Not long after his family relocated to Sussex County, Del., Downingtown native Chase Sims marked his arrival at Indian River High School in style: He set a new cross-country record in his first season there. Mike Stern caught up with the runner for the Coastal Point.

Sims was already a standout cross-country athlete at Downingtown West High School.

“The program (at Downingtown West) was coached by Scott Burns, and we ran through Downingtown and to Harmony Hills. Or we ran the smooth trails of Marsh Creek State Park,” said Sims. “We ran all summer long, each day at a different park in the area because each course offered a different challenge.”

Sims loved the long runs with his team and appreciated what all the hard work did for him as an athlete.

He took that desire to overcome obstacles and excel in cross-country to his new school. He fit in well with the successful programs and started running this past summer.

“I was already feeling confident and connected,” said Sims.

In late October, he finished second at the Sussex County Cross Country Championships with a school-record time of 15:39.

Read more about Chase Sims in the Coastal Point.