Being the best in school for something is pretty hard, but being the best in state is something else. Junior Joshua Hernandez became the number 1 shotput thrower in Texas at the Del Valle Boys/Girls Invitational Meet Feb. 13.

“It felt good because I had worked so hard for it,” Hernandez said. “My dad, mom, sister, brother, and gym trainers all pushed me to be where I am today.”

Track and field practices run about two hours adding up to about 10 hours of practice per week, but for Joshua his practice numbers are practically twice as much.

“He comes early in the morning and stays late after school to practice,” head track & field coach Orlando Hairston said. “Knowing all the time he puts in, he easily puts in around 25 hours of practice a week.”

For Hernandez the hours of training are not hard at all.

“I have no diet I just eat what I like and train,” Hernandez said. “My motivation is to get better each week and improve.”

Hernandez not only has major support from his family, but from from friends, coaches, and the principal.

“It’s a good start to be at his level and that he sets his goals,” Principal Carmen Crosse said. “I’m very proud of him because he works hard and that takes personal commitment and sacrifice.”