There are a multitude of events at any given track and field event.   Relays are especially exciting as four team members must carry and hand off a baton throughout the race, something that takes tremendous practice and precision.

The event often features a team’s fastest runners. Trinity’s 1,600 relay team, comprised of seniors Kyle Smith, Patrick Martinette and Michael Cawood, and junior Aaron Gilcrease, believe they are poised to make a run at the state title.

Smith said, “We’ve molded for three to four years. We definitely have the ability — it’s just down to being mentally ready.”

Martinette agreed with Smith: “Everybody on our team is an amazing athlete. We have the talent to beat anybody in the state. Avoiding injury and staying prepared mentally is the key in any sport, really.”

When asked if they’re anxious, Smith said nobody on the team is nervous.

“Nobody is nervous, really,” he said. “We’re all hyped up and ready to go, though. I can’t wait.”

The relay team has definitely shown ability. The quartet has had strong performances all season, among them at the Sundown Invitational.

Cawood said the brotherhood between the four is very strong. He said, “You can feel the chemistry between us a mile away. What we have on other teams is we know each other so well.”

Cawood said team chemistry is one of the most important factors in winning a race. “Just knowing how your teammates perform and timing is important. It’s one of those things you can’t get overnight. It’s built over a long period of time.”

Ranked third in the state, the 1,600 relay Rocks can beat anybody in the state when they are at their best.

“I think we’re like that dark horse team nobody thinks about,” Gilcrease said. “We’re certainly going to sneak up on some other teams.”