Persistence is a key component when recovering from an injury. 

Senior Kaiden Cuevas has suffered three separate knee injuries with the most recent injury being an MCL tear during the 2019 football season.

“Kaiden has been through multiple rough seasons and had only a single season where he was fully healthy,” Track Head Coach Russ Camacho said. “This season, he has been engaged and encouraging even though he is unable to run at this time. He is working hard to get back and healthy to help the team.”

Cuevas is one of the top sprinters on the varsity boys’ track team and is continually putting in extra work to come back strong this track season. The extra dedication is resulting in Cuevas becoming both mentally and physically stronger for the upcoming season.

“One thing that I have learned from being injured is that being angry over something you can not control will get you nowhere. All my injuries shaped me into who I am today because going through them made me stronger mentally,” Cuevas said. “I learned a side of myself that I have never experienced or knew I had. I reached deep into my passion for football and track and that fueled me for three years straight.”

As a senior, Cuevas is aware that his efforts set an example for the younger team members.

“Kaiden is always pushing the whole team to go harder, but at the same time helping us with technique,”  junior Jaxon Rexroth said. “He wants our whole team to be successful and he leads through his words and actions.”

Cuevas is embracing his leadership role and is ready to get back on the track.

“I’ll be ready to run a little later than everybody else but I definitely plan to return to competing with my track team this season. Every day is a grind. My goal for the season is to win when it matters the most at the end of the season,” Cuevas said.

The highlights of Cuevas’ track career include qualifying for the Drake Relays and state track meets in the 4×100. This year, he hopes to add a few individual events to his career highlight list. 

The varsity Xavier boys’ track team competes next on Monday,  March 16 at the UNI-Dome.