I had hoped to talk with Hermiston cross country runner Alejandro Cisneros, who placed third at state, for our Athlete of the Week feature last week, but things didn't pan out. I had to head to Federal Way for the WIAA Girls State Swimming and Diving Championships, and his coach, Jake Puzey, called while I was out of town. But we all connected tonight, and I was able to get Cisneros' answers to our pressing questions.

• Favorite food: Pasta

• Favorite nonsport activity: Listening to music

• Favorite athlete: Leo Manzano

• Most like to meet (living or dead): My favorite artist, Eminem

• Sports highlight: Freshman year, when my team and I won state

• Favorite class: Accounting

• Prerace ritual: I'm usually the first person to get to the starting line from my team. I put on my shoes and pray to Jesus and pray to the Lord that all goes well.

• Must-have on the road: MP3 player and food

• Favorite movie: Get Rich or Die Tryin’

• Best song on your iPod: Now’s My Time by D.J.I.G.

• Career plans: Accountant or stockbroker

• Favorite course: Sunfair Invitational course in Yakima

• Best advice from current coach: When I feel like I'm at a disadvantage, (Puzey) tells me I'm not the only one who's going through one during a race.

• With $100 in a mall, where do you go?: Foot Locker

• Pairs of track spikes he owns: Four

• Dream vacation: Las Vegas

• Favorite place: Los Angeles

• Million dollars: Help my family with a better living

• What he would ask an Athlete of the Week: What makes you like the sport that you’re doing?

• What he likes about cross country: There are a lot of factors that go into it -- the way you train and what you do during the race affects the outcome. Also, the determination of an athlete to race hard and just have a good race.

• Favorite animal: Lion

• What did you have for dinner last night? Eight-ounce steak

• Who he looks up to: My cross country coach

• Thanksgiving plans: Traditional dinner with family and hanging out with some friends

Cisneros will run at this weekend's Border Clash in Beaverton, where he hopes to be one of the top four for Oregon and one of the top 10 overall.

"I went last year, and I did OK," he said. "Last year around that time, I was pretty burnt out, but I feel strong and healthy right now."