The boys track team, which finished fifth place in the state last year, is looking to reach new heights. One event that will lead the team to this goal is the 4x800 meter relay. This event which has four of the best runners on the team on it, is expected to do big things this year.
“Our goals for this event would consist of breaking the eight minute barrier and being a two time state qualifying and medaling team,” senior Xavier Wills said.
Each of the runners know that while this event is run by four people at separate times, teamwork is a huge factor in the success of this event.
“In the 4x800, every athlete’s performance counts. If one athlete is just a couple meters behind someone, it could really screw up the flow of the race for the legs after yours. You have to come off that line with the intention to put the next leg in a good position in the race. The exception to this would be the anchor,” senior Ludvick Kelley said.
The runners have known each other for a while and help motivate each other. Everybody helps others and encourages others to do the best they can.
“My teammates always help me push my body beyond what I thought was feasible during workouts and practice, especially coming off of an injury this winter. I can always count on them to put me in a good position when it is time for me to receive the baton. I think what gives Warren the edge over other relay teams is that we are not just four of the best runners on our team assembled to run a relay, but we are also best friends and brothers off of the track. That in itself makes the importance of not disappointing when I run that much more imperative,” senior Ethan Carter said.
Each runner also recognizes the personal work that goes into running and winning this event. They have all put in a lot of work during the offseason to succeed during the season.
“As anchor leg I hope to do what I do best and that’s just go out there, run hard, hawk some people down in the process and clean up anything that’s left behind,” Wills said.
Overall, the runners hope to get to their end goal of winning a championship. They believe that the hard work they put in will pay off in the end.
“I want to be as dominant as possible throughout the season and make sure it’s known that we have a shot at being number one on the podium,” Kelley said.