Overview
Wesley has been participating in competitive distance running since he was in 8th grade. He loves running with friends and family. Additionally, he works with other athletes and coaches to improve and strengthen the athletic program at Wilde Lake
For Wesley, the most important part of running is the social aspect. It's a way to make new friends, connect with others, and meet new people. Though he is competitive, he strives to make others feel welcome and confident when they run.
Timeline
Sophomore Year
In Cross Country of his Sophomore year, Wesley quickly asserted himself as one of the top runners in the county. After setting a new 3 mile personal best at Frank Keyser Invitational of 15:49.0 in early October, he went on to compete in the Red & White race at Maryland XC. He placed second in the 5k race, running 16:20.2. In post-season, he placed third at counties and sixth in the 2A Maryland State Championship. Wesley was picked for the All-County first team, as well as the All-Metropolitan second team.
In Indoor Track of his Sophomore year, Wesley focused on the 3200m. After starting off the season slowly, he won the 3200m County Championship with a time of 9:59.22. He then went on to place third at the regional meet, with a slightly slower time of 10:04.93. Unfortunately, Wesley sustained a non-training-related injury just a week before the state championships and was unable to compete at the state champtionship or in outdoor track.
Freshman Year
Wesley was desperate to prove himself in the beginning of his Freshman year, never having raced on a three mile or 5k course. After some fast performances in the early season, including a speedy 16:21.8 three-miler at Seahawk Invitational and a win at Eagle Invitational in the Freshman/Sophomore event, Wesley became the #2 runner on Wilde Lake's strong senior-heavy team. He placed 7th at Howard County Cross Country Championship and 23rd at the Maryland 2A State Championship. Wesley was picked for the All-County first team.
During the Outdoor Track season of his Freshman year, Wesley went sub-5 minutes in his first 1600m, at a Howard County League Meet. He soon cut his 1600m time down to 4:47.87 at the Pikesville Track Classic. As for the 3200m, Wesley started the season strong by running 10:13.84 in his second 3200m of the season. However, due to mild overtraining he was not able to make significant improvements late-season, running only about one second faster at the Maryland 2A West Regional Championship.
8th Grade
Wesley's distance running career kicked off in eigth grade, when he committed to cross country. He competed as a part of the Bullseye Running Club. Though he had run the previous year, he started taking it seriously at the first meet, where he ran a 16:47 4k. However, after falling off of his bike and hurting his back, he had to take some time off. Upon coming back, he ran a fast 15:29.91 4k at the Maryland District Championships, qualifying for the AAU National Championship in Tallahasse, where he ran a 14:29.70 4k and finished in 29th place in the 13 year old age group.
Wesley used the winter season to flesh out his running ability. Then, during outdoor track, he showed outstanding performances in the 3000m race, winning his first four races before finishing second at the AAU National Club Championships with a time of 9:55.55. Then, at the AAU Junior Olympics, Wesley placed 6th with a time of 9:44.36, making him an All-American.