Xuanji "Jack" Chen '16 didn't have too much running experience before he joined the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys' Cross Country team last season as a junior.
"I went to school in California. I ran in physical education class," Jack explained.
When he arrived at the Academy, though, he joined the Cross Country team and grew into a runner, and eventually, a leader, so much so he was named the Coaches Award winner for 2015.
"He came in this year and worked really hard," said Coach Dan Moran of his captain. "He was our number three runner throughout the entire season, but what impressed me was as a second-year runner, his approach and his enthusiasm day in and day out really helped drive the program forward."
"I was just doing what I could do," said Jack, who ran daily in a park during the summer in China. "I was happy to win the award. I'm honored to know Coach Moran thought I was working that hard. I was happy to help lead the team. I felt helpful to lead such a young team."
Jack ran third for the Titans all season after routinely placing eighth or ninth during 2014.
"My season went surprisingly well," said Jack, who plans to join a running club in college. "I broke 20 minutes, and I never did that last year. I did that most of the time. I got my personally best. I hope to do better in the future."