Brawley track standout Isaac Garcia signs with Azusa Pacific
BRAWLEY — Like most high school seniors, Brawley Union High’s Isaac Garcia is feeling a variety of emotions as his secondary education experience nears its end.
Yet despite the often bittersweet emotions associated with high school graduation, Garcia is equally as excited about the next phase of his life.
On Thursday afternoon, the 17-year-old committed to continuing his education and standout track-and-field career after he signed his letter of intent to run track at Azusa Pacific University.
Garcia currently holds the fastest times in the Imperial Valley League in the 100- and 200-meter sprints. He also anchors the fastest 4x100- and 4x400-meter relay teams in the league as well.
Signing to a collegiate program has been a longtime goal for Garcia, who described the moment as “nerve-wracking.”
“I was actually really nervous, and it was just super emotional,” Garcia said.
Garcia began working toward his goal not too long ago, when he joined the track team his freshman year at BUHS.
“I remember we were running the 400 (meters), and I beat all of the seniors, and that was pretty much when I realized that I might be able to do something with this sport,” he said.
Garcia saw his times and passion for the sport improve with each passing year.
“I really do like the hard work and training that goes into it,” he said. “You can’t get to where you want to be without putting the work in first.”
Prior to his senior year, Garcia spent his entire summer and offseason preparing for the track period and saw it pay off in the first meet of the year, after he won the 100-meter dash at the Desert Classic Relays, his second first-place finish in that event at that race.
Since then, Garcia has picked up numerous firstplace finishes in a variety of events, helping build his case as a collegiate athlete and drawing an interest from APU.
“I went out for my visit at the beginning of April, and I just really liked it,” he said. “It felt like a good fit.”
Garcia will join a solid Cougar squad that is coming off its third consecutive Pacific West Conference men’s and women’s track-and-field titles.
Garcia said he is expecting to continue running in the sprint events and the 400-meter event.
“I’m looking forward to cutting down on my times and continuing to work hard,” he said.
Garcia thanked his coaches and his older brother Martin for their ongoing support and helping him reach his goal of running in college.