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SUPER SOPHOMORE: Cerino Keeping His Cool In The Heat In Spring Competition
MOST ATHLETES HAVE A FOUNDATION FROM THEIR FAMILY FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE SPORT.
However, that doesn’t happen to be the case for Nimitz third baseman Alberto Cerino. He was the one to blaze the trail.
“I was actually the first one in my family to start playing,” he said. “So, I encouraged all my cousins to try it out too, which got them into it. There was a time when I put the bat down for a few years, but my cousins returned the favor and re-motivated me to get back on the field.
“I’m glad they did, because it’s become really cathartic. I find a lot of relaxation with it, and I get to spend a lot of time with my friends, which is all the appeal I need.”
Even though he keeps that cool, calm demeanor, the sophomore always seems to show up when it matters most.
As a freshman, he earned first-team, all-district honor after hitting at a .400 clip, knocking in 12 RBSs and scoring 11 runs.
While the going hasn’t always been easy for the Cougars as a whole, there’s plenty of upside to be found for the future of the ballclub.
“It’s about the experience for me, honestly,” said Cerino. “Playing against other schools in this district and this area, there’s nothing like it. The level of competition that we face is really high, which can only help me and my teammates to improve.”
The future shouldn’t just end at the high school level for Cerino.
According to the Nimitz coaching staff, Cerino has had more than a few eyes spotting him – namely Harvard and the San Diego Padres – for a potential opportunity to play at the next level.
“It’s incredibly surreal,” he said. “But, I can’t get my hopes up just yet. I’m still very young, so all I can do now is just remain focused on what’s in front of me for the time being.”
Despite his young age, Cerino holds a wisdom beyond his years, which is indicated by his patience. Just as he said, his focus will be with his team as Nimitz seeks to re-enter the district conversation.
“Right now, I feel that our chances of turning things around are pretty good,” Cerino said. “We do have some seniors on this team who are prepared to give it their all in their last year. I’m hopeful for the future of this program, and I think we have some guys who can get things done.”
Obstacles are meant to be overcome as the Cougars’ best baseball is ahead of them with Cerino in the lineup.
THE NEXGEN: Durden Paving His Own Path With Father By His Side
REGGIE DURDEN ONCE PATROLLED THE SECONDARY AT SAM HOUSTON HIGH SCHOOL IN HOUSTON BACK IN THE LATE 1990s BEFORE TAKING HIS TALENTS TO FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY, WHERE HE STARRED FOR TWO SEASONS. THE HISD LEGEND IS NOW THE HEAD TRACK AND FIELD COACH AT EISENHOWER ALONG WITH BEING A FOOTBALL ASSISTANT UNDER COACH ODELL JAMES.
Fast forward a generation and Eisenhower is led by another star defensive back and track and field specialist... Reginald “Reggie” Durden.
“It’s great to have that one-on-one coaching in both sports by my Dad,” Durden said. “It’s really special, but what he stands on is that we separate our personal life and business... him being Dad and coach.”
Upon graduation, Durden will take his talents to Tallahassee to Florida A&M, where he will run track and play football.
“We still have a lot of connections to Tallahassee since when my Dad played there, so it was an easy choice,” he said. “I love it there and I’m excited for that ‘college experience’. I’m going to be really busy playing both sports, but I’m ready to make some noise. I have some goals I’m ready to achieve.”
As Durden heads for the final curve of his high school career, he also has goals he wants to achieve with Swoop Nation on the track.
“I’ve run a 38 in the 300 hurdles and that was the goal. Now, I’m trying to go lower,” he said. “I also run the 100 hurdles, but I love the 4 x 400 relay. That’s my favorite. It’s the last race of the meet and all eyes are on you. I love to be in that position.”
He hopes that all eyes will be on him as he embarks on a career in broadcast journalism at FAMU.
“I’d love to be a sports analyst on television,” he said. “I feel like I have the knowledge of the game and the personality to do something like that.”
His other business passion is opening a funeral home.
“I also want to get my mortician’s license,” he said. “My grandmother passed away during COVID and I was up close and personal to the process. They showed so much love and hospitality and I knew that was something I wanted to do in the future. People die every day and I want to help them find their home.”
For now, his home will be Tallahassee and all eyes will be on him as he embarks on his interesting path to future success.