The East Burke High School track facility was buzzing with energy and anticipation on Saturday, and the Blue Devils brought the thunder. With grit, determination, and an undeniable team spirit, the men’s track team delivered a dominant performance to win the West Regional Championship — just weeks after capturing the conference crown. For a program already rich in tradition, this moment was about legacy, unity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. And now, the team sets its sights on the ultimate prize: the State Championship meet next Saturday, May 17.
From the first event to the last, the Blue Devils made their presence felt. It wasn’t just about winning races — it was about sending a message. This team, forged through months of grueling workouts, early morning practices, and unwavering commitment, came to East Burke with one goal: to prove they were the best. And they did just that.
The sprints electrified the crowd early, with the 100m and 200m dash events setting the tone. Star sprinter Malik Johnson, known for his explosive starts and smooth top-end speed, put the field on notice. His wins in both events not only earned crucial points for the Blue Devils but also sent a jolt of momentum through the team. Johnson’s 100m time of 10.76 seconds was a personal best and the fastest regional time recorded in over five years. His 200m victory, coming in at 21.83 seconds, was equally commanding.
In the distance events, senior leader Jordan Castillo put on a masterclass in endurance and strategy. Castillo’s victory in the 1600m was a showcase of patience and power, staying tucked in the top three for the majority of the race before kicking hard with 250 meters to go. He pulled away with a thunderous final lap, clocking a time of 4:26.14, a season-best and a mark that ranks him top-five statewide. In the 3200m, Castillo battled tough competition but again emerged victorious, anchoring the final mile with a textbook negative split and earning the Blue Devils another ten points.
The hurdle crew was equally dominant, led by junior sensation Darius Linwood. His performance in the 110m hurdles brought the crowd to its feet, as he cruised to a win with a time of 14.32 seconds. But it was his effort in the 300m hurdles that might have been the most impressive — coming from behind in the final 100 meters to outlean his rival at the finish line, showcasing the heart and tenacity that has come to define this team. Linwood’s double-win was pivotal, not just on the scoreboard, but in the emotional rhythm of the day.
Field events saw the Blue Devils shine just as brightly. Senior thrower Kamden Briggs delivered a monster performance in the shot put and discus. His winning throw of 55 feet, 4 inches in the shot put was a personal best, and his 165-foot discus toss secured second place — a remarkable double that added serious firepower to the Blue Devils’ point total. In the jumps, sophomore phenom Elijah Moss took home top honors in the long jump with a mark of 22 feet, 3 inches. His performance in the triple jump — where he finished second with 44 feet, 7 inches — showcased both talent and promise, earning high praise from opposing coaches and spectators alike.
The 4×100 and 4×400 relay squads also came up big. The 4×100 team, anchored by Johnson, surged to a win with perfect handoffs and top-tier chemistry, clocking in at 42.88 seconds. The 4×400 relay, a true test of heart at the end of a long day, saw the Blue Devils put it all on the line. Anchored by Castillo, who had already run two grueling distance races, the team dug deep and finished second — enough to all but seal the team title.
And while the headlines will go to the individual winners, the victory was, at its core, a team effort. Every point mattered. From the fourth-place finishers earning a critical extra point, to the alternates pushing the starters in practice all season, this championship was the culmination of a collective grind. Head coach Marcus Freeman, emotional but composed after the trophy presentation, praised his athletes for their discipline, growth, and unity.
“This is a special group,” Freeman said. “From day one, they committed to the process. They showed up when no one was watching. They trained in the cold, the rain, and the early mornings. And today, it all came together. I couldn’t be prouder.”
Freeman, who took over the program three years ago, has steadily built the Blue Devils into a regional powerhouse. With back-to-back conference and regional titles under his belt, he now turns his focus toward the elusive state championship. But even with that target in sight, Freeman emphasized that it’s about more than just medals and banners.
“We tell our guys all the time: be better people first. That means be great students, be great teammates, be leaders in your community. The wins are a byproduct of doing all the little things right. That’s what we’re about.”
The bond between athletes was on full display throughout the day. Teammates celebrated each other’s victories like they were their own. When Briggs launched his winning shot put throw, Johnson sprinted over from the track to high-five him. When Linwood edged out his hurdles rival, the entire jump crew cheered from the sidelines. And when Castillo crossed the finish line of his final event, nearly collapsing from exhaustion, his teammates surrounded him in a sea of hugs and celebration.
It’s this chemistry — this unbreakable brotherhood — that sets the Blue Devils apart. Talent wins races. But trust, unity, and culture win championships.
With the regional trophy now in hand, the focus shifts to next Saturday’s State Championship meet, where the best of the best will gather in pursuit of glory. The competition will be fierce, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. But if Saturday was any indication, the Blue Devils are not only ready — they’re hungry.
“We know what’s ahead,” said Castillo, still catching his breath. “We’ve worked all year for this. States is the goal. Today was about getting there — now it’s time to finish the job.”
The coaching staff, too, is preparing for the final stretch. In the coming days, Freeman and his assistants will fine-tune the lineup, dial in race strategies, and ensure their athletes are healthy and focused. But perhaps more importantly, they’ll work to keep the team grounded — reminding them that while the spotlight is now bigger, the mission remains the same: compete with heart, honor the jersey, and leave it all on the track.
For the seniors, this next meet will be their last in a Blue Devils uniform. For the underclassmen, it’s a chance to rise to the occasion and gain invaluable experience. And for the community — parents, classmates, teachers, and fans — it’s a chance to rally around a group of young men who have not only achieved athletic excellence but have represented East Burke High and the Blue Devils with pride and class.
As the sun set over the East Burke track, the team huddled together one last time. Arms wrapped around each other, sweat dripping, voices hoarse from cheering — they stood as one. Coach Freeman looked them in the eyes and simply said, “This is why we do it. And we’re not done yet.”
No, they’re not done. Not even close.
So mark your calendars. Saturday, May 17. The State Championship awaits. The Blue Devils are coming — and they’re bringing everything they’ve got.
Go Big Bluue!