Faces off the field
FRANKIE LORD, CROSS-COUNTRY, DRIPPING SPRINGS
How did you get involved with cross-country?
I’ve been running track since seventh grade, and I’m in the marching band during the fall. Coach (Marisa) Tuzzi has always been very supportive of this decision, but for my senior year I decided to give crosscountry a shot.
What are your individual goals for the year?
I definitely want to push myself to set a new personal record at every meet.
What do you think about when you’re running?
I’m not gonna lie. I usually think about all the food I’m going to eat after the race.
How do you motivate yourself to run on days when you don’t feel like it?
I motivate myself by thinking about my teammates. They are my best friends, so I wouldn’t want to let them down by not showing up to practice.
I’m still deciding between two colleges, and I plan on majoring in kinesiology.
If you could have dinner with four people in the history of the world, who would they be?
Walt Disney, Jesus, my best friend Camilla (Paciolla) and my paternal grandpa Owen.
Why did you select Camilla?
I chose Camilla because she moved to Australia a few years ago. I only get to see her in person once a year.
If you had a choice of being valedictorian of the senior class or all-state in cross-country, what would you choose?
Honestly, I would choose allstate for crosscountry. I can’t think of a better way to give back to my teammates and my coaches. They’re the best supporters and mean so much to me.
Do you have rituals you do on race days?
My teammates and I always have a prayer circle at the start line before the gun goes off. For me personally, I always triple-knot my spikes for good luck.
Tell me something about you that most people don’t know.
My favorite show is “Grey’s Anatomy.” I’ve seen every episode at least three times.
What life lessons have you learned through running cross-country?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is perseverance. Over the years coach Tuzzi has taught me that running isn’t always about your time and winning. It’s about loving the sport and showing up even after you have a bad race or get injured.
Why is Dripping Springs so competitive in almost every sport?
I think the coaches are the reason we are so successful. They teach us to have ambition and to push ourselves and our teammates. Every team is a family, which is definitely something unique about Dripping Springs.
If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go?
I would visit Italy because of the amazing culture and history. I would love to see Rome and Venice. Plus, I absolutely love Italian food.
— RICK CANTU