Merriweather awaits new challenges at Citadel
Not even a pulled hamstring could keep Wesley Merriweather from running at the regional track meet.
Greenbrier's Wesley Merriweather signed a letter of intent with The Citadel to run track next year. He said he chose the military college because he feels the atmosphere will be good for his development.
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The Greenbrier senior who pulled his hamstring at Lakeside's meet in mid-April remained out for the season until he came through in the clutch for his Wolfpack teammates.
"I ran at region for my team, putting all pain aside," Merriweather said in a phone interview from Charleston, S.C. "There were no backups."
Merriweather's dedication to team and sport will serve him well as he pursues college athletics. The 17-year-old recently signed a letter of intent to run track with The Citadel.
Highly recruited, Merriweather was not short on options. He was offered scholarships to schools such as Norfolk State, Middle Tennessee State, Albany State and Alabama State and also received a look from the University of Tennessee. But he chose to sign with The Citadel because of its strict atmosphere.
"It will be a good environment for me because of the leadership and discipline," he said.
"It's a very structured environment, not like some other schools."
He is excited about attending The Citadel because of the school's top coaches, trainers and equipment.
"I like the whole regimen," Merriweather said. "Everything is a competition."
Merriweather competed in the 100-meter, the long jump, and the 4x100 relay at Greenbrier. His personal best includes a 10.6 in the 100-meter and 21 feet in the long jump.
He will be competing in the 100-meter, 200-meter, long jump and 4x100 at The Citadel.
His favorite event is the 100-meter because it is an "all-out sprint. ... If I get a good start, there's no catching me," Merriweather said. "I just like the competition - off the block and ready to run."
Merriweather has been on the track since he was 5 years old and is looking to train hard to compete in the Junior Nationals. He would like to compete in the 100-meter at the Olympic trials.
Merriweather also played football for the Wolfpack at strong safety and nose guard. Though it is a possibility that he will play football for The Citadel, he will likely dedicate himself to track for at least his first year.
Merriweather is the third member of this season's Greenbrier track team to sign a letter of intent. He joins fellow runners Miguel Mota and Tyler Hayden.
"There will be more from our team that will sign next year," Merriweather said.
For now, he has the summer. Official track practice at The Citadel will begin Aug. 30.