Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/791562
24 WAC Magazine | wac.net living fit kids tri / meet the athlete By Mae Jacobson Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Eliud Gonzalez grew up inspired by Michael Jordan and played point guard for Harold L. Richards High School, alma mater of Dwyane Wade, and then at Illinois Wesleyan University, where he studied business administration and marketing from 2008–2012. Eliud currently plays in the WAC's A league and on the traveling team. He's also a member of the Club's men's soccer and coed volleyball teams. Q. What's your favorite part of basketball? A. ere's a sense of competition, drive and camaraderie that comes with being on a basketball team. I think everyone wants to be part of something that's bigger than themselves, and playing basketball offers that. It's a complex, emotionally demanding, and cerebral sport. Q. Do you have any memories that stand out during your basketball career? A. Winning state in high school. en, during college, we made it to the Division III Final Four my senior year. I was captain of the team when we beat No. 1 Hope College in double overtime. ey were undefeated ... so that felt amazing. Q. What does your future hold? A. I'd really like to get into coaching. Other than that, I just want to play basketball for as long as I possibly can. I see the older players at the WAC and it reassures me that I've got plenty of time to keep playing. Q. Do you have any advice for young athletes? A. ere are times that training and playing won't seem fun and times that you can get distracted. But if you understand what it takes to be successful, you can remain focused on your goal and the process of getting there. Have fun, too. Being happy is the most important thing. Meet the athlete: Eliud Gonzalez L A N E C A U D I L L 11th Annual WAC Kids Indoor Triathlon Get ready to bike, run and swim your way to fun. e WAC Kids Indoor Triathlon returns at 9 am on Saturday, April 22. is event is the perfect oppor- tunity to introduce your kids to triathlon—or for returning kids to break their times from past years. All participants will receive a medal and goodie bag. Eric Williamson, swim coach and personal trainer, will be offering prerace training. Contact Brandon Eckhardt at beckhardt@wac.net to sign up and for more details. Ages 6–14. Brain Awareness Month Do you know how much your brain weighs? Do you know anyone with Alzheimer's disease? How about the connection between eating and brain health? Brain Awareness Week takes place March 13–19. It's a perfect time to think about our brains and what we can do to keep them healthy. e human brain, by the way, tops the scales at around three pounds. wac.net/brain-body wac.net/brain-resources