East County Athlete of the Week: Kenny DeStefano

The Lakewood Ranch boys' cross-country team won the Out-of-Door Invitational on Oct. 18 as seven of its runners placed in the top 12 of an 81-runner field. Kenny DeStefano paced the group, clocking a team-best 16:07 in the three-mile race to secure second place individually. The junior was 19 seconds faster than the team's average on the day, and was bested only by St. Stephen's Episcopal senior Austin Carr (15:57.1). Following his standout performance, DeStefano is the East County Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start running?

I started running because it was a fun way for me to immerse myself with other people. It's just a sport I like, and I enjoy it.

What do you enjoy most about competing in this sport?

I like the team aspect of it. Obviously, I want to run with my friends and all. I like competing — I'm a very competitive person. But I love hanging out with the team. They're so fun.

What's your favorite cross-country memory?

On Sundays, we do long runs and we all have so much fun. We eat breakfast after.

What's been the most humbling moment of your career?

I got into a slump my sophomore year towards the end of the season, and it took me from a seventh-place runner to a ninth-place runner.

What have been your goals for your junior season with Lakewood Ranch?

For me and my team, to go to states, and also to get into the 15 minutes (for a 5K race).

What's been a recent focus of yours in practice and preparing for competition?

To give 100%. That's all you can really do.

When you're not running, how do you spend your free time?

I study for school sometimes, and if I'm not studying for school, then I'm hanging out with friends or family.

What's one quote, if any, that you live your life by?

"Never believe in impossible, because anything can happen as long as you put your mind to it."

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

I want to go to Hawaii. I've been there once before, but it's just so beautiful there.

If you were stuck on a desert island with only one item to survive, what would you bring and why?

If I could bring a family member, I would bring my mom.

What's your favorite movie?

I like 'Secretariat' — the movie about a horse. I actually watched that the other night before my race. It's actually a really good movie.

What's your favorite meal?

Steak.

What's your go-to, hype music while running?

I like country music, definitely.

Finish this sentence. Kenny DeStefano is...

Amazing.