Lakewood’s boys 4x400 relay team, the reigning Class 2A state champions, have not been challenged this season, cruising to wins by whopping margins in nearly every major meet.
The biggest test came this past weekend at the Florida Relays, where the Spartans faced the fastest teams in the state, regardless of classification. In fact, Lakewood was seeded third in the event behind Miami Washington and Bartram Trail.
But the Spartans’ Rodney Adams, Shaquem Griffin, Shaquill Griffin and Tim Holmes blazed past their challengers and surged to a win in 3 minutes, 13.32 seconds, currently the fastest time in the nation according to milesplit.
Through the first three legs of the relay, Lakewood was even with Miami Washington. Holmes was the difference. He took the baton on the anchor leg and ran a season-best split of 46.1 seconds – nearly two seconds faster than his previous best – to give the Spartans the win.
“We were basically tied with (Miami Washington) when I got the baton,” Holmes said. “I ran really well, probably the best I’ve ran all season to move us ahead and get the win.
“We all knew this was going to be our toughest competition, and that all gave us a boost to not only win, but also get the nation’s top time.”