Jason Lucero is a senior on the cross country team and track and field team this year at Hart. Lucero has been running for four years, starting back in eighth grade at Placerita Junior High. In track and field, he runs the 3200m, 1600m, 800m and occasionally the 4x400m.

With cross country usually being a sport that starts at the beginning of the school year, their season has been pushed back to January due to COVID-19. Nevertheless, Lucero continues to work hard to overcome the obstacles that COVID-19 has brought him.

“It’s been hard staying motivated, I have been keeping up with running though. Our team has been having zoom meetings throughout quarantine, so staying in touch has been nice,” said Lucero.  

Lucero is a key asset to the cross country team and their success in their 2019 season. He was awarded the Coach’s Award for the boy’s varsity cross country team. Lucero is also admired by both his teammates and coaches for being a team player and leader. 

“Jason is a team player with a very disciplined work ethic. Jason’s biggest strength is empathy. His ability to connect with others makes him a leader people trust” said head cross country coach Darren James.

Cross country and track have been a huge part of Lucero’s high school career, with his favorite memory being the summer 2019 Big Bear trip. 

  “It was hands down one of the best trips I’ve ever been on,” Lucero said. 

His favorite part of being a member of the cross country and track and field teams has been the relationships he has formed with his teammates.

“My favorite part about running has been my team. We always find a way to make the best out of our hardest workouts. I wouldn’t be anywhere close to where I’m at now without my teammates,” Lucero said. 

Lucero is not only a standout athlete but is a hardworking student as well. With a time-consuming schedule of both cross country and track and field, he still manages to participate in both advanced placement and honors classes at Hart. 

Currently, Lucero is in the process of preparing to apply for college. Although he is unsure of what the future holds and if he will continue his running career, he is excited to pursue a career in psychology.