Alex Valencia, senior distance runner for the Westfield track and cross country team, announced his commitment to the University of Alabama on April 16 via Instagram.
Valencia is the fourth member of Westfield’s team this year to announce his commitment to run in college.
The University of Alabama is a public university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The school was founded in 1831, and it has been an athletic powerhouse for most of the last 20 years.
Valencia will join the University of Alabama in the fall of 2024, competing for their Division I track team. The University of Alabama track team competes in the Southeastern Conference, and they will be heading to the NCAA championship in June.
As a captain and prevalent varsity member of the Westfield track and field team, Valencia is able to teach the younger generation of runners how to find their place, be a good student, teammate and athlete all at the same time.
Teammate and senior distance runner James Hamilton explained, “Alex’s commitment to success is like no other. His progression over the years has been amazing to watch from a teammate’s perspective. Knowing him for so long and watching him go through this journey has really been a sight to see.”
This past cross country season, Valencia was able to travel with his Westfield teammates all the way to Oregon to participate in Nike Cross Nationals for the first time since 2011. During the winter track season, Westfield went to the New Balance nationals, and Valencia came out as a national champion in the 4×800 meter relay. He also was an event champion, helping win the North 2 sectional title for the third consecutive year.
Despite offers from the University of South Carolina and Clemson University, Valencia ultimately decided on the University of Alabama because, “Alabama offered a really good package between top athletics and generous academic scholarships. Something that stuck out to me more than other schools was the dedication the university had to making their student athletes successful in both the classroom and the playing field. The athletic facilities were top-notch, and the academic advisors were super helpful in ensuring success. Another thing that was crucial to me was going to a school where I felt wanted by both the team and coaches, which I thought Alabama offered perfectly.”
Before Valencia joins the Crimson Tide, he will participate in his final track and field season for the Blue Devils as a vital member of the team.
