Humberto Rojas

Steve Virgen

All Humberto Rojas needed to accompany his winning performance May 8

was a lunch box. For Rojas, it was just like another day at the

office.

Rojas’ office is the track and on that day he went to work.

Rojas, the Estancia High senior distance running star, won the 800

meters, the 1,600 and contributed to the victorious 1,600 relay. His consistency was a big reason the Eagles’ boys track and field team

went undefeated in league this season. Rojas, too, went undefeated in

his events, and the senior capped it by helping lead Estancia to the

Golden West League championship. The school had been without a league

title for the past 13 years.

“This year we just have a lot of strong guys out there,” Rojas

said. “The team improved and we are stronger than last year.”

Surprisingly enough, Rojas is also stronger than last year. He

worked overtime to build strength to get ready for this school year.

In the fall, he won the Golden West League individual title in cross

country. And, before the track season, he continued to train for what

he hoped would be his greatest season.

“I’ve been working hard because I knew how tough this season was

going to be,” Rojas said. “I knew the sprint work would be a little

more for me. But I’m not as tired. I’m ready for CIF.”

Apparently Rojas has had a standard to live up to. Charlie Appell,

Estancia’s longtime distance coach, ranks Rojas among the most

talented he has tutored, right up there with Appell’s son, Johann.

“He’s probably the best runner in Estancia history,” Appell said

of Rojas. “He’s versatile. He can go up and down in the distances,

run the 400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200.”

Rojas competed in three events in the CIF preliminaries Friday. He

advanced to the CIF finals in the 800 and 1,600 and might advance to

the Masters Meet in both events.

Appell has noticed Rojas’ increase in strength, not only

physically, but psychologically.

“He’s more mentally prepared,” Appell said. “He knows what

direction he needs to go. [Physically], he’s stronger at this time of

the year than he was last year. He can take more work and he’s more

consistent with the work.”

Rojas’ strength was put to the test after he suffered an injury at

the Orange County Championships April 26. Rojas strained his hip as

he went into his race-ending kick in the 3,200. Appell thought he

could have won the race had he not injured the hip.

At the time, it appeared Rojas’ season would be affected. There

were thoughts of missing league meets so he could be better prepared

for the postseason. But Rojas had other plans. He quickly

rehabilitated and returned to the track the very next week.

“My recovery came fast,” Rojas said. “I was surprised that I have

been recovering so fast. Last year, my hip was hurting and I didn’t

recover as much.”

Last year, Rojas went from rags to riches in regard to the track

and field scene. He was initially an alternate in the 1,600 for the

Masters Meet, but he received a chance to race after another runner

pulled out of the event. Rojas made the most of his opportunity and

finished second with a personal record 4:14.71.

While May 8 was not as dramatic, it definitely had some noteworthy

moments. Rojas, the Daily Pilot Athlete of the Week, remained

undefeated in the 800, winning in 1:55.36. He also set a league

record in the 1,600, finishing in 4:18.33 at Orange Coast College,

where he will compete next season.

When Rojas hears talk that he is probably the best distance runner

in Estancia history, it hardly fazes him.

“I just respond to that by trying to keep winning,” Rojas said. “I

keep pushing myself.”

Rojas’ relentless, and even aggressive, efforts earned him a

nickname. People who know him call him, “Pepino,” after the boxer

Pepino Cuevas. Rojas has a fighter’s instinct, yet he has gained a

level of calmness that can come from distance running.

“He’s friendly and that makes him valuable with his teammates,”

Appell said. “He’s pretty good about helping someone and cheering

that person up. He would be a good child psychologist.”