Chris Wasjutin
Chris Wasjutin’s high school cross country career is nearing its end, one that has included multiple trips to the CIF State Meet as one of the Chargers’ top runners.
The senior is DP’s fastest racer this year and will be leading the Chargers in their quest to return to the state meet, which begins tomorrow on the Mt. SAC course at CIF Prelims.
Wasjutin says he’s extra motivated after missing out on winning last week’s final Channel League Meet.
“What has helped me this week was being beat at league 3. It was a really frustrating experience because it came down to the wire with me and this other kid from Ventura,” Wasjutin explained. “It was a sit-and-kick race and the last 200 meters he just out-kicked me.
“Every time I’m feeling pain in a workout, I relive the disappointment from that race this past week.”
It’s that kind of drive and work ethic that makes Wasjutin a leader on the team.
“Chris is kind of soft-spoken a lot of the times, but when you look at him, and it doesn’t matter if its in a race or in a workout, you never doubt his effort. He knows how to dig deep, he knows how to push himself, and I think a lot of kids really look up to that,” said Dos Pueblos coach Kyle Visin.
Wasjutin is shooting for a top-five individual finish and a personal record at Mt. SAC. The Chargers team is seeded 10th and the top 16 advance to Finals, which are also on the Mt. SAC course the following Saturday.
Wasjutin, who’s considering Cal Poly Pomona, Chico State and Humboldt State, is relishing his final opportunities to race at Mt. SAC as a high school athlete.
“There’s a lot of history at Mt. SAC, I mean it’s been around for I don’t know how long – at least 20 years – which is ridiculous for a cross-country course,” he said.
“People know Mt. SAC. They’ll know what is a good and what isn’t a good time at Mt. SAC compared to other courses. You’re determined to do your best at the place where every single good athlete competes.”
Find past High School Runners of the Month HERE
The High School Runner of the Month award recognizes local prep runners that exemplify the term “Student-Athlete” by demonstrating leadership, passion and excellence in high school athletics.
Thanks to Santa Barbara Running Company for making this award possible and for supporting local athletes.
