Meet the Mystics - Erik Cabascango
Meet Erik Cabascango, a first-year member of the Cross Country team.
Name: Erik Cabascango
Year of Eligibility: 1st
Home Town: Quito, Ecuador
Major: Public Relations
How long have you been running cross country?
2 years.
Did you play any other sports growing up?
I used to play soccer; soccer is a big thing where I come from.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life thus far?
My family has supported me to achieve all my goals, and especially my mom.
Why did you come to the Mount?
I fell in love with the campus; I love nature, and the ocean.
What was the coolest experience you have had so far this year?
Making friends with athletes from other schools and sharing stories with them.
Any pre-run superstitions/routines?
I always carry with me my necklace with a pendant of the Virgin Mary, "La Morenita". I like to have a quick prayer to ask her to protect me.
I want to become a professor and help new generations achieve their dreams.
“You owe it to yourself to be the best you can be.”
What would your power be if you were a superhero?
I wish I could fly, so I wouldn't have to get stuck in traffic.
Who is your biggest role model or inspiration in your sport?
Although he doesn't practice the same sport, I really admire an Ecuadorian race-walker named Jefferson Perez. He won Ecuador's first Olympic medal.
Patacones (fried plantains) with cheese.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring athletes in your sport?
I think I would tell them to enjoy the whole process: the training, the teammates, and the races. I would also tell them to be very organized and responsible with their time so that they can have great performance in sports, but also with other aspects of life.
How do you balance school with sport?
It has been very challenging, but it helps me a lot to prioritize tasks, to be strict with my schedules, and maintain open communication with my professors and coaches.
What’s the weirdest food combination you’ve ever tried?
Rum-Flavoured ice cream with ketchup. It was horrible, I don't recommend it.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Latinoamerica by Calle 13.
Favourite movie? Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
Favourite professional athlete? Gianluigi Buffon
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
What professional athlete would you compare yourself to? Moisés Caicedo
If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? Galápagos Islands.
Morning or evening practice? Evening
Comedy or horror? Both