Seniors Zachary Owens, Hawkin Ledingham, Jokai Johnson, and junior Nicolas Leiva are part of the 4×400 relay on the track team at Shadow Ridge High School. They run competitively at invitational meets, generally on weekends.

“I think they will go down as the best team in school history,” explained Coach Michael Smith. “They are on track to break the school record and are state leading as of now.”

This year, the track team has a really strong 400 relay team on the boys end. The coaches are excited for this season because they already came so close to getting a personal record, just the first time running this season at the Laguna Beach Invitational.

“I really hope we end up breaking the school record this year because I think that would be pretty cool,” Owens said.

Breaking the school record would be a huge accomplishment this season, especially with so many seniors on the team and it being their last year running in high school. They want to leave a lasting legacy that the younger classman and other schools will be impressed with.

“The atmosphere of the team is generally overall pretty competitive among us four,” stated Owens.

Competition comes with a good team. They each want to be better for each other so they have better chances of winning as a team.

Leiva said, “It honestly feels really good to be a part of a competitive team and to win as a group.”

Their friendly competition and dedication towards each other is what really brings them together. They are able to compete against each other at practices and against other schools at meets.

Smith says, “I actually let the boys decide who wants to run each leg. It’s their team so I want them to be comfortable with the legs each one of them runs. I think that’s what makes them successful is the fact that each one of them trusts each other to get the job done.”

The responsibility of picking their own legs gives them a sense of respect for each other. They are comfortable with each other and where they are running, so they have a strong connection and trust with each other.

“I really enjoy running with my teammates and friends, and obviously winning,” expressed Leiva. “Being a part of the team has definitely taught me a lot of hard work and teamwork.”

They have each made great friendships on the team, which have helped their chances of winning because of their strong chemistry. They have a really good opportunity this year to make something of themselves and showcase their strength as a team.