Cross Country is a sport that not many can brave, much less excel at, due to the amount of time, endurance and straight athleticism it requires. However, Senior Niko Chapman has been able to endure all these pains and more as he works to run his way to the top spot. “I don’t know many people who can handle the pain, fatigue and just the pure intensity of the running that keeps me going,” said Chapman.

   Chapman aims to place within the top ten at the Mount Sac Invitational meet, which comprises one of the more challenging courses because it requires running long distance over a hilly terrain. “This is going to be a challenge for me, but I know if I can run well, then I will be able to place in the top ten. That will be a great accomplishment for me and even more motivation to continue running,” he exclaimed.

   Running offers Chapman the opportunity to be able to possibly attend some prestigious colleges, such as University of California, Berkeley and many more that recruit the best of the best. He explained that running has given him many opportunities that he might not have had otherwise.

   “I can have a chance to go to some good schools that I wouldn’t have previously been able to get into without running. I want to be able to utilize the running aspect in my life in order to get a higher education,” said Chapman. For Chapman, the goal of running does not stop at the finish line of a recent race, but extends to the future with success in education.