Sophomore Ronin Belt is an athlete that runs the 800 meter, 1600 meter, and 3200 meter races during the track and field season at Shadow Ridge High School. He is a dedicated athlete who strives to compete at the highest levels through hard training and commitment to the sport.
“I originally joined track last year because my dad used to run track when he was younger and I thought it would be fun,” says Belt.
Many athletes, such as Belt, join a sport because they want to follow in their parents footsteps and because it is simply just an easy way to make some friends and stay active.
Belt states, “I run the 800, 1600, and 3200 and have qualified for regionals in all of them this season, so I got my varsity letter.”
Being a regional qualifier is already an accomplishment, but qualifying for three events is even bigger!
“Ronin Belts work ethic is top notch,” Coach Smith says. “He is an athlete who likes to compete and practice with the best, pushing himself to constantly be near the top and break barriers.”
A strong commitment and dedication to something goes a long way. He is always looking for ways to improve so he can compete with the best.
“I’ve improved my speed, endurance and discipline since joining this sport and hope to continue to do so,” expressed Belt.
These long lasting goals are what makes Belt the great athlete he is. After already improving himself, he strives to continue his hard work to become even better.
“I plan to continue track throughout high school and possibly even try to run in college if I am able to,” Belt stated.
With the hopes of continuing his journey of running and competing through college, he makes his plans for the future so he can reach those goals.
“Competition is much different from practice because of the nerves and adrenaline you get when that gun goes off,” Belt explains.
Belt doesn’t let the nerves get the best of him. As soon as the gun goes off, he is able to relax and find his groove so he is able to compete to the best of his ability.
Smith states, “His improvement is one of the best ones I have coached. Many coaches look at athletes’ times but I like to look at the entire picture. He has worked hard to improve his running form. He has been a great leader and helped guide his teammates. His communication skills have improved with others and coaches. When you put that all together along with his times getting better, he is a fantastic athlete to coach.”
Belt is such a great athlete and yet only a sophomore. He has many more years of running ahead of him to follow his passions as far as he hopes.
