A gold and purple bond

Even in the midst of steep competition, the Saratoga and Campbell County High School (Gillette) track teams continued their team bond at the state tournament.

In a tradition that began last year, track team members from Saratoga have been cheering on those from Gillette, and vice versa, during relays and the receiving of awards at each meet where the two teams compete. Saratoga coach Rex Hohnholt said the friendship stemmed from a 4x4 relay at last year’s regional tournament, where Gillette’s team members cheered on Saratoga’s runners who were in the 4x4.

He also mentioned the connection of both teams representing gold and purple as their school colors.

“The friendship was something that started at the 4x4 relay at regionals last year, and both teams also wear purple and gold,” Hohnholt said. “They also cheered for us every time we got an award. We decided to return the favor this year and cheer them on at meets as well, after they did for us last year.”

Hohnholt said both teams now cheer each other on during 4x4 relays and the handing out of team and individual awards at each meet’s end. He said his athletes would most likely cheer on Gillette during more events if the track meets weren’t so busy.

“There are so many other events going on, so they’d probably get chewed out for cheering at too many and not participating in all their events,” Hohnholt said.

Campbell County High School assistant girls’ track coach Shelly Stremcha said it was “neat” to see both teams cheering for each other at state and regionals.

“It was especially cool at regionals where there were fewer teams, so it seemed a little more pronounced,” she said. “At state during the 4x400, it was pretty awesome to see them cheering each other on around the second and third corners.”

With good-natured competition in mind, Hohnholt said the cheering also helps both teams perform to their full potential.

“It’s really nice of the kids to do this for each other because it gives them that extra energy, and this year we were as loud as they were cheering for us,” he said.