Zen drained his water bottle and leaned back against the wall of the team area. His muscles were pleasantly warm from the active recovery circuit Coach Dormer had prescribed. The buzz from his 300m victory still hummed through him, but his focus was already shifting.
DING
[RECOVERY STATUS: 85% COMPLETE]
[ENERGY SYSTEMS: ADEQUATE FOR RELAY PERFORMANCE]
[RECOMMENDATION: ADDITIONAL 250ML FLUID, LIGHT CARBOHYDRATE INTAKE]
"You back with us, superstar?" Trey plopped down beside him, tossing him a banana. "Figured you could use this."
"Thanks." Zen peeled it, knowing the system was right about needing additional fuel. "How long till relay call?"
"Forty minutes," Andre said, approaching with Diego. "Heat sheets just posted. We're in Heat 2, Lane 5."
Coach Dormer joined their circle, clipboard in hand. "Good news is you've got time to fully recover," he said to Zen. "Bad news is everyone saw your 300, so now they know what our anchor can do."
"That's bad news?" Diego asked.
"Element of surprise is gone," Coach explained. "But it doesn't matter much for heats. We're just looking for clean execution and qualification."
From the stands, Zen spotted his parents watching. His father gave him a subtle thumbs up – not for the 300m victory, but a forward-looking gesture. Focus on what's next.
"Drink more," Andre advised, noticing Zen's empty bottle. "You lost a lot in that 300."
Diego tossed him another water. The quiet sophomore had been analyzing the start lists. "Our heat's weak. Strongest teams are in Heats 1 and 3."
"Let's not get cocky," Coach Dormer warned. "Clean exchanges, qualify for finals. That's all we need from this round."
André nodded. "Save the heroics for finals."
"Can we start warm-ups?" Diego asked, already bouncing on his toes. As the leadoff leg, his nerves always showed first.
"Let's go," Coach agreed.
The team moved to a clear space on the infield, beginning their relay-specific routine. While they stretched, Zen scanned the competition.
"Lincoln Prep's warming up," Andre pointed across the facility. "They're the defending regional champs. Four seniors, all state qualifiers individually."
A group of athletes in navy blue and gold uniforms worked through handoffs with military precision. Their movements were crisp, confident.
"Central Valley's back too," Trey added. "Younger team but crazy fast. Their anchor ran 21.5 in the open 200 earlier."
Diego studied a lean, muscular runner setting up blocks. "That's DeMarcus Jones. He was national youth champion in the 100m. Their leadoff."
DING
[COMPETITION ANALYSIS ACTIVE]
[PRIMARY THREATS: LINCOLN PREP, CENTRAL VALLEY, EASTRIDGE]
[LINCOLN ADVANTAGES: EXPERIENCE, HANDOFF EFFICIENCY]
[CENTRAL VALLEY ADVANTAGES: INDIVIDUAL SPEED, BLOCK STARTS]
[EASTRIDGE ADVANTAGES: TACTICAL AWARENESS, CURVE RUNNING]
Coach Dormer gathered them after warm-up. "Heat 2 is favorable. Lincoln's in Heat 3, Central Valley in Heat 1. Just need top two in our heat to guarantee finals."
"We're easily the fastest in our heat," Diego observed.
"Which means no pressure," Coach replied. "Execute clean handoffs, control your effort. No need to empty the tank in preliminaries."
"What's our target time?" Andre asked.
"Controlled 1:30 should be plenty. Save something for finals." He looked at each runner. "Diego, focus on a clean start and positioning. Trey, smooth reception and stable speed. Andre, maintain position and set up the final exchange perfectly. Zen, bring it home strong but not all-out."
They nodded, understanding the strategy. This wasn't about posting the fastest time; it was about efficient qualification.
"Twenty minutes to first call," Coach reminded them. "Finish your warm-ups, get your spikes ready."
The relay team gathered in the designated warm-up zone, each athlete preparing in their own way. Diego meticulously placed his starting blocks, testing different positions for the perfect angle. Trey stretched dramatically, his preparation more theatrical but equally effective. Andre jogged short sprints, focused on the rhythm he'd need for the third leg. Zen visualized his anchor position, mentally rehearsing his reception technique.
"Let's run through exchanges once more," Andre suggested.
They lined up, practicing the blind handoffs they'd rehearsed for weeks. Diego to Trey, smooth and quick. Trey to Andre, a bit more chaotic but effective. Andre to Zen, precise and efficient.
"Looking good," Coach Dormer nodded, watching from the sideline. "Remember, eyes forward when receiving. Trust your teammate to place the baton."
Nearby, other relay teams prepared with varying levels of intensity. Some looked nervous, others overconfident. Westridge's demeanor was focused but relaxed – the sweet spot for performance.
"Anyone else notice half the building watching us?" Trey commented.
He wasn't exaggerating. After Zen's 300m performance, Westridge had become the team to watch. Coaches from other schools were openly studying their warm-up routine.
"Let them watch," Andre said calmly. "Doesn't change what we do."
Diego, usually quiet, spoke up: "They're expecting us to win our heat. Let's show them why."
The first call for 4x200m relays came over the loudspeaker. Teams began moving toward the check-in area, a nervous energy building.
"Circle up," Andre said, gathering the team. "Quick reminder. Diego, get us in good position early. Trey, maintain through the second leg. I'll set up a clean final exchange. Zen, bring it home smooth."
DING
[RELAY TEAM ASSESSMENT]
[HANDOFF EFFICIENCY: 92% - EXCELLENT]
[INDIVIDUAL READINESS: OPTIMAL]
[RECOMMENDATION: CONTROLLED AGGRESSION, MAINTAIN TECHNICAL FOCUS]
Heat 1 of the 4x200m was underway as Westridge's team checked in. They watched Central Valley dominate their heat with a clean, powerful performance.
"One twenty-eight point eight," Coach Dormer noted as Central Valley crossed first. "That'll get them lane 3 or 4 in finals."
The clerk of course was calling for Heat 2 teams to move to the track. Diego adjusted his spikes one last time and took his lane card.
"Watch their leadoff legs," Coach advised as Zen prepared for his anchor position. "See how they handle the first curve. Might help in finals."
DING
[HEAT 2 ANALYSIS]
[WESTRIDGE PROJECTED MARGIN: +1.5-2.5 SECONDS]
[PRIMARY FOCUS: CLEAN HANDOFFS, CONTROLLED PACING]
[STRATEGIC APPROACH: ESTABLISH LEAD EARLY, MAINTAIN THROUGH EXCHANGES]
"Heat 2, 4x200 meter relay," the announcer called. "Lanes 2 through 9."
Diego moved to his blocks in lane 5, surrounded by less imposing competition than they'd face in finals. He looked calm now, his pre-race nervousness replaced by focused intensity.
In the outfield, Zen took his position in the anchor zone. He caught sight of his parents in the stands – his mom giving an encouraging wave, his dad watching with quiet confidence.
"Runners to your marks."
Diego settled into his blocks, eyes fixed on the track ahead.
"Set."
The gun fired, and Heat 2 was underway. Diego exploded from the blocks with perfect technique, instantly gaining ground on the runners in lanes 6 and 7. By the first curve, he had already established a clear lead.
"Look at Rivera go," someone commented nearby. "Westridge isn't playing around."
Diego's form was flawless as he powered through the first 150 meters. As he approached the exchange zone, Westridge's lead was already substantial.
"Go!" Trey shouted as Diego hit the mark.
The handoff was textbook. Diego placed the baton perfectly into Trey's outstretched hand without either runner breaking stride. Trey accelerated smoothly into his leg.
"Twenty-two point three for Rivera," Coach Dormer called out Diego's split. "Perfect execution."
Trey's natural speed was evident as he extended Westridge's lead through the back stretch. His running style was more flamboyant than Diego's, but equally effective. By the time he approached the second exchange, Westridge was leading by nearly 30 meters.
The second handoff to Andre went equally smoothly. Trey perfectly timed his approach, and Andre received the baton without hesitation.
"Twenty-two point eight for Williams," Coach noted. "Controlled, just like we planned."
Andre's leg was a study in technical efficiency. Every stride looked measured and deliberate, maintaining the substantial lead without unnecessary effort. As he approached the final exchange zone, the race was effectively decided.
Zen began his acceleration as Andre hit the mark, arm extended behind him, eyes forward just as they'd practiced. The final handoff was seamless – a perfect blind exchange that maintained all their momentum.
With baton in hand, Zen opened his stride on the anchor leg. There was no pressure, no need to push to his limit. He ran with controlled power, maintaining form while keeping plenty in reserve for finals.
"Westridge pulls away!" the announcer called as Zen widened the gap even further. "Dominating performance in Heat 2!"
Zen crossed the line with no one else in the frame, slowing gracefully as he completed his victory lap.
"One twenty-nine point five for Westridge!" the announcer confirmed.
The second-place team finished over two seconds behind – an eternity in relay competition.
"Twenty-one point nine anchor," Coach Dormer said as Zen rejoined the group. "Nice and controlled. Perfect execution from all four of you."
Diego was beaming, his usual reserve broken by the successful race. "Those exchanges were smooth."
"Like butter," Trey agreed, striking a dramatic pose. "Was there ever any doubt?"
"Plenty of room for improvement," Andre noted, always the perfectionist. "But solid foundation for finals."
As they walked back to the team area, Coach pulled up the results from Heat 1 on his tablet. "Central Valley ran 1:28.8. Let's see what Lincoln does in Heat 3."
They gathered around, watching as Lincoln Prep took to the track for the final heat. Their navy uniforms stood out against the white track surface.
"Their exchanges are what to watch," Coach said. "Best technical team in the region."
Lincoln's leadoff runner was smaller than Diego but explosively quick. Their first exchange was so smooth it was almost invisible – the baton seeming to teleport from one runner to the next.
"That's how it's done," Andre whispered, clearly impressed.
By the second exchange, Lincoln had established a commanding lead over their heat. Their third leg extended it further, setting up an easy anchor finish.
"One twenty-eight point two," the announcer confirmed as Lincoln's anchor crossed. "Fastest qualifying time."
DING
[FINALS COMPETITION ANALYSIS]
[LINCOLN PREP: 1:28.2 - SUPERIOR HANDOFFS, BALANCED TEAM]
[CENTRAL VALLEY: 1:28.8 - STRONG INDIVIDUAL SPEED, VARIABLE EXCHANGES]
[WESTRIDGE: 1:29.5 - CONTROLLED EFFORT, TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY]
[EASTRIDGE: 1:30.1 - STRUGGLED WITH SECOND EXCHANGE, POTENTIAL TO IMPROVE]
"We'll be seeded fourth for finals," Coach confirmed. "That's fine. Gives us an outside lane where we can see the field."
"Lincoln's the real deal," Diego observed.
"But they were pushing harder than us," Andre added. "That looked like their best effort."
"We've got more in the tank," Zen agreed.
Coach gathered them for a post-heat review. "All eight teams advance to finals. Lincoln, Central Valley, North County, us, Eastridge, Jefferson, Southside, and West Hills. Finals are in two hours. I want you to eat something light, rest, and stay warm."
He pulled up the split times on his tablet. "Diego: 22.3, Trey: 22.8, Andre: 22.5, Zen: 21.9. All solid, controlled efforts. In finals, we'll need to find another second."
"Where's that coming from?" Trey asked.
"Everywhere. Slightly faster splits, cleaner exchanges, competitive drive." Coach looked at each of them. "In finals, you'll have Lincoln pushing you from the start. Different race entirely."
Diego nodded seriously. "I'll get us a better position early."
"Just get us clean position," Coach corrected. "No heroics in the first leg that sacrifice the handoff."
Trey struck a dramatic pose. "Second leg is where the magic happens."
"Second leg is where you maintain position and execute a perfect exchange," Andre said, smacking Trey's shoulder lightly.
"Third leg sets up the closeout," Coach continued. "Andre, that means positioning us perfectly for Zen's anchor."
Zen simply nodded. After his 300m performance, everyone knew what he could do with the anchor leg.
"We can win this," Coach said. "But it'll take perfect execution and maximum effort. Rest up."
As the team dispersed to recover, Zen found a quiet corner to stretch and refuel. His parents made their way down from the stands to briefly check in.
"Smart race," Marcus said simply. "Saved plenty for finals."
"Lincoln looks strong," Angela observed. "But their anchor seemed to work harder than you."
"We've got more to give," Zen confirmed. "All of us."
"Good exchanges," his father noted. "Clean technique. Finals will be about who wants it more."
As his parents returned to the stands, the system provided its analysis.
DING
[HEAT PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS]
[EXECUTION: 94% OPTIMAL]
[ENERGY CONSERVATION: EXCELLENT - 85% RESERVES MAINTAINED]
[FINALS RECOMMENDATION: AGGRESSIVE START, MAXIMAL ANCHOR EFFORT]
[PROJECTED FINALS TIME WITH FULL EFFORT: 1:27.5-1:28.0]
Zen reviewed the projection. That time would put them in contention with Lincoln and Central Valley. The heat had been about qualification; finals would be about proving themselves against the best.
Diego approached, munching on an energy bar. "Lincoln's fast," he said simply.
"So are we," Zen replied.
"Different when you're chasing versus being chased," Diego said thoughtfully. "In finals, we'll have to fight for position from the start."
Andre joined them, followed by Trey who was dramatically massaging his calves.
"We watching the girls' heats or resting?" Trey asked.
"Both," Andre decided. "Watch while resting."
They found a spot on the infield where they could observe the girls' 4x200m heats while staying off their feet. The atmosphere was more relaxed now, with qualification secured, but Zen could feel the competitive energy building toward finals.
"Fast track today," Andre commented as the girls posted quick times. "Lincoln's going to try to break 1:28 in finals."
"Let them try," Trey said confidently. "Dream team is coming for them."
Diego groaned. "Please stop with the 'dream team' thing."
"Never," Trey grinned. "It's growing on you, admit it."
As they bantered, Zen focused on visualization, mentally walking through his anchor leg. The system had shown he had significant room for improvement from his heat time. In finals, with real competition pushing him, he knew he could drop his split under 21.5.
The question was whether it would be enough. Lincoln's balanced team versus Westridge's developing chemistry. Experience versus potential. Technical precision versus raw talent.
Two hours until they'd find out.