Harrison boys’ 4×200 relay breaks its own record, dominates field to win 3A title
LAKEWOOD – Harrison’s excellence at the Colorado High School State Track Championships boils down to one word.
Dedication.
For the second time in as many days at Jeffco Stadium, the Panthers’ 4×200 relay team broke the state record and won the 3A event Friday at 1 minute, 26.56 seconds.
“If coach (Al) Melo is in your ear telling you the end goal, it’s easier to remain dedicated the way we have,” anchor leg Gulong Craft said. “Knowing that we’re aiming for this sort of performance in May helps us to push.”
The Panthers quartet of Gulong, Javon Gibbs, Janoah Brown and Thiago Roberts clocked in at 1:27.45 during Thursday’s prelims to earn the top spot in Friday’s finals. Roberts, the Panthers’ lead leg, sets the pace and said he enjoys the challenge of scorching the field.
“I’m trying to give them the biggest lead possible,” Roberts said. “My goal every race is to catch the person on the outside lane. If I do that, I can trust every one of these guys to bring it home.”
Roberts had that lead at the first exchange and handed the baton to Brown, who created more distance between the Panthers and the rest of the field.
“There’s a little bit of pressure on me to make sure I maintain the lead,” Brown said. “But, if there’s ever anyone in front of me, all I know is I have to catch them.”
As Gibbs received the baton from Brown, the advantage grew from just over one second to nearly two as the Panther’s third leg handed the baton to Gulong, the 2025 Gazette Preps boys’ track and field Peak Performer.
“On that final stretch, I know who my anchor is,” Gibbs said. “I have full trust in him and I can trust in him to bring it home every day.”
The Panthers won the relay by more than two seconds and the same four runners have a shot at more history Saturday. The Panthers’ 4×200 relay also runs the 4×100 and have their hearts set on breaking the state record of 41.56.
That was set at by the Panthers during Thursday’s prelims. Harrison also owned the previous mark set in 2025 at 41.95.
“Part of the beauty of this sport is you can run against your own clock,” Roberts said. “I don’t think it’ll ever get old for us to run PRs and break records. It’s always something new and it’s always a great feeling.”