Since his breakout sophomore track season, Jacob Burcham (Sr., Cabell Midland, WV) has been in the national spotlight. After a stunning seventh place finish at the IAAF World Youth Championships, where he ran 3:46.55, Burcham has been a quest to prove himself one of the best prep milers in American history. The West Virginia senior took another big step forward this past June, when he finished runner-up at the adidas Grand Prix mile in 4:02.73.

Burcham just wrapped up winning another West Virginia state title, this time leading his Cabell Midland teammates to the state team title. Burcham broke 15 minutes for the first time on his home course (which happens to be the state meet course) and is poised for a big post-season, where he hopes to finish very high at NXN, while leading his teammates to a NXN berth. 

We caught up with Burcham this week, discussing what he's learned from his big meet experience the past few seasons, how the college recruiting process is going and what it means to him to lead a state championship squad.

Scott Bush (SB): You've had a tremendous season thus far, winning another state title this past weekend. What does it mean to you to break the course record, win a third individual title and help your team win the team championship?

Jacob Burcham (JB): It really solidified my high school cross country career. We couldn't have asked for a better way to end our last cross country season together.

SB: Your team is stronger than ever this year. What's it like being the leader of this squad?

JB: It's awesome to be on a team with these guys. They are all very driven and focused on being successful, but we can still enjoy ourselves and have fun. I've been friends with some of these guys since I was in kindergarten. We've had some great times that I'll never forget.

SB: While the regular season is all wrapped up, here comes the post season. What are your goals heading into the coming weeks?

JB: I am going to continue my training for the next few weeks and go race some of the best in the country. I want to place as high as I can, but I also want to have a lot of fun. 

SB: With an eye on the post season, have you and your coach geared your training to peak you later in the fall?

JB: We delayed the beginning of the season for about a month in order to push my peak week back to the NXN date. So far, everything is going as planned.

SB: You've run in a lot of big meets over the years, even representing Team USA internationally. What is one of the biggest things you've learned over the past few years that have helped you take your running to another level?

JB: Somewhere along the way I realized that I can realistically be the best in the world. It just takes a lot of sacrificing, consistency, and focus to out work everyone.

SB: How is the college recruiting process going for you?

JB: It's going very well, I have cut my list down to about 5, and I will visit all of them officially.

SB: You have been a standout since your freshman year. How have you been able to maintain a constant progression of improvement over the past four years?

JB: I actually did a mathematical progression chart using percentages and my personal bests in the mile at the beginning and end of each grade year. My progress has been very consistent.

SB: What's your mindset when you head into competition? How do you get yourself prepared mentally?

JB: I usually try to stay relaxed and focused. Once the race actually starts, it is a huge relief because my competitive nature takes over and I can stop being nervous and just run. 

Fast Four (four quick questions, four quick answers)

SB: Favorite band?

JB: Brad Paisley, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creed

SB: Car you drive?

JB: Yeah, that's my passion!

SB: Favorite meet you've competed in?

JB: Brooks PR Invitational

SB: Shoes you train in?

JB: I rotate quite often between Nike Lunarfly's, Nike somethin’ else, and the Brooks from their meet.