Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Athletics

Sam Vazquez was a member of the Embry-Riddle cross country and track and field teams from 2008-11. Vazquez earned All-Sun Conference honors in each of his three seasons running cross country and was one of the league meet's top two finishers in each season, including a victory that afforded him Sun Conference Runner of the Year accolades in 2008.
 
In addition to leading the Eagles to three consecutive Sun Conference cross country titles, Vazquez was also instrumental in the Blue and Gold's best finish on the national stage in 2009, as well as the team's NAIA National Team of Character award. He placed 14^th overall at the NAIA National Championship to help the Eagles to a fifth-place team finish and became one of only three student-athletes in ERAU men's cross country history to earn All-America recognition.
 
Vazquez also excelled on the track where he competed for the Eagles in the middle distance races. He earned All-Conference recognition seven times and was a six-time All-American.
 
His final season with the Eagles proved to be his best. After being named the NAIA National Track Athlete of the Week in March 2011, Vazquez entered the field in the 1,000m at the indoor national championships as the top seed. After setting a school record (2:27.35) in the preliminary round of the event, Vazquez eclipsed that mark in the final, winning the race in 2:24.61 to become the Eagles' first men's track & field national champion.
 
Vazquez went on to win three events at the conference championship later on in the spring to take home league Track Athlete of the Year honors.
 
After graduating from Embry-Riddle with a degree in Business Administration, Vazquez set his sights on the Olympics and in 2012, that dream became a reality. In June 2012, he posted a 3:37.60 at the American Miler's Series in Indianapolis, Indiana and that time qualified him to represent Puerto Rico at the 2012 London Olympics.
 
As of his induction into the ERAU Athletics Hall of Fame, Vazquez still stands as one of the benchmarks in Embry-Riddle Cross Country and Track & Field. He holds four of the 20 fastest times ever posted by an Embry-Riddle cross country competitor and is the second-fastest runner in program history. He also holds eight school records in track and field, including the indoor 1,000m (2:24.61), mile (4:08.82), 4x400m relay (3:16.15), 4x800m relay (7:40.38), as well as the outdoor 800m (1:49.91), 1,500m (3:47.14), 4x400m relay (3:13.56) and the 4x800m relay (7:28.33).
 
"When we first started recruiting Sam, he was not ready for college. After a couple of years, he realized that if he wanted to be successful, he needed to get his education. When he came to Embry-Riddle, he was a focused student. He worked hard in the classroom as well as on the track to be successful in both areas. This experience really taught him the value of hard work and an education. He has used this experience to help motivate others to work hard in both areas in his coaching at Roosevelt University, working at our high school cross country camp, or just mentoring others in person or on his website. He is inspirational to others who want to achieve greatness."
Mike Rosolino
Head Cross Country/Track & Field Coach (2001-present)
 
"I first met Sam when I was a freshman at Embry-Riddle. In the beginning of my first year, I did not think I had what it took to be part of such a prestigious school while participating on one of the best teams in the nation. However, Sam had expressed to me his enthusiasm and importance of academics. He helped push me past limits I did not know I was capable of reaching. Sam was not only a friend, but a virtuous mentor. He helped me excel as an athlete."
Joshua Guerrero
Embry-Riddle Cross Country/Track & Field (2011-14)
 
"In finding where he belonged, Sam grew as a person and has contributed to the communities in which he has lived far more than he was given. While in college, he would help coach the annual high-school cross country camp—which if you have ever attended, you must understand that what matters is inspiring high school students to embrace challenges and push through their self-perceived limits using running as the common medium. Sam has taken this one step further as he has worked as a collegiate coach in Chicago, Illinois. Through his actions it is clear that he has been a significant contributor to the "yes you can!" spirit he imbues in those people he meets, and his contribution to inspiring those around him cannot be denied."
Jacob Dordick
Embry-Riddle Cross Country/Track & Field (2012-15)