The boys’ track teams’ four by 800 meter relay placed ninth at the State meet on Saturday, May 30.

The team was led by sophomore Brian Griffith, who also qualified and placed eleventh in the 800 meter individual race, running a 1:56.0, followed by Kyle Griffith, sophomore, who ran 2:00.2. Kyle Griffith handed off to senior Justin Shim, who ran 1:59.4. The relay was anchored by Matt Pereira, sophomore who ran a time of 1:55.4.

The final time of the relay was 7:51.30, which was a personal record for the relay, according to Kyle Griffith.

“I think [as a relay] we did really well,” Kyle Griffith said. “At the beginning of the season we didn’t even think we were going to make State, and then we made it to State. From there, we had a good run, made it to finals, and then all we had to do was beat three teams [to make All-State], which we did.”

To be considered All-State, an athlete (or relay) must place within the top nine at the IHSA state meet because the top nine teams out of the twelve that qualify for finals earn medals. While only 12 teams qualified for finals, there were originally around 30 4 by 800 teams there, according to Pereira.

“I thought we were going to be really close [to medaling], so I was nervous that we wouldn’t, and I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen,” said Pereira, who ran a personal record during his split.

Along with a successful race, the team enjoyed their time at the State meet and believed it to be a unique and beneficial experience, Matt Pereira said.

“It was really fun being with my teammates down there and watching some of the best athletes in the State compete,” he said.