8th-Grader Shows Immense Spirit Of Sportsmanship During School Race
NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — An eighth-grader showed his immense spirit of sportsmanship toward a fellow classmate during a school race last week.
Jarahmeel Fong and Hector Murillo, who attend Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood, love sports, but hate to lose.
"I hate losing. It's bad," said Hector.
Jarahmeel said, "It just makes you feel disappointed and heartbroken almost."
Last Thursday, the boys faced off at the school's 800-meter run.
About mid-way through, Jarahmeel said he pulled a muscle that knocked him out of the competition.
"Around where this line is, I fell backward this way and then fell like that. And then Hector was coming up behind me," he said.
Hector added, "And then I saw him there. And then I stopped. And I helped him up."
The duo then crossed the finish line together.
"I've taught physical education for eight years, and I've coached for 20. This is one of the best experiences I've seen of sportsmanship," said P.E. teacher Jorge Miranda.
CBS2's Jeff Nguyen reported that Hector turned into a bit of a hero on campus since the race.
"It was the buzz of the campus. Then the teachers got into it. And all of the teachers gave him certificates in each of his classes," said Principal Donna Tobin.
"He's a good person. I was actually surprised that he stopped. So he's deserving of (the attention)," said Jarahmeel.
Both Jarahmeel and Hector were on pace to smash the school's current record holder's in track and field.
That dream is now on hold.
"I guess, simply, winning is not what matters most," said Jarahmeel.
"Well, I wasn't the best that day. He was better than me," said Hector.
