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Rio Mesa relay team leaving opponents in the dust
Junior Jerell Thomas did not compete in the race because of a left hamstring injury. Freshman Steven Richards filled in nicely with regulars Josh Harrison, Sean Alfino and Quentin Greenlaw to post a time of 41.96, just behind first-place Rancho Cucamonga's time of 41.80. "It can be a little daunting for a freshman to run with the second fastest team in the state, but Steven has done a great job, and we're all very proud of him," Rio Mesa head coach Brian Fitzgerald said. Richards was glad he didn't let the team down. "I was a little surprised I took (Thomas') place, and I have to thank Coach Fitzgerald for letting me join the team," Richards said. "I like this team a lot, and they have treated me as one of their own from the start." With Richards replacing Thomas for the time, the order of the relay team changed. Alfino, who used to run the third leg, now runs the first. Quentin Greenlaw remains the team's second-leg runner, but has had to adjust to receiving and giving the baton to different people. "I was more used to getting the baton from Jerell," Greenlaw said. "Sean is a little more unpredictable right now, but I think we are getting better." Fitzgerald said although Greenlaw is a bit of an odd character, he's also a bright kid and a great asset to the team. "He broke his leg in football two years ago, so he wasn't as fast as he could be in 2006," Fitzgerald said. "Now since that leg has healed he has gotten a whole lot faster. When running the 400, he's basically the second best in the county next to Cory Primm of Westlake." The Spartans' third-leg runner is Richards, but the team's backbone may be Harrison. The San Jose Statebound senior, who also played wide receiver on the football team for the Spartans, is one of Rio Mesa's best track stars. Two weeks ago at the Arcadia Invitational Meet, Harrison placed third in the 100meter dash with a time of 10.86. Harrison also placed fourth in the long jump with a leap of 23-00. "He has really matured this year as a runner," Fitzgerald said. "He never ran the 100-meter dash before this year and already he's a top five runner in it." Harrison said he's glad he decided to start running the 100meter dash this season. "It may be my favorite part of a track meet just because the whole crowd stands up to watch that event," Harrison said. "Something like that gives you a lot of adrenaline." As far as the 4x100 relay team goes, Harrison prefers running the last leg for the same reason. "I like having all the pressure on me, and I think I run faster because of that," Harrison said. "I like having our team's set-time placed on my shoulders. Harrison is used to getting his handoffs from Alfino, who said he prefers running in the third spot. "I like running the third leg because I get to catch people in the third leg," Alfino said. "I think I run faster when I'm chasing people, and you don't have a chance to do that in the first leg." Rio Mesa is hoping that the team's regular racing order will be back in tact in a week, when Thomas is hoping to return from his injury. "I have been gradually jogging on it for the past week, but I don't want to overdo anything and tear it," Thomas said. "I love being a part of this team. Everyone on the team works well together. It's a big thrill to be running with all the great competition we have." Although the group has achieved much success, Harrison believes the best is yet to come. "This team is getting stronger and faster, and I don't think this team's best moment has come yet," Harrison said. "If we keep improving we will eventually break our own school's record." |
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