Scottsbluff’s Alex Galindo named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency

JEFF FIELDER Editor

jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com

SCOTTSBLUFF – Alex Galindo, a senior at Scottsbluff High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Athlete of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance. Galindo, a running back and cornerback, is in his second year as a starter on Scottsbluff’s football team (2-2). He shined in the Bearcats’ 35-0 win over Alliance last week, scoring five touchdowns, including four rushing. He piled up nearly 200 yards of total offense (rushing and receiving). Galindo will try to boost the Bearcats again this week in their game at home against Lexington. In addition to football, Galindo competes in track and field (100, 400, 4×100 relay, 4×400 relay). He hopes to play football in college. He’s considering majoring in engineering. His parents are Erica and Carlos Galindo. For being named an Athlete of the Week, Smith will receive a gift card for a free drink at Scooter’s Coffee.

Q: How impressed were you with Scottsbluff’s performance against Alliance?

GALINDO: “We played great. We’ve been clicking a lot better recently. We started the season off a little slow, but we’ve been starting to play a lot better as a team. I think that really showed in our game last week.”

Q: How thrilled were you with your individual performance, especially scoring five touchdowns?

GALINDO: “I just wanted to go out there and do my job. I worked all summer with Chris Busby, the previous running back, so I learned a lot from him and picked up a lot of tips from him. Lifting with Trey has also helped. Everything has been coming together really well to make me the player I am today.”

Q: Is that the most TDs you’ve ever scored in a game?

GALINDO: “Yes. My sophomore year when I played JV, I had four touchdowns against a team in Rapid City.”

Q: How surprised were you to score five touchdowns?

GALINDO: “I credit the offensive line. They’ve been blocking really well for me. They’ve been giving me the blocks I need to do what I need to do.”

Q: Scottsbluff seems to be on a roll right now. What’s made the difference for the team in the last couple weeks?

GALINDO: “Just continuing to practice hard as a team. That’s helped us play better as a team.”

Q: What are your goals for the rest of the football season?

GALINDO: “To win as many games as possible and to be district champs.”

Q: Do you think Scottsbluff could be pretty successful in the postseason?

GALINDO: “Yes, I feel like we could, especially if all of us continue to do our jobs. I definitely feel like we could make some noise in the playoffs.”

Q: How does it feel to be in your first year as a starter on offense?

GALINDO: “It feels good to be scoring touchdowns and contributing to the team on that side of the ball. I never started on offense until this year. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Q: How did the last two seasons help you prepare for your senior season of football?

GALINDO: “They really helped me develop as a player. I played with a lot of great guys.”

Q: How long have you wanted to play football in college?

GALINDO: “That’s been a goal of mine since I was little. A lot of it is because of my uncle [Jose Longoria of Scottsbluff]. I probably wouldn’t even be playing if it weren’t for him.”

Q: How do you feel about this week’s matchup against Lexington (2-3)?

GALINDO: “We’re not going to underestimate any team. We’ll just continue to practice hard and do what we need to do.”

Q: How much do you enjoy competing in track and field?

GALINDO: “I like it a lot. It’s fun testing my speed against other people. I think it helps a lot with football, too.”

Q: During your athletic career, which coach do you feel has made the biggest impact on you?

GALINDO: “Every coach has made a different impact on me and has helped me get better and become the player I am today. I appreciate all my coaches.”

Q: What got you interested in pursuing engineering in college?

GALINDO: “I just think it would be a good job for me. My dad does construction, so I’m kind of into that field.”

Q: Have you helped your dad with his construction business?

GALINDO: “Yes, during the summer I’ll help him with his work.”

Q: Outside of your sports, what do you like to do for fun?

GALINDO: “I train a lot, but I also like to just relax at home or hang out with my girlfriend.”

Q: Have you enjoyed growing up in Scottsbluff?

GALINDO: “Yes, it’s been fun. It’s not too big, but it’s not too small, either. It’s been a good place to grow up.”

Q: What is your favorite class this school year?

GALINDO: “Probably auto body at the college. It’s a fun class to be in. I get to restore one of my dad’s old trucks.”

Q: During your educational career, which teacher has made the biggest influence on you?

GALINDO: “I would say my elementary teacher, Mrs. Bird, at Longfellow. She always told me to do what I love doing. She always motivated me.”

Q: What is your favorite type of music?

GALINDO: “Rap and hip hop.”

Q: Favorite TV show? 

GALINDO: “All American.”

Q: What are your three favorite apps on your cell phone?

GALINDO: “Snapchat, Apple Music, and TikTok.”

Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?

GALINDO: “Perkins.”

Q: What do you like to order there?

GALINDO: “A cheeseburger or French dip.”

Q: Who do you think is one of the kindest students at Scottsbluff High School?

GALINDO: “Paul Garcia. He’s a senior. He’s always kind to me and always checks up on me. We’re really good friends.”

Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more often?

GALINDO: “Be more friendly to each other.” 

Q: Do you have any siblings?

GALINDO: “Yes, I have six siblings: Carlos (20), Santiago (19), Yazmine (14), Markos (10), Carla (7), and Adreil (5).

Q: What is it like to have six siblings?

GALINDO: “It’s great, honestly. It’s been fun having a bunch of people to grow up with. I have a different bond with each one of them. I enjoy having a big family.”

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

GALINDO: “I’m grateful for my family. I’m blessed for my hard-working parents.”

If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, LLC – American Family Insurance, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865. 

In addition to being recognized online, athletes of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865.

For all your insurance needs, visit The Kristy Culek Agency, LLC-American Family Insurance, located at 1012 Ave. I in Scottsbluff, or call 308-632-8598.