely had the fitness and speed. The only thing I'd change is how I ran in the moment. But I still had fun."
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