TAPPS Star Cheeseman Opens Up On Texas Distance Festival

Mar 22, 2018

Carter Cheeseman kicked his way down the last 100m for the TDF win

What a year it has been for Fort Worth Christian junior Carter Cheeseman. He has been able to corral some major adjustments while still keeping his running on a high level.

Last fall, he won a TAPPS state cross title and then went on to be one of the few athletes to qualify for both national championship cross country meets (NXN and Foot Locker).

This past weekend, Cheeseman added another big time national meet to his resume. This time, it was on the track and it was back to his winning ways.

He ran the elite 5K at the Texas Distance Festival against some of the brightest distance stars in the country. With big time Texas names like Alex Maier, Jarret Kirk, Graydon Morris, and national stars like Carmen Fischer, Danny Kilrea, Clayton Mendez, and Zachary Kinne, Cheeseman was able to find his way through the unusual high school track distance. "This was my first 5K on the track, so I didn't know what to expect, but it was very nice to be able to hit a rhythm that is hard to find on an XC course. It was better than 3200 though because it allowed more time to move around."

He did find that rhythm. After a few laps, with the endorphins worn off and jostling for position pretty much over with Cheeseman found himself settled in, and after a while he was on an island. Illinois' Danny Kilrea had taken off from the pack and created a nice 20-25 meter lead. Cheeseman had decided not to stay with the chase pack runners who spotted Kilrea even more of a lead. "I was a little unsure about going with him or not because it was my first 5k and my first race this season, but I decided to try to and keep him within striking distance as best as I could. He's a really strong runner, so I knew he could stretch it out if I stayed back with the pack."

However, Kilrea continued to put the hammer down for the remainder of the race and with one lap to go, it looked like he was headed to a sure win. "I wasn't even considering going after him that much with 400 to go, but when I felt and heard the pack coming behind me, it pushed me to pick it up, and when I looked ahead I thought I had a chance to maybe close on him a little bit."

Close is exactly what Cheeseman did. He got closer and closer, so much that it looked like it was all a part of his plan. The last 250m were a thing of beauty and set him up for an epic last 100 meters of a kick. The kick lasted all of the way through the line and it was calculated perfectly as Cheeseman passed Kilrea with less than a stride from the finish line for the win. "I think I am pretty fit. I've had a good chunk of hard training and feel like I can close hard coming off of most paces, but so can a lot of guys, so I was blessed to be able to come out on top the other night.

Cheeseman #4 lines up with the top guys in the nation for the TDDF Elite 5K

A finish like that in a big race shows composure -- the type that can only come from big race experience. The Nike and Foot Locker Regional and National meets served as that necessary experience.

"Absolutely! Those races helped me gain confidence that I can run with the best. Coming in, I knew the field was stacked and it would take a lot to come out on top. It just feels really special to open up the season with a win. Good races don't come easily, so I'm thankful that I was able to get a good one in early and gain some confidence going forward."

They also possibly helped with the race time weather conditions. NXN race conditions were definitely cool, damp, and rainy. The exact type of conditions the night of the TDF, but Cheeseman was ready, "I just tried to not let it bother me too much. I've run a couple workouts in high winds or rain, so I just tried to trust my preparation. I brought a rain jacket and tried to warm up as normally as possible."

What better way to start your season? "It was my first outdoor race, so to be able to go head on into such a talented field was a little intimidating, but I was excited for the opportunity. It was actually my spring break the week before so I was able to relax a good bit the whole week and watch some basketball."

Cheeseman warming up prior to the TDF Elite 5K race

"I don't think this win is a defining moment necessarily, I think it was a good race for me, but it wasn't incredibly fast, so I think there was some time left out there for all the competitors. During cross, I had some good races as well, but consistently good performances are what define your real capabilities."

As far as Cheeseman's goals for the rest of the season, "I don't want to give too much away, but I want to do my best. If I do, then the results will come and I hope they are fast! I'm going to Jesuit-Sheaner Relays, Texas Relays, and Arcadia as my big meets." Each meet should provide for some quality competition and opportunities to either run fast and consistent or at least give him that much more experience that he can use for the next big time race when he needs it.

Watch Cheeseman run LIVE at the Jesuit-Sheaner Relays on MileSplit.

Carter Cheeseman kicked his way down the last 100m for the TDF win

What a year it has been for Fort Worth Christian junior Carter Cheeseman. He has been able to corral some major adjustments while still keeping his running on a high level.