Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Alex Das

Oswego IL

10 September, 2021

11:41 AM

Description

Junior Alex Das was simply seeking an opportunity to increase his speed and endurance for soccer, so as an 8th grader at Murphy Junior High, Alex joined the track team to train for soccer. His first race happened to take place on Oswego East's track, where the coaches from OE's cross country program spotted Alex and encouraged him to come out for the team as a freshman. The decision to do so has led Alex on a path to be one of the top runners in the state, which is why he is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week. Running for both the cross country and track team at Oswego East, Alex has committed himself to become the best competitor possible. "I fell in love with running and started to train a lot, committing myself to practice my form and do all the little things right," says Alex. Motivation and the will to do what it takes to succeed is something that has helped Alex separate himself from the pack. "Alex is the most self-motivated person we have ever met," says Alex's parents, Arun and Amanda. They go on to add, "When he has a setback he tends to always come back stronger and increase his efforts." Head cross country coach Jim Milner agrees with those sentiments, saying, "Alex is an aggressive and fearless competitor." Jim goes on to say, "He's great at pushing himself through barriers which makes him very hard to race against. Over the years Alex has started to learn how to apply strategy to his training and racing." Alex's commitment to bettering himself has led to individual success in both cross country and track. This past spring during track season, Alex qualified for the State Meet in the 1600m as only a sophomore. This fall as a junior, Alex has been the Wolve's top finisher in 2 out of their 3 meets, which includes a win at their triangular meet vs. Naperville North and Plainfield Central. Alex has set personal goals of placing in the top 5 in the state and becoming a state champion. "Alex can certainly accomplish those goals," says Jim. He adds, "A state championship is very hard to accomplish, and as long as he fully commits himself to learn and improve he can be in a position to do so." To Alex's credit, his goals are in sight because of not only his talent and drive but the instruction he has been given since attending OE. "I think having Coach Milner and Coach Padovich, I really got lucky, as they have been great at motivating and teaching me," says Alex. Arun and Amanda agree, saying, "We believe Alex is blessed to be part of the Oswego East Cross Country and Track program at this time." They go on to add, " Coach Milner has built a program that supports the athletes not only on the field but also in the classroom and other parts of their life. We would encourage any student to consider joining these programs." Alex's drive and work ethic in cross country spill over into Alex's life outside of sports as well, as Alex has found a passion for business. "Over the past summer I watched a lot of shows and read up on business and got really into it," says Alex. "He wants to be an entrepreneur and start a business," says Arun and Amanda. They add, "He believes a successful business not only makes money for its owners and employees but also helps improve people's lives by providing a great product or service." Graham Brown, Alex's Accounting teacher, thinks Alex's personal characteristics will serve him well in the business world, saying, "Alex is very kind and always brings a positive attitude to class, which will serve him well in all facets of life." He adds, "Alex is a very hard-working student in accounting, and if he continues to put in the work I have seen from him thus far he will be very successful in college." As a junior, Alex is now tasked with being a leader for the Wolves both on the leaderboard and for his teammates. "The younger athletes certainly look up to Alex," says Jim. He adds, "It's very motivating to them when they see him out in front and that sets the tone for the team." Alex's talent and leadership will be necessary as the Wolves attempt to make a run at earning a place at state as a team. Not only is Alex hoping to make his mark on the team and the record books, but he also has his sights set on running at a major program in college, with his ultimate goal of running at Michigan State University. In order to reach that goal, Alex will need to take his own advice he has for future Wolves, saying, "Make sure to work as hard as possible and never let anyone work harder than you." Hard work and talent will continue to help Alex succeed, whether that's in running, the business world, or beyond.