Following in the footsteps of 2024 WA graduate and current runner for the Stanford Cardinals Paul Bergeron, Jack Graffeo has taken over the title as the state’s top cross country runner, and has no intentions of slowing down.
Another year has passed, and another top cross country runner in the state comes from Westford Academy’s cross country program. Graffeo, who originally announced his commitment to the University of Tennessee in the spring of his junior year, has announced that he has flipped his commitment to the University of Colorado. Graffeo is a two-time Footlocker Cross Country Nationals qualifier and was the runner-up in the 2 mile at the New Balance Outdoor Track Nationals. Graffeo also recently won the cross country MIAA state championship on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Despite everything Graffeo has accomplished thus far in his high school career, he still has plenty more goals he wants to achieve before continuing onto college—starting off with winning the National title for cross country.
“This Cross Country season has been very strategic. We are cautious about picking the right races to really exert myself. Overall, it has been a good season, [and] we can extend on that with Regionals and Nationals,” Graffeo said. “[…] The National title is pending but I believe I will win it.”
Graffeo also has the indoor and outdoor track seasons to continue to push himself and achieve the numerous other goals he has for his high school career.
“I feel good. I’m looking forward to getting more good training. [The] goal is to have a good time and stay healthy,” Graffeo said.
Making the switch from cross country to track can be a bit of an adjustment for some people, but Graffeo and his coaches have developed a training plan meant to transition him smoothly into shorter distances.
“Jack has some big goals for the track seasons, and I have no doubt he will accomplish what he wants to do,” Boys’ Cross Country head coach Scott Hafferkamp said. “His training will start to change as he shifts his focus from the 5k to the 2 mile, and eventually the mile.”
Mental pressure can have a major effect on some athletes, especially during a time where they are attempting to commit to doing their sport at the next level, but Graffeo has a mindset built to control stress.
“I’ve never felt too much pressure in competing because, at the end of the day, it’s just running. I try not to think about the level of the meet, it’s always the same 3.1 miles,” Graffeo said. “I’ve kept the same mentality that I need to control what I can control and that’s my mentality and my effort.“
Graffeo will be a part of both the cross country team and indoor and outdoor track teams at the University of Colorado. He has always preferred cross country, but is excited for all that is in store for him.
Going from high school sports to a very competitive Division 1 (D1) school can be nerve racking; many athletes may wonder if they are ready for the jump. However, after talking with the Colorado coach, Graffeo feels that his past and present training has prepared him for the D1 level.
“I have spent most of my time running with a great competitor: Paul Bergeron. He is successful at the next level and our training and mentality are awfully similar so I’m hopeful that the competition won’t affect me,” Graffeo said. “I feel ready and know I can be the Top American freshman in the nation next year.”
Looking to Graffeo’s commit, Hafferkamp is confident that Colorado is a right fit for him, and that Graffeo will be able to rise to the challenges that come his way.
“Colorado is the perfect place for Jack. He is joining one of the premiere distance programs in the country, and this matches his desire to compete at the highest level,” Hafferkamp said. “I do think he’s ready for collegiate running. The training he’s done here at WA is similar in nature to what they do at CU. His volume will increase at that level, but I think he has also proven he can handle pretty high mileage for a high schooler.”
Graffeo plans to continue his success all the way up until his last high school meet. Winning the cross country state championship was something he had been shooting for for a long time, making this victory very special to him.
“Approaching the line was the best feeling because everyone had it lined up. [Still,] knowing that I finally had my first State championship after being so close so many times made it even better,” Graffeo said.
Being a serious and competitive athlete takes more than some may think. Knowing how important having a strong support system is for an athlete’s mindset, Graffeo feels lucky to have people by his side.
”Everyone who supports me helped me get to this point and it’s their win as much as mine,” Graffeo said. “It’s a collaborative effort between my family, coaches, friends, and myself.”
No one sees how hard Graffeo works behind the scenes more than his coaches. They are proud of every ounce of effort that he puts into running and becoming better every day.
”I definitely see the dedication that Jack puts into his running. He does all the little things right, and sometimes that’s as simple as getting adequate sleep,” Hafferkamp said. “Because of all the work he puts in, it makes me so happy to watch him achieve his goals.”
Graffeo will be competing at Footlocker Regionals on Nov. 30 at Franklin Park and then Footlocker XC Nationals in San Diego, CA.
“We’ve been preparing for nationals since June, [so] I’m confident that I can beat anyone I race as long as my health allows it,” Graffeo said.
