Derek Jeffries

Class:
Junior
Hometown:
Orangevale, CA
High School:
Casa Roble HS

In high school, he finished fifth in the Capital Athletic League Championships and finished eighteenth in the CIF Sac Joaquin Section Championships in his senior season.

He chose UC Santa Cruz as he states '...because i felt it was a place where i could truly get both a good education as well as enjoy a great collegiate career in running. I love the town, love to run, and know this school can help me reach great heights. I wanted to branch out and see what's it like to live in California outside the valley.'

His future career goal is to become a veterinarian.

His hobbies include hanging out with friends, playing board, card and video games and watching movies and sports. His favorite color is blue. His favorite athlete is San Jose Sharks captain Joe Thornton. His favorite superhero is Iron Man.

Derek tells us about one of his main passions. "One other hobby I have is I have a passion for raising ducks. It's a little weird, but i just find them to be such awesome creatures and I've been hooked ever since a got my first bird. I've been raising them for three years now, I have a well-built sanctuary in my backyard, and I really hope I can still continue to expand the project during my time away from home."