Fans anxiously cheering, teammates chanting their teammates names, coaches sprinting down the sidelines along with their runners– this is what happens during the 4×400 meter race–what some call the most delightfully invigorating occurrence in all of sports.

Over the past couple years, York track has gained a reputation as a fundamentally sound 4×400 meter team, due to the teams mix of quality sprinters and distance runners they have to offer.

At the conclusion of the indoor season, the Dukes finished 2nd in the West Suburban Conference by one point. Despite the difficult defeat, the Dukes have not lost confidence in their ability to perform.

“Losing Indoor Conference motivates us to push ourselves to the best of our abilities so we can go out and beat them when outdoor season comes around,” senior sprinter Vince Gaudio said.

Collectively as a team, the Dukes are showing much of the promise they showed last year as IHSA state champions.

Pole Vault has two state-level jumpers in David Prigg and Ethan Kett, the sprinter group is flooded with guys capable of running solid 400’s and 200’s, and the distance group is stacked as always.

Due to their balance as a team, the Dukes are not relying on one specific group to stand out.

“No aspect can make or break this team, as long as we stay focused and work hard, good things will come,” said Gaudio.

Even as reigning state champions, the Dukes are sure they are not walking into the state meet with a chip on their shoulder.

“The team attitude hasn’t changed much from last year to this year. We are still focused on working hard and competing at a high level,” said Matt Plowman, senior distance runner.