March 12^th, senior Dan Beck signed his letter of intent to run Division-1 track and cross country for the United States Military Academy. Founded by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in 1802, West Point has a rich tradition of excellence and Dan Beck will join great Americans like Coach Mike Krzyzewski (known as “Coach K”, Duke Basketball Coach) and astronaut Buzz Aldrin.

“It’s really exciting but at the same time I’m nervous. It’s a great honor and it’s going to be a really fun experience,” said Beck.

With an 8.9% acceptance rate, only elite athletes can be accepted into West Point. Beck, who’s been on the varsity cross country team since his freshman year, hopes to be on the USMA travel cross country team.

“My goals going into West Point are to be on the travel cross country team, excel in all of my classes and make some new friends,” Beck stated.

“I’ve worked with Dan now for four years being his varsity cross country coach and it’s always been a pleasure,” says Coach Andres Wright.

As a sophomore Dan placed 5^th in the 3A West Regional Championship 1600 meter. In his junior year at the MVAL Piedmont Conference, Beck came in 2^nd in the 1600 meter with the time of 4:30:59 and 9^th in the 800 meter. This season he placed 8^th in the indoor MPSSAA 3A/4A State Championship 3200 meter and will add to his resume this spring.

“I look forward to working with him for one more season in outdoor track and do the best that we can in the state championships so he can leave and get ready for division-one athletics. This is my third athlete competing at the Division-1 level and I’m very excited about that,” said Coach Wright.

Dan is the SGA President and has been a captain on the cross country team for two years and came third in the 2014 Mr. Linganore competition.

His fellow peers have no doubt that he can succeed at the highest levels.

“Dan is one of my closest friends. He’s going to make us all proud here at back home by serving our country. I have full respect for Dan and he’s going to do amazing. Whatever the future holds for him, he’s going to fully take advantage of it.” said senior Jack Garabedian.

“Ever since I’ve became close with Dan, I realized how hard working and talented he is. He’s such a great guy. I think if it’s anybody that’s going to succeed at West Point it’s going to be Dan,” stated senior Nick Weinel.

“Out of all the people at Linganore High School, Dan is truly the one that deserves it the most,” said senior John Valett.

There is no question that Dan Beck has one of the brightest futures coming out of the Class of 2014 here at LHS as he moves on to West Point next year.