For most runners the state competition is where the season comes to an end. But not for Brayden Cheek (11) who qualified for a spot in the Nike Southeast Regional Championship on Nov. 30 in Cary, NC. 

After almost setting a school record time at the State Championship in early November, Cheek felt ready for the challenge of competing against the best high school runners on the east coast, including entries from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Washington D.C. 

“It was a goal of mine to make it here, and I did it,” Cheek said. “I didn’t have my best race, but it was still a great experience to make it out there.”

Cheek placed 138 out of 297 in the race. Although he did not get a personal best time, the race was a goal of his that he achieved. Only a small group advances to the to the meet which also included Satellite High School’s Justin Wilson. 

The weather was also on the runners’ side, registering at 40 degrees during the race, much cooler than the usual Florida heat.

Although Cheek competed alone in North Carolina, his appearance in the race made impact on the West Shore team.

“It is inspirational that someone from West Shore can make a Nation meet,” Adrian Delia (9) said. “It shows that hard work and dedication can get you very far.”

By Gavin Litchfield