Nico Montanez Olympic Trials

A scholarship for Nico

*Updated on 12/2/19 see below

Friends, please meet Tucsonan Nico Montanez, not far removed from the teenager with a charming smile and big dreams I coached several years ago. Nico wanted to be a great runner and worked hard every day chasing that dream. He believed his coaches when they told him, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” Nico worked hard in high school, winning 10 state championships and a scholarship to run in junior college. Nico worked hard again, earning junior college All-American honors and a scholarship to Brigham Young University. Nico then worked hard and chased his dreams in Provo, Utah, earning his way on to the varsity squad, finishing 9th and earning All-American honors at the 2016 NCAA Cross Country Championships. Not the first Tucson runner to be All-American, but the highest NCAA Cross Country finish of a local runner. Ever.

Chasing the greatness that burned in his heart, Nico became a professional athlete in 2017. Skimping and saving, Nico has trusted his coaches in Mammoth, CA to get him to the next level. In 2017 he qualified for the Olympic Trials, and in 2018 he improved his time to become one of the up and coming elite distance runners in the U.S.

As his former coach and mentor, I know Nico and his desire for greatness. I’ve seen it and helped him chase it. I also know Nico’s pride in earning his way with scholarships and prize money. The kid works hard and wants to earn his way. Now with four-months before the Olympic Trials, I have one wish for this kid. That he can focus his time on his talents, chasing the rewards that come with a successful race. 

I believe in this kid. Help me give him four months to focus. No matter what, Nico will achieve great things. But if he is distracted at this critical moment, it is time he will not get back.

So I am asking you – let’s give this kid four months. A four-month scholarship, if you will, from his hometown. He’s earned it. All funds raised will help Nico cover the cost of training, a place to live in Mammoth (where he trains with his Coach and the Mammoth Track Team) and food to eat until the Olympic Trials on February 29, 2020. That’s it. He’ll take care of chasing the dream.

With gratitude,

Tim Bentley

Nico Montanez Mammoth Track Club

11/14/19 Update:  I've upped the  amount of Nico's 'scholarship' to $5,000 for a few reasons. The support for this young man has been overwhelming, inspiring and
generous.  I met with Nico two weeks ago to talk about his plans for the next four-months and his plans to get to the Trials. He had a well-thought out plan (with charts and a budget :)) for the next four months. I was impressed. But he still came up short.

1.  We calculated his expenses for the four months for rent, food and training to get to the original $4,000. All other expenses, Nico felt he could pay
for with sponsorship money or the small stipend he gets. I knew it would be tight and still be a bit short, but Nico felt it was doable.
2. I spoke to Nico this weekend (11/1) and asked if there were specific expenses related to the trials or his ability to be ready for the trials. While Nico has an entry into the Trials, he needs to pay his way there and take care of lodging. Also, he has a half-marathon race in January in Houston  that will
gauge his progress and dictate his training for the remaining 6-weeks before the trials.. He has an entry, but needs to pay airfare and lodging.

That's why I've increased the amount - adding travel and lodging to the two events crucial to this dream. I'll add that Nico has been gracious and hesitant in this process, but I tell him that I - and all of us - believe in him. He's a fine young man.

Thank you for your continued support!

Tim Bentley
11/4/19


Update 12/2/19:  We've been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support for Nico Montanez's journey to the Marathon Olympic Trials. I spoke to him recently and he is training and focused on having his best race on February 29, 2020. I truly believe the support of this community is a major factor in his determination.

We're going to close this campaign on Wednesday, December 4. If you'd like to support a young man's dream, it is much appreciated!

You all amaze me. Thank you!

Tim Bentley
12-2-19