Torrance High’s Athlete of the Month for October, Noah Hakoma, has truly earned his recognition through perseverance, dedication, and mental toughness. “I was really excited and happy, it most definitely made my day,” Noah said about getting the award. After a difficult cross-country season last year when he didn’t reach the times he wanted, this award holds special meaning for him. His main goals were to break 16 minutes in 3 miles, and to stay strong both mentally and physically, something he proudly feels he has accomplished, breaking his goal by 3 seconds and ending the season with a personal record of 15:57. Before every race, Noah follows a constant routine consisting of fueling his body with last-minute carbs, listening to his pump-up playlist, and stretching during his warm-up. In the heat of competition, he focuses on never getting comfortable, knowing that once you settle, it’s hard to regain momentum. To Noah, cross-country is “a whole other beast,” one that demands someone’s body to constantly keep moving, but he manages by taking one thing at a time. Through it all, Noah says being an athlete has taught him the value of hard work and self-motivation, especially during the moments when no one else is watching.