The Holland track and field team is rewriting the record books this season, and they're not done yet. After a 26-year drought, the girls' 4x800-meter relay team has shattered a school record that stood since 2000, proving that patience and persistence pay off in the world of high school athletics.
It all started with a simple challenge from coach Megan Lambers. She told the quartet of Olivia Weiss, Tessa Nienhuis, Ashlyn DePoy, and Johanna Mulder to go for it during a meet, and that was all the motivation they needed. The team crossed the finish line in 10:05.02, beating the previous record of 10:08.1 set by Heidi Hondorp, Kendra Snyder, Amy Hoving, and Kirsten Werley—a mark that had stood for more than a quarter of a century.
"We came to the track and went for it and ended up beating it by three seconds," Weiss said. "Last year, it was a little disappointing when we didn't break the old record. But now we have, and I think we can definitely go faster."
The relay's success was a true team effort, with each runner playing a crucial role. Weiss set the tone with a strong opening leg, while Nienhuis maintained the momentum. DePoy, who has battled injuries to get to this point, closed the gap with determination. "It means a lot. I didn't think I would be able to do it with the injuries I have had to overcome. It just means that we are all stronger than we think," DePoy said.
Anchor Mulder watched the race unfold and felt the energy building. "I could really feel a power in how Olivia started off. I saw the fight in her. Then when Tessa got the baton, she really wanted it too and Ashlyn pushed an incredible two laps. It made me know we could do it," Mulder said. "I realized this would help push us to be what Holland has been this year and the power that the girls team has."
The record-breaking performance is a testament to the team's chemistry and resilience. "It has been very special. There is a big sense of home on this team. I didn't think I would be part of a record relay. We went for it and when we got it, we were just so happy to have achieved that," Nienhuis said.
But the Dutch aren't stopping there. The boys' 4x200-meter relay team of Rian Powers, Tray Knox, Xander Esparza, and Finn Galloway has also set a new school record this season, and with more meets ahead, additional marks could fall. For a team that's already making history, the future looks fast and bright.