Angelica Martinez, Schenley

Last week: Martinez won her fourth consecutive City League girls' cross country championship Saturday, covering the 3.1-mile course at Schenley Oval in 20 minutes, 3 seconds.

Check this out: Although a senior, Martinez will not turn 17 until February. She was 13 when she won her first City title as a freshman in 2004. Martinez defended her crown again Saturday despite missing numerous team practices because of an after-school job. She and her family moved to the United States from Mexico City in 2000.

Do any of the four City titles stand out above the others? My sophomore year was my best time (19:49.50, a meet record). Actually, that was my best season overall.

You will be competing in the PIAA championships in Hershey Nov. 3. How have you done there? I think I finished in the top third as a sophomore, but fell last year. The City is important, but states has the best competition.

Do you have any pre-race rituals? I definitely pray. It's one of the values my family gave me.

What activity would you pursue if you weren't a runner? I'd be a dancer. My dad was a professional dancer.

Favorite dessert? Flan, which is Mexican. It's kind of like Jell-O, but with milk.

People might be surprised to know that ... I like to write poetry.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Owning my own Mexican restaurant in the states, I guess. And being a professional dancer or runner.

-- By Rick Shrum

Karl DeCiantis, North Allegheny

Last week: DeCiantis rushed for 113 yards on only 12 carries in a 34-0 victory against Butler Friday, a victory that ran North Allegheny's record to 8-0.

Check this out: DeCiantis, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound senior, leads WPIAL Class AAAA in rushing with 892 yards on 133 attempts. He needs 108 yards against North Hills tomorrow night to become the third North Allegheny running back in the past 15 years to rush for 1,000 yards in the regular season. DeCiantis also is a talented wrestler, finishing third in WPIAL Class AAA last year at 160 pounds.

What is the biggest key to being a good running back? I think just running hard, play after play, and not taking any plays off. I think you have to be able to block, too.

What is harder, football or wrestling? They're both hard, but in different ways. In football, you have to do well for your team. In wrestling, it's like 'am I going to make weight this week?' Football is more brutal. But wrestling, you have to have endurance.

Is North Hills a hated rival? I don't like to use the word hate. I would say they are strongly disliked.

People might be surprised to know that you ... Write poetry. I was in creative writing last year and that got me into it.

What really bothers your coach, Art Walker? Sleeping during films.

-- By Mike White