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Alexander Heck
by Naomi Gault, Staff Writer
Alexander Daniel Heck is one of El Segundo High's most talented
aquatic athletes. He became active in athletics when he was a young
boy. As a child, he and his older sister would stay active with
their father by going to the park and tossing around a ball. He has
been involved in water polo for five years and swim team since his
freshman year. He began water polo in the eighth grade instead of
the regular physical education. He says that he chose water polo,
not exactly because of a direct passion for it, but to experience
something new, intense, and fast paced. Alex saw that the water polo
program was very successful and he wanted to be a part of a team
determined to win. He recognizes his ability to be a leader and
hopes to fulfill his position as co-captain by inspiring his fellow
teammates and help any who need improvements. Though one of his
major joys in water polo is the many victories that they achieve,
Alex believes good sportsmanship means not being a sore loser, and
having respect for his teammates, as well as members of the opposing
team. Most of all, his main purpose in playing water polo is to have
fun and just enjoy playing the game.
His parents, Robin and Dan Heck, have always been
supportive of Alex. Robin is a resource specialist at the Center
Street Elementary School, while Dan is co-coach of El Segundo High's
football program. According to young Alex, this loving couple has
"left the door open". Their greatest desire for their son is for him
to be happy and to create his own destiny. Because of this, Alex has
gained a great reverence for his parents. His mother taught him to
be compassionate and enjoy everything that he does. His father
taught him to work as hard as he can and to realize that there is
always room for improvement. His sister Caitlin has been a great
support for him and on to encourage him during trying times. Though
his family is one of the most influential factors in his life, there
are two others to whom he owes much appreciation. First, his faith
in God gives him the strength that he needs to stay focused and
succeed. Secondly, his fellow teammates whom he views as a second
family, give him courage during tough times. Going to CIF during his
sophomore year was one of his most memorable moments in high school.
He remembers the huge crowd and big pool, and he remembers being
nervous but had fun.
Unfortunately, they did not come home victorious that
year but the entire experience was filled with non-stop laughs.
As a senior, Heck has realized that the phrase "time
flies while you're having fun" is certainly true. Even so, he claims
to have no regrets and states that he loved it, though it went by
fast. He views himself as a comical and goofy character. However,
when it comes to school or getting in the pool, he is completely
serious and works hard to win.
Aside from sports, Alex has also exceeded in academics,
maintaining a GPA above a 3.5 throughout high school. He plans to
apply to Cal Poly San Lois Obispo, UCSD, and USD. In terms of
possible careers, he is deciding between majoring in political
behavior and earning a teacher's degree. If he chooses a political
route, he is considering working his way up to Senate or House of
Representatives. Such an aspiring notion could be outweighed by his
love of helping others, which is his motive for wanting to teach.
Alex would like to say that he is successful because of
the many wonderful people that surround him; he could not ask for a
better team, family, or two better coaches.
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