The plan is always simple — put your head down, run as fast as possible, and don’t drop the baton.
South Shore’s boys and girls indoor track relay teams have been following the plan this year, bolstered by a fierce determination and a camaraderie that has both squads thinking big.
“It’s been amazing,” said senior Deanna Halladene, who runs the third leg on the girls relay. “You’ve got to run fast. Take over. If a team is in the lead. You’ve just got to push. That’s it.”
The Vikings boys squad has been nothing short of dominant this season — ranked in the top five in the state by MileSplit — and the group is bursting with confidence. After all, the quartet is the defending Milrose Games 4X400 champs, and the team clinched the 4X200 city title last season. It’s the kind of success that has jump-started the team this winter.
“It definitely pushed me this year, because this is my first time doing track,” said senior Garfield Napier. “I’ve only been doing track for a year and a few months, and the win last year gave the boost that I needed.”
The boys’ impressive resume has also helped spark a bit of friendly rivalry with the girls squad. The teams face off during practice, teasing about times, finishes, and the best way to move the baton.
In the end, though, the girls have just one goal in mind — be as successful as the boys have been.
“I can’t say it’s been easy, it’s been rough sometimes, but we’re making through it every day,” said senior Rondela Spooner, who runs the first leg. “It’s like [the boys] push to where we want to be. We want to be exactly like them and be on the top.”
Of course, there’s more to the relay than simply running. These eight Vikings have all competed in other events throughout their track careers and relay requires a bit of a different mindset than individual sprints. This is a team event and everyone has a role.
“I’m not really thinking about myself,” senior Keyshon Touissant said of his in-relay mindset. “I’m thinking about the second leg, because I want him to be in a good position. I want to make sure that, as soon as he gets the baton, he can cut in with no worries.”
Both teams are also quick to admit that they’re about as competitive as they come — and determined to pass anyone in front of them.
In fact, the Vikings thrive on chasing down the leader.
“My role is to catch whoever is in front of me,” said senior Ramone Newland, who runs the boys anchor leg. “I honestly feel like if I get the baton in the first place I’m not going to run my best. I love trying to catch people.”
The teams both placed second in the 4×400 Milrose Games trials on Jan. 14 and, now, the groups are doing their best to stick to the plan, determined to run as fast as possible at the historic event on Feb. 11. The goal, as always, is to cross the finish line first.
It’s been a strong season so far, but the Vikings are far from satisfied, anxious to leave a mark at the highest level, setting their sights on states and nationals.
“It’s a great team,” said sophomore Deyonna Banks. “It’s been fun working with them. We’re like one family.”
