The man behind the mustache: Nick Salazar

Lianna CohenSports EditorNick Salazar is a man of many talents. He’s a gifted writer, a skilled photographer and the owner of Samo’s greatest mustache. On top of all these accomplishments, he’s a top performer and captain of Samo’s boys’ cross-country team.Salazar began running cross-country as a freshman. Before that, he played ice hockey, but “the extent of my running was the required mile runs in P.E.,” he said. “I just went to summer practice and I liked it. It was something I was good at.”Salazar wasn’t just good at running; he was excellent. As a freshman, even the most seasoned cross-country veterans were impressed by his ability to power up the hill at Kenny Hahn. He proved himself by performing consistently for three years, winning league as a junior last year.This year, with his speed established, Salazar is proving to be a great captain.“I’m trying to give these kids who are starting out someone like I had when I was starting out. They were always there, they gave good advice, they helped me when I was nervous,” Salazar said of his leadership.This weekend, Salazar led the team to a second place finish at the competitive Cal Poly San Luis Obispo invitational, finishing just one second before junior Andrew Capron, who has been challenging Nick this season.“Our captain doesn’t have to be the fastest. It’s about creating harmony and creating leadership,” coach Tania Fisher said.“It’s a hard thing trying to balance being captain with being a top member of varsity. It definitely makes it harder to focus,” Salazar said.The boys are looking to win yet another Ocean League championship this year, guided by Salazar’s experience.lcohen@thesamohi.com