On March 28th, the Coronado High School track team proved how strong their distance program is at the Larry Pickering Invitational. Competing at Dutch Clark Stadium, three of their top runners, Xzavier Campos, Oliver Horton, and John Stanczak, finished first place, second place, and third place in the 800-meter dash. Their performance stood out against tough competition and showed the results of all their hard work.
The 800-meter race is known as one of the hardest events in track because it combines both speed and endurance. Runners must go out fast but still have enough energy to finish strong. A big reason for their success comes from their training routines at Coronado High School. The team practices almost every day, focusing on different types of workouts like long runs, interval training, and sprint work. These workouts help build both stamina and speed over time. The runners also make sure to recover properly, which helps them stay healthy throughout the season.
When it comes to big meets, Xzavier Campos, Class of 2026, explained how the team handles pressure and stays focused: “Me and the team handle pressure when it comes to big meets by reminding ourselves that we need to be confident and trust in our training that we are ready for the meet,” Campos said. “Personally, I try to keep a good mindset and just tell myself that I’m ready and I got this. I try to stay positive and happy as well, which helps calm nerves in the big meets.” His mindset shows how mental preparation plays a big role in performance.
“What makes our team so successful is the commitment and dedication everyone has,” said John Stanzck, Class of 2026, and one of the top finishers. John also explained what keeps him motivated throughout the season. “I’m motivated by running in college and proving something every day,” he said.
Overall, the Larry Pickering Invitational was a huge success for Coronado’s distance team. The cougars finished strong with Xzavier Campos finishing first with a time of 1:53, Oliver Horton finishing second with a time of 1:56, and John Stanzck finishing third with a time of 1:58. With strong training, competitive teammates, and determination, these runners are showing what it takes to be among the best in Colorado.
