Freshman Abel Weirich was a Cross Country runner for the first time this past fall season. Weirich enjoyed spending time with the team and doing the sport, but had already fallen in love with a sport he had previously competed in.

Abel Weirich decided to start his freshman year by joining the Cross Country team. Ever since the beginning of middle school, he had fallen in love with running and knew the sport was just right for him.

“I influenced myself to do Cross Country back at A.O.M.S. students always ran the mile or the pacer each Thursday and my friends and I turned those into competitive challenges always pushing each other to do better,” Weirich said. “Over time my stamina increased, so when I learned Carlsbad High had a Cross Country team, I knew I would fit in perfectly.”

 Teammates and the coaches from Cross Country, but did not feel he was being challenged with abilities by the end of the season. Weirich was introduced to football when he was in elementary school and recently felt a need to go back to where he started.

“I felt as if God had put it on my hear to play football,” Weirich said. “I cannot see what his plan for me is everyday but I know he is always calling me to do greater things within my life.”

Freshman Chris Swain is one of Weirich’s friends from Cross country and had ran with Weirich throughout the season. Even though Weirich was leaving the Cross Country team,  his teammates supported his decision and wished him the best of luck in his football experience.

“When Abel told me that he might be quitting Cross Country, I got really sad, but I knew if Football was what made him happy than it made me happy,” Swain said. “Abel may not be on the team, but he will always be part of the team by heart.”  

After creating bonds with his track teammates, Weirich believes that he will always have a second family to go to when he needs it. Swain was able to get to know Weirich and see how much he was a supportive friend and teammate.

“Abel is such a genuine and caring person on the team,”Swain said. “He was extremely shy at first, but once you get to know him, he is such a supportive person and hard worker on the team.”

Weirich knew he had support from all of his friends, coaches, and teammates from both sports. He knew football was the best way to step out of his comfort zone and improve as an athlete.

“Do not be afraid to take on a new challenge,” Weirich said. “You never know if you will do good if you do not try.”