Cherokee's Wilson places 23d in national meet

The calf pain had bothered Cherokee cross-country runner Shawn Wilson for more than a week. But, as he neared the 2.5-mile mark Saturday afternoon, it disappeared.

"Adrenaline just took over," said Wilson, who fought through the pain to finish 23d at the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships in San Diego.

The senior navigated the 3.1-mile course in 15 minutes, 45 seconds - 46 seconds behind first-place Ed Cheserek of St. Benedict's Prep. Max Norris of Harriton (Pa.) finished in 15:41 for 17th place.

In November, Wilson captured the Group 4 state title but withheld from the Meet of Champions to prepare for Foot Locker.

Wilson said it took some time to get used to San Diego's warm weather, but he was pleased with the course's conditions.

"It was a tough race," he said. "There was a lot of great competitors."

Wilson started feeling calf pain after a speed exercise before his trip to California. But, Wilson said he was sure everyone else in the race was dealing with the same types of injuries.