Southeast High’s Jake Beauchamp

By Matt Browning

Jake Beauchamp of Wichita Southeast was voted the Wichita Large School Preseason Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. Beauchamp finished 11th last season at the 6A State Cross Country Meet and lowered his best time from 16:52 to 16:10.

“The major thing I took away from last season was to not take anything for granted,” Beauchamp said. “We had a coaching change that really shook things up and shrunk a team of what could’ve been 15 returners down to less than seven at times. I learned how important it was to have a team around me and felt that, even though I had a good season individually, something was missing.”

With all of the successes he had last season, Beauchamp has lofty goals for his upcoming season.

“My expectations for the season are to win the GWAL meet, then place top 10 at the 6A meet,” Beauchamp said.

Running has been a passion for Beauchamp ever since he can remember.

“My strengths as a runner are my dedication, determination and my love for running,” Beauchamp said. “Even before I knew you could compete in running; I would run anywhere and I loved the idea of being able to push myself to my limits.”