Barker’s Cruz to run cross-country at Niagara University

Contributed Photo – Barker High senior Sergio Cruz here signs his letter of intent to attend Niagara University where he will continue his cross-country career. Standing, from left, are his sister, Beatriz Cruz; his mother, Amalia Cruz and father Luis Cruz; Barker Assistant Cross-Country Coach, Sharon Lamb; Head Track and Field Coach, James Jurewicz and Head Cross-Country Coach, Paul DerSarkissian.

Barker Central School has announced that Sergio Cruz will continue his cross-country career at Niagara University this fall where he will major in nursing.

Cruz’s cross-country highlights at Barker include a spectacular senior year where he was the overall winner at the Niagara-Orleans cross-country championships, a member of the first team N-O All-League team and an Honorable Mention All-Western New York runner.

He finished his career earning All-State honors at the NYSPHSAA cross-country championships.

The 4-time scholar-athlete has been a key member of 3 league, 4 section, and 1 state championship cross-country team.

“Sergio has given his heart and soul to Barker’s running sports,” said Barker Cross-Country Coach Paul DerSarkissian.  “His drive, work ethic and focus are second to none. I wish him well at the next level and thank him for all he has done for Barker cross country.”

Cruz’s success continued in the spring where he has been a member of 4 undefeated league championship track and field teams and he was last year’s league champion in the 3200 meter run.

“What I found most impressive about Sergio is there was never an off-season for him,” said Barker Track Coach James Jurewicz. “He worked extremely hard at honing his craft. Sergio is an excellent role model for Barker student-athletes.”

“We’re incredibly excited that Sergio has chosen Niagara University,” said Niagara Unversity Cross-Country Coach Christine Kloiber. “As soon as we met him, we knew he’d be a perfect fit to our Purple Eagle family; not just because he’s a talented runner, but because of his passion for the sport as a whole and his dedication to succeed a student as well as an athlete.”