By Davin Cheng ‘18

Despite shattering school records and cementing himself as one of the nation’s top 20 cross-country runners over his first three years, Meika Beaudoin-Rousseau ’18 cannot wait to add more accolades to his résumé in his final year at Bellarmine.

In fact, Meika has already started his senior campaign, finishing first at the Lowell Invitational at Golden Gate Park on Saturday, September 9, breezing through the 2.93-mile course in 14 minutes and 24 seconds.

“I actually missed [the meet record] by 2 seconds, but I still broke the Bellarmine record by 31 seconds,” Meika explained.

Nonetheless, Meika has grown accustomed to cross-country and long distance excellence.

After his junior-year season, Meika was named to the WCAL All-League First Team. He also placed first at CCS Finals and had a top 20 finish (4th among juniors) at the Footlocker Cross Country National Championships.

He was also part of the historic Bellarmine DMR (distance medley relay) track team that won the Penn Relays last year, the first West Coast team to do so since 1920.

Despite his success, Meika remained adamant that the camaraderie and community offered by his coaches and teammates will always inspire him to strive for bigger and better goals.

“Ultimately, if it wasn’t for the team, I wouldn’t be where I am, and I know that when I get on the line for a race, it’s not just for me. I’m representing the 200 guys that got me there, and that is an honor,” Meika said.

After rigorous practices during the offseason, Meika believed that he is ready to step up as one of the team’s leaders.

“My main hopes for the team, is that we can attain our potential, whatever that may be. This being my last cross country season, I hope we can have some fun while working hard and being dedicated,” Meika said.

In particular, his biggest hopes for the team were with the underclassmen and their ability to stabilize the foundation for Bellarmine cross country in the future.

“I hope that we can continue the camaraderie and support that make this team so special and pass on those values to the younger guys,” Meika explained. “In the end, it’s matching the values of hard-work, dedication, positivity, and support – regardless of age and level – that define the success of the team.”