For Nauset’s Bebber, The Journey Has Been The Reward

NORTH EASTHAM – Uprooting your life to a new part of the country right before the start of high school can be daunting, even scary.

Although relocating from Minnesota to Brewster was a challenge for Damian Bebber, the move ultimately helped the Nauset senior set himself on a path to achieve his biggest dreams in life.

After arriving on the Cape four years ago as a newcomer with little knowledge about his new environment, Bebber has transformed himself into one of the most accomplished track and field athletes Nauset has ever seen.

As he prepares for the final postseason races of his high school career, Bebber can’t help but reflect on just how far he has come.

“I loved Minnesota. I had a lot of friends and it was a very different climate,” Bebber said. “Coming here, Cape Cod is a little more bougie and there’s a lot of cliqueness, so getting to know people is sometimes a struggle. It’s been a little bit of a struggle, but I’m enjoying the outcome.”

Bebber credits the seniors that led the team for helping him feel at home running track. As he threw himself into his training and technique, the winning results continued to pile up. He’ll leave Nauset with multiple school records, including the 400-meter dash, which he set last year when he posted a 49.35 to break the previous record of 51.61 that was set by Jon Rouillard in 2009.

“My junior year was my breakout season — I went to Nationals and started getting Division I offers,” Bebber said.

After weighing his college options, the senior ultimately decided to attend the United States Military Academy in West Point, where he will run track and prepare himself to join the Army.

Joining the Army was always something Bebber wanted to do. His uncle served multiple tours and he always believed it was the right path for him to follow.

“When West Point contacted me I was surprised because I didn’t really know much about the service academies, but as soon as I found out and went there, it was beautiful,” he said. “I thought it would be a great experience to not only serve the country but also run for the Army team.”

Balancing track with his studies and part-time jobs hasn’t always been easy for Bebber, but he’s maintained a 4.0 GPA while working as a lifeguard, retail associate and Doordash driver.

He’s come a long way since he first arrived on the Cape with an unclear vision of what was to come. At the core of his transformation has been the guidance and support he’s received from Nauset coach Moira Nobili, who has helped him accomplish many of his dreams while he dedicated himself to the sport.

“Moira is probably the greatest person I’ve ever met,” Bebber said. “I’ve dedicated my seasons to her late brother (Buddy Tevins), who passed. He was the football coach at Dartmouth and was a great person. She’s an even better person — she’s amazing.”