On Tuesday, February 21, the Springbrook Indoor Track Team competed in the Maryland 4A State Championship meet at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex.

They faced tough schools from all over the blue crab state including DC and Virginia schools and their biggest local competitor, Northwest High School, who is known for holding a strong record.

But even with stiff competition, the relay teams were able to place 1st in the state for the 4x400m race and 2nd in the 4x200m, qualifying them for the National Championship in New York.

“We went from being excited to just qualify, to be expecting to win everything and to walk away with hardware,” says sprinter Minh-Tu Nguyen.

Minh-Tu Nguyen along with Mayen McClain, Alvin Mukisa and Emmanuel Akins make up the 4×200 relay team. The 4×200 relay team consists of Juan Lepe, Alvin Mukisa, Emmanuel Akins and Mayen McClain.

Nguyen further explained the team’s overall growth from his freshman year until now.

“Our expectations for states and as a team has definitely changed a lot since my freshman year. Although we won an event, we were still disappointed for placing 2nd in the 4x200m because we all knew we were capable of taking both relays home to Springbrook due to our winning mentality. But going to Nationals is always exciting.”

Along with the two relay teams, Emisi Bashonga is also heading to the Big Apple after placing 12th in the state for shot put, making this her first Nationals appearance.

With Nationals coming up quickly in March, the track team is working extra hard to ensure that they are prepared to compete against the best of the best in the nation.The Blue Devils are hoping to bring home gold,silver, and bronze medals.