EDINBURG – Running is not for everyone and men's cross country and track & field senior Sebastian Benavides agrees.
 
"You have to have the love for it," Benavides said. "It is not something anyone can do. You have to be mentally prepared for it more than anything. If the love is then everything else comes easy."
 
Benavides started running competitively at 10 years old while also competing in boxing. It wasn't until his freshman year in high school that he realized that he needed to just focus on his running.
 
"After being six seconds shy of getting to the state meet, I realized that running was more of my calling than anything else," Benavides said. "I found out that I was pretty good at running and I took off from there."
 
The success he had during that year wasn't enough for Benavides. He knew that he could still get better.
 
"That season left a bad taste in my mouth," Benavides said. "It was an ugly and sour taste. Once that happened, I wanted to make up for that during the rest of my high school years."
 
Benavides made the hard work pay off as he caught the eye of former UTPA Track and Field head coach Dave Hartman. He then got the chance to come to UTPA and compete.
 
"I got contacted by coach Hartman and he gave me the opportunity," Benavides said. "I took the opportunity and I ran with it and turned in a pretty good freshman season while battling injuries."
 
Benavides, who is from Lyttle, Texas, transferred to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. It wasn't because he didn't like his situation at UTPA. After all, he chose UTPA because of the established program and the leadership it had. Benavides just had to figure some things out.
 
"I left after my first year at Pan Am with because of some family situations, but I cam back," Benavides said. "I spent the semester over there. I had to figure some things out but I came back to where I started. I found myself back where it all started. I wanted to finish what I started my freshman year and call it a successful running career."
 
After running for so many years, it has taught Benavides some things that he will be able to use once he finishes school.
 
"Running has taught me a lot," Benavides said. "It has helped me deal with life situations. For example, waking up early in the mornings. I know later on once I have a job I will have to wake up and be on time. It just embedded a lot of good qualities and characteristics that will help me in the long run as far as becoming an adult."
 
Benavides has spent most of his years at UTPA, so it comes to no surprise that one of his favorite moments came when he was a freshman.
 
"I would have to say that one of my favorite moments came during my freshman season at the indoor conference championship," Benavides said. "We ran away with the conference championship in the Distance Medley Relay. I believe it was me, Andy Lopez, Martin Casse and Guillermo."
 
To this point, Benavides continues to keep in contact with his fellow DMR conference champions. He has taken advantage of the fact that his former teammates are still around.
 
"Martin just took off to France," Benavides said. "Andy is still around coaching at a local high school and Guillermo is studying to get his master's. It allows me to keep in contact with them."
 
There are others that Benavides will not forget after his time is up at UTPA. His head coach Xavier Richardson has made a positive impact on his life. Benavides and fellow senior and women's cross country and track and field runner Rebekah Rodriguez have been able to share memories that he will cherish for years to come.
 
"I will miss coach Richardson," Benavides said. "He has really helped me a lot throughout my years. I will also really Rebekah Rodriguez, who has been one of my closest friends here at Pan Am. She was recruited the same year that I was recruited so we have a lot of stories and memories that we have made throughout the years."
 
Benavides continues to battle injuries but he uses those experiences to learn and grow as a person. The injuries and the process of rehabbing from them have shown him a different perspective.
 
"The injuries are still there. I am recovering and it's a process moving forward," Benavides said. "The injuries have helped me become a better person and to love the sport more. I can say that I have learned a lot. We are given obstacles in life that teaches us how to manage other bigger obstacles that life has for us."
 
Heading into his final season, Benavides would like to finish his collegiate career strong. He wants to make a splash at the Western Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships, which are a little over a month away.
 
For the track and field season, Benavides isn't too concerned about his personal marks or any personal achievements but he is looking to what he can do to help the team.
 
"As far as track is concerned, I want to do anything and everything to earn points for the team," Benavides said. "I don't have any personal goals for myself. As long as I am helping the team with points, that is all that matters to me. No time will give me more satisfaction than earning points for the team."
 
After he graduates, Benavides wants to continue his education in occupational therapy. He hopes that it will lead to a chance to be able to help others.
 
"I look to get my prerequisites for occupational therapy school," Benavides said. "I have been looking at schools in the Fort Worth area and hopefully I get it. I just have to keep up the grades and stay headstrong. As long as I am helping someone or other individuals I can call it a successful journey."
 
When Benavides thinks of UTPA, he thinks of the good times, the hard work and the good people he has met over the years. It has been an experience that has had some great memories.
 
"When I think of UTPA, I think of blood sweat and tears," Benavides said. "I think of going out there and competing with a great group of guys, not only at meets but in practice too. It has been fun and I wouldn't change anything. It has been a bunch of great memories with a bunch of great people. I can honestly say that here in the valley I have met some life long friends and some of the most kind hearted people down here."

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