Sheridan High School runner puts on touching display of sportsmanship
SHERIDAN, Ind. (BVM) — In today’s sports world, there is often a lot of controversy and competitiveness that dominates the main headlines. But every so often, someone like Sheridan High School senior Axel Aleman comes along to remind us what sports are really all about.
Aleman is a multi-sport athlete at Sheridan, and specifically stars in cross country and soccer. Born in Mexico, the 18-year-old and his family moved to Indiana, where Aleman enjoyed playing soccer in his youth.
The Sheridan senior would not take up competitive running until entering high school, where it was suggested by a teacher that he try competing in cross country. But the rest is history, and Aleman has now grown a deep passion for the sport.
“What I really like about cross country is how everyone really loves the sport,” Aleman said. “Some people will really care about their times while some people just try to enjoy the race and have fun and that’s pretty much where I fall into.”
Aleman is part of a relatively small cross country team at Sheridan. But he has had some great moments over his years of running, including finally breaking the 20-minute mark in his races — showing just how far he has come in the sport.
Meanwhile, Aleman has continued his soccer career as well for the Blackhawks. He takes pride in having helped turn the program around over the last few years, and hopes to lead Sheridan to a conference title this spring.
Some words people might use to describe Aleman are kind, humble and helpful.
“I have always had a thing for trying to help everyone, even when I don’t know them personally,” Aleman said.
That never proved more true than at a recent cross country meet — the 5K Southwestern Small School Invitational. It was a normal start to the race for Aleman, who was enjoying a spot in the top fourth of the field.
But then, Aleman would notice a competitor ahead of him — Western Boone High School sophomore Levi LaGrange — go down with a twisted ankle.
“As I was coming to a turn, Levi was right in front of me,” Aleman said. “When he was about to turn he rolled his ankle, and once he got up he started limping. When I got close to him everyone was passing him and I was thinking that no one was going to help him and he might not finish the race. So that is what made me want to stick with him.”
Despite having the chance for a strong finish, Aleman stayed by LaGrange’s side. The Sheridan senior began asking the injured runner what was wrong and if he would be able to run. Although LaGrange pleaded that Aleman finish the race so he didn’t ruin his time, the Sheridan runner continued his remarkable act of sportsmanship.
“I was asking him if he was able to run and he said that he could but I could tell he couldn’t,” Aleman explained. “He was telling me to go on and finish the race but at the same time I was telling him that I wanted him to finish the race and I will be staying with him no matter what he tells me. We just went on from there and stayed together.”
The pair ran the last half mile or so of the race together. And in another kind-hearted gesture, Aleman made sure LaGrange crossed the finish line before he did — putting the Western Boone sophomore in 57th place, and the Sheridan senior in 58th.
After the race, the two hugged as LaGrange was predictably very thankful. But Aleman again offered some impressive words of encouragement to the sophomore.
“After the race he thanked me but I told him that a race is just a race and that he mattered more than the race,” Aleman said. “He could have injured himself so much worse and ruined his year or career.”
The two have continued to keep in touch since that race a few weeks back. It was a kind act by the Sheridan runner, one not many other athletes may have thought to do in that moment.
“There are for sure some people that would have done the same thing,” Aleman said. “But nowadays there aren’t as many people who would. Yes, we are in high school and are competitive. But sometimes we have to get over that and look out for others.”
As humble as they come, Aleman is surprised how much attention his act of kindness has garnered. In fact, he didn’t even tell his parents about what he did after the race, just saying that he didn’t have one of his better finishes.
“I’m very, very surprised how much attention this has gotten,” Aleman said. “I didn’t expect anything like this.”
But at the same time, the Sheridan senior is happy his story has received notice, as it can serve a true lesson in sportsmanship and beyond for many.
“I’m very proud with all of the attention this is getting because it is something not many people would do these days,” Aleman said. “From a personal point of view, I would love to see more people like that and just want better for the world. I think all this serves as a very good lesson.”
Aleman hopes to finish out his senior year strong both in the classroom and within athletics. He is hoping to play soccer or compete in cross country at the collegiate level, and aspires to gain a scholarship to do so.
Currently, the senior has his eyes on attending Ball State University to study criminal justice. Post-college, Aleman hopes to begin a career as a K9 officer.
There is no doubt that Aleman has a bright future ahead of him no matter where he chooses to go to college, and where his future plans lead him. There are athletes who put up gaudy numbers or are top recruits, but you don’t find many who have the kind personality, and display of sportsmanship on a daily basis that Aleman does. His legacy at Sheridan will not be forgotten anytime soon.
