EVESHAM — The 17th Cherokee Challenge cross country meet took place at Cherokee High School Saturday morning. It’s only fitting that a Cherokee athlete would clock the fastest time of the day.
Shawn Wilson ran the 3,200 meters in 9:26 to finish first among 287 competitors in the senior boys race, 12 seconds ahead of runner-up Nick Costello of Delsea. The time broke the previous meet record of 9:28, set by Ocean City’s Miles Schoedler in 2010.
“I was really nervous before the race started because it’s our home turf, and I really didn't want to lose,” Wilson said. “I'm really excited, and it’s nice to bring the course record back to Cherokee.
“Breaking the record is a huge deal to me. Last year, I went for it, and didn't make it. To come back this year and get it is just amazing.”
Generally, a runner’s biggest challenge is running uphill. Wilson, on the other hand, considers it to be his biggest strength, and credits his victory to his dominant ascending ability.
“At the point right before the first hill, I kind of knew that I was going to take the lead,” said Wilson, the Burlington County Times Runner of the Year last fall. “Going up the second hill, I knew the race was mine.
“When I crossed the finish line, it was more of a, ‘Thank God it’s over’ kind of a feeling. All the nerves were gone, and I was just happy to be finished with all the other runners.”
Cross Country: In The Spotlight, Shawn Wilson
Cherokee senior Shawn Wilson broke the Cherokee Challenge meet record with a 9:26 clocking (for 3,200 meters). The previous record of 9:28 was set in 2010. Here are Wilson’s thoughts on a few rapid-fire questions:
How long have you been competitively running?
I started running track freshman year and I started cross country my junior year.
You've just been handed the keys to a time machine, where are you going?
Back to the Revolutionary War because I'd like to meet George Washington and all of the founding fathers.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Star Wars (series). I can't pick a favorite one, but as long as Obi-Wan Kenobi was in it, it was an awesome one.
Do you have a favorite television show?
Dragon Ball Z
What kind of music do you listen to?
Country. I don't really have a favorite band or anything, I just like the music.
Any plans for college yet?
Nothing yet; I know I want to go, I'm just not sure where.
What goals do you have set for yourself this season?
To try and win states, place first or second in the Meet of Champions (he was fifth last year) and then move on to nationals.
Do you have anyone that you look up to since you've been running?
Steve Burkholder. He was a senior during my freshman year and he was the best one on the team, so I've just been using him as my model.