Photos: Zack Beavers
By: Jadon Faison, William Penn Charter Jr. Reporter
PHILADELPHIA - Wesley Trautwein is the current captain of a very talented distance group for the Penn Charter Quakers. One that includes another four-year track runner in Jack Frank and sophomore standout T.J. Zwall. Trautwein summarized what the season’s been like and how the guy’s around him have made him better.
“Season’s been good. We’ve had four really good distance guys which we haven’t had in a long time. So that’s been really good,” Trautwein said.
For Trautwein, in particular, he is looking to break the school record mile time of 4:22. Trautwein’s time currently stands at 4:30. He has been running track for Penn Charter since middle school and has always been working to improve on the mile run. With that being said, the senior standout commented on what steps he has taken to accomplish this milestone.
“I’ve just been doing everything that I can - stretching 24/7, running as much as I can without overworking myself. I’ve been doing two-a-days waking up at 5:30 a.m. running before school and at practice and just work as hard as I can,” said Trautwein.
Along the way, he has been named All-League multiple times and has had the chance to run at Penn Relays. Trautwein, along with the 4x800 meter relay team, competed among top teams nationally at the Penn Relays this past April.
Penn Charter senior captain, Wesley Trautwein - PSD Photo by Zack Beavers
“[It was a] Crazy atmosphere, we were the first event to kick off of the entire weekend and the whole Franklin Field gets packed,” said Trautwein. “Our heat had 18 teams and we had to start in three lanes, so it got pushy and physical.”
Their team was hindered midway through the race due to the injury to Zwall. This injury was caused by another competitor, which led to their own disqualification.
Trautwein is a recent track commit to Loyola Marymount University. He noted what he aspires to do at the collegiate level and what made him choose LMU.
“I love the coach, team, and the campus,” said Trautwein. “I want the freshman record for the steeplechase. It's a bit of a unique event.”
The steeplechase will certainly prove to be a challenge for him since the Inter-Ac has yet to implement the steeplechase as an event in meets. The steeplechase includes several hurdles and water pits.
Wesley Trautwein, Penn Charter - PSD Photos by Zack Beavers
While the Inter-Ac season has come to an end, Trautwein still has a couple more chances to achieve his goal at the John Hay Invitational (June 2nd) and at the New Balance Nationals (June 15-18 that is being held at Franklin Field) to break the record.