After a stellar basketball season in which he scored his 1,000th point, Frankie Pujols is relishing his track season.

Pujols is running the 100, and he is part of the Rough Riders’ successful 1600 relay team. Like in basketball, Pujols also has taken a selfless approach with his team.

“Track season is going great so far, “said Pujols recently. “We have already accomplished so much already before the post season hit, so that’s good for us. I feel like my running ability is great right now and I definitely improved a lot since last year’s track season. I feel like our relays are very good and we work hard every day at practice to make the little things perfect so when we get to the post season we will excel when we need it the most.”

Since his first meet when he ran a 13.60 in the 100, Pujols has lowered his time by two-plus seconds in most meets. However, his season best is a 10.80 in a second-place finish behind teammate Hamaad Jenkins, who has been among the Lehigh Valley’ best in the event.

Pujols also has played an integral part in the Roughies’ relay that only has only one second-place finish among their numerous first-place ones. Their season best is a 3:28 in the Pine Grove Invitational.

Head coach Kyle Rusnock has enjoyed all of Pujols’ moments, and he anticipates more of them ahead.

“Frankie is going to be fun to watch in the postseason in all of his events that he participates in,” beamed Rusnock before this week’s league meet. “We hope to return to states in multiple events.

“Frankie is one of those one-of a-kind athlete that come around not so very often. Aside from track, Frankie is a standout basketball player, and I love the fact that he decided to come out for track and field to help out his team and participate with his friends. We as coaches are very honored and lucky to have him with us.”

Pujols, who will be attending DeSales University and is not sure if he will continue his basketball career, has quickly made the adjustment this spring.

“Before the track season, I was really focused on basketball so there wasn’t much training for track,” said Pujols. “But I would lift and do speed and agility drills whenever I could.”

Like his coach, Pujols is anxious to further prove himself down the road.