Only someone crazy or confident would believe a team of 9th and 10th graders could win a State Championship in the most competitive state in the country. Servite proved that confidence wasn't misplaced, winning the CIF State Team Championship with just three sophomores and four freshmen.
The small private school in Anaheim, California, scored 33 points to take the CIF State title by three points. According to Coach Brandon Thomas, a new standard has been set after Servite's improbable victory.
"The bar is set: win a state championship year after year. Is it going to be easy? Absolutely not. But will they fight for it? I'd put my money on my guys any day of the week."
Although this team is young, don't think for one minute this was an upset. Servite's standout performances in relays and individual events showed what we've seen all season. The nation got its first look at their ability at the Arcadia Invitational, where they won the 4x100m in a California record and the 4x400m in 3:12 - with four freshmen.
That same dominance carried over to the CIF State Track and Field Championships this past weekend.
First, the 4x100m relay ignited the spark that's fueled Servite all season. Once again, four freshmen boys secured a 4x100m victory in 40.27.
Jaelen Hunter, who ran the second leg on the 4x1, followed that by placing second in the 400m final. He was the only freshman in the field.
Before the 4x4, Benjamin Harris ran a personal best of 10.31 in the 100m to finish second in a stacked field. Harris battled through injury throughout the CIF postseason, but the sophomore delivered when it mattered most. Jace Wells added another point with an eighth-place finish in the 200m final.
Finally, the 4x400m relay lined up with the same team from the 4x1 and delivered a historic performance. The all-freshman squad of Jaelen Hunter, Kamil Pelovello, Jace Wells, and Jorden Wells ran splits of 45.26, 49.87, 47.04, and 47.31. They stopped the clock at an unbelievable 3:09.46 to clinch Servite's team championship.
Looking ahead, this may just be the tip of the iceberg. Servite had three other athletes who didn't qualify for their individual finals: sophomore Robert Gardner and Jorden Wells narrowly missed the 100m final, and Blaise Burwell, another sophomore, missed the 110m hurdle final.
Overall, these near-misses didn't deter Servite from winning the team title--a testament to their depth. Servite has earned the right to be the CIF State Championship favorite next year and for years to come.
*The team scores listed below are courtesy of Record Timing. On the next page, you can view all the Servite boys' competitors at the State Championships.
Servite's 4x100m relay victory at the CIF State Track and field Champoionships