May Athlete of the Month: Vaughn Ybarra

Photograph by Roberta Pratt.

Riley Veenendaal

Congratulations to May’s male athlete of the month, Vaughn Ybarra! Ybarra is currently a junior here at Hamilton. He is a member of the Boys’ Varsity Track team here at Hamilton. Ybarra competes in the 800 and 1600 meter events. Recently, Ybarra set a personal record in the 800 meter event, running a time of 1:59:23. Ybarra will be competing this weekend at the WIAA State track meet. He is competing in the 1600m and 800m races!

Teammate Nate Zembles talks about Ybarra, stating, “Vaughn is a great student athlete. He is also very fast. Vaughn is funny and kind. He is dedicated and hardworking. He also is inspiring with his ‘hero kick.’ He is uplifting and is always there to cheer on his teammates. He’s always smiling and ready to win.”

Congratulations to Ybarra!  Read more to hear from him:

How long have you ran track, and why do you run?

I started track & field back in 7th grade, along with cross country. I run because it is a way for me to regulate my mental health and give me a way to excel past standards set for me by others.  

Who is your athlete role model, and why?

My athlete role model is Marcus Paulson, not only because of his accomplishments but because as a coach he has increased my confidence and skill past where I believed was possible for myself. 

What is your main goal this season?

My goal is to continue taking the 800 and 1600 class records and hopefully improve my overall fitness while putting my mental health at the forefront. I wish to qualify and compete in State as I have done in previous years. 

What are your future plans involving running?

I plan to run in college in both track & field and cross country. I'm not sure where yet. 

Do you play any other sports and if so what?

I enjoy swimming and rock climbing but no longer do the sports competitively. 

Do you have any teammates, coaches, parents, or other people in your life who have helped you as an athlete?

Throughout my running career, many coaches have played a role. Among those most valuable to me are Mrs. Strauss. She was my team when others weren't; she was my rock throughout learning how to deal with new emotions and others' opinions. Most importantly, she taught me how to run for myself and not for others. Also, my mother is the most important person when it comes to my accomplishments in sport. She was always there to defend and support me and loved me unconditionally throughout my high and lows. My mother is always the first person I go to after finishing a race.

Besides track, what are some of your other hobbies?

I love anything that involves being outside in the sun or with friends. 

What are your pre-meet rituals?

To prepare for a race physically I typically take an ice bath and do a lot of stretching. Mentally I am always a nervous wreck, but I try to combate that by listening to music, journaling, and looking back at those who doubted me and how far I've come.