Luis Perez is a sophomore at SXU and is a member of the football team and also part of the track and field team. I got the opportunity to ask him some questions to know more about the decision to become a multi-sport athlete and also to know more about him.
At what age did you decide to start playing sports? What sports did you play?
I have played sports since the moment I came out of the womb! I played soccer my whole life up until sophomore year of high school. I played soccer, football, I wrestled and was on the track team and I now play golf.
Why did you decide to play football?
I decided because I fell out of love with soccer it was my coaches fault. My best friend was the starting QB for the football team and he told me he needed a kicker so that’s when I joined the team! Sophomore year of highschool.
Why did you decide to run track?
I decided to run track because I thought the sport was interesting and it was sophomore year, junior and senior. I decided to be a thrower because I got big and running was not it for me anymore.
What is your gameday routine like?
The gameday routine for football is breakfast, can’t go without that. Then meetings for about 1-2 hours. Then I have a pregame lift to activate the body, change and head out to the football field while it is empty to kick and have my pregame kicking routine to lock in as well. Then its kickoff and everything is focused on the field. For track we always travel so I wake up, eat breakfast, pack my food and clothes once again. Head out to school, pack the buses, arrive, set up tents, tables, chairs. Stretch and meet time!!
How is it balancing two different sports?
It can get pretty stressful because of all the practices and lifts I have to do all within the week for the whole school year and with this major I have lots of homework and hard classes.
What made you decide to play two different sports?
I was always an athlete and I loved to try different things. In gym class I was the best volleyball player but never actually played on the team because of track.
What is your favorite part of playing sports?
My favorite part is the adrenaline that one gets when you are competing against an opponent.
Biggest support?
My family is my biggest support.
What keeps you focused/motivated?
What keeps me motivated is the fact that I’m on scholarship for 2 sports and I’m absolutely blessed to be able to go to school for free because I have a passion for sports.
Greatest sporting achievement?
My greatest achievement was making it to state my senior year in the hardest conference of 3a. My best event was discus.
Who is your inspiration when it comes to sports?
I think I am my biggest inspiration because I always aspire to become the best version of myself and make myself proud.
Do you feel the pressure of being a kicker?
Absolutely I feel pressure. The whole team is relying on me to score points or to win a game. The whole stadium goes quiet before a kick, everyone is staring at you only and the football. If you don’t make the kick you’re hated and if you make it your loved even by people you don’t know!
Where do you see yourself in the next couple of years when it comes to sports?
Retire. I just don’t see myself playing sports after college.
And finally what advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to “Don’t give up and everything pays off in the end.”