Sophomore cross country runner Tommy Wheelerset a new school record in the 5K race with an impressive time of 16:32.

His record-breaking run landed him fourth overall in the 3A region.

Wheeler’s achievement speaks volumes as the old record was held for seventeen years.

His great feat wasn’t by accident, however. On the cross-country team, he set out to beat the school record in his first season, in the eighth grade.

Long training hours, dedication and drive were pivotal to Wheeler’s success.

As a kid, he had a winning mindset.

“I always want to be the best,” Wheeler said. 

His motivation stems from his family, as he mentioned they drove him to always put his best foot forward and try his hardest.

Family and self-validation led Wheeler to succeed substantially in his third season for Chapman’s cross-country team. 

“I knew I had natural long-distance running talent, but it wasn’t until I took training more seriously my freshman year that I could enhance those talents,” Wheeler said.

His coaches have greatly admired the talent Wheeler brings to the team, perceiving him positively regarding his character and athletic ability.  

Wheeler plans to take his athletic drive and talent beyond high school onto the college level.