ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: SANTIAGO GONZALEZ

Santiago Gonzalez sets a school record at regionals.

Santiago Gonzalez 
Junior, Key West
Swimming

“He has a strong work ethic and encourages others to do the same. It was great watching him swim the race and an awesome way to end the season.” – Lori Bosco, Conchs head swim coach

Key West’s Santiago Gonzalez set a goal this season, then quietly went about doing the work to achieve it. The junior freestyle specialist achieved his goals and more at the FHSAA Region 4 2A Championships last week when he broke the school record in the 200 freestyle event. Gonzalez’s 1:51.78 crushed the record set in 2018 by nearly a second, placing him in the Conch record books with another year of eligibility to break it again. At regionals, he also set a personal record in the 100 free race and anchored both the 400- and 200-yard relay teams, setting his team up for success. For his dedication and determination, which led to record-breaking success, Key West’s Santiago Gonzalez is the Key Weekly Athlete of the Week.

Tracy McDonald
Tracy McDonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.