The Pahrump Valley High School boys 4×400 relay team made history on May 11 at the regional championship meet, held at Bonanza High School in Las Vegas. The team, consisting of Ben DeSantiago (10), Jace Wulfenstein (10), Deven Nixon (12), and Antonio Veloz (11), shattered the previous school record with an impressive time of 3:29.11.
Front row – Jace Wulfenstein and Ben DeSantiago
This outstanding performance eclipsed the long-standing record of 3:31.74, which was set in 2011 by the team of Billy Palmore, Cody Keasling, Martin Apolinar, and Dajhan Celius. The new record is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the current relay team, who have been training rigorously for this moment.
Regionals was a highly anticipated event, and the boys 4×400 team delivered an electrifying performance that left spectators overjoyed. Their synchronized teamwork and speed on the track were the highlights of the competition.
“This achievement is a significant milestone for our track and field program,” Coach Nagle said. “Breaking a record that stood for over a decade is no small feat. I am incredibly proud of Ben, Jace, Deven, and Antonio for their determination and relentless effort. They have set a new standard.”
Not only were the coaches and parents beyond proud, the athletes were proud as well.
“Breaking the record felt amazing. I honestly had no idea whether or not we would break it. The week prior we were still a little off from it and we weren’t expecting to do what we did that day. Personally, I didn’t think we would beat the record as much as we did. I was thinking it would only be broken by a couple of milliseconds but not two full seconds. Breaking the record was just game changing to me. It changed how I looked at the track, how I looked at my teammates, how I looked at the coaches, how I looked at the competition and more importantly how I looked at myself for the next week preparing for state. It showed me that I can’t take a second off of training or working out or keeping my body in good health or else being able to set myself apart from my peers wouldn’t be possible anymore.”
– Ben DeSantiago
“I thought it was amazing, and I wish I could break the record again”
-Deven Nixon
“I felt extremely grateful and accomplished. We made it our main goal for the season that we would beat that record. We just kept faith in each other and went to work. Our prayer that we said before our race was answered. The feeling of disbelief never occurred to me because before the race I knew that we had it in the bag. Just being able to do this with my friends made it a bond that we’ll hold forever.”
-Jace Wulfenstein
“Breaking the record was a dream come true. Before the season started, I told myself and anyone close to me that my goal was to break a school record during the season, but I was thinking it would be in the 3200 meter run, as that was what I was trying to prepare for. However, everything changed midseason when we raced for a spot on the 4×400 relay and I made it. All of a sudden, every thought I had towards track shifted to that race and the relay team, and I continued to get faster and grow a stronger bond with Jace, Ben, and Deven. We worked to chip away time every week, and going into the regional race we knew what we wanted and how hard we would have to run to get it. And we did it! As I crossed the finish line, watching the clock to see our multiple second record-breaking time, I was overcome with more joy than I have ever felt at one time, mixed with accomplishment, gratefulness, and shock. For me, breaking this record showed me how adaptability and the ability to work hard for a goal can do wonders, and let you accomplish anything. Records are meant to be broken, and whether this record is broken again in one year or thirty, I will always be able to say I broke a school record and was a region champ, and that’s something special.”
-Antonio Veloz
The accomplishment has not only brought pride to Pahrump Valley High School but has also inspired younger athletes to strive for excellence. The boys 4×400 team’s new record is a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and teamwork.
