St. Andrew’s Highlander Runners Shatter Records, Compete Nationally

By Alexa McGlathery

In an impressive performance this spring, junior Alex Nield of Saint Andrew’s Episcopal High School made history by shattering the school’s record in the 800-meter event. Nield crossed the finish line at the Running Lane Track Championship in Huntsville, Alabama, with a record-breaking time of 1:56.78 seconds, making him the fastest 800-meter Highlander on record. The showing qualified him for the Adidas National Meet in Greensboro, NC, known for showcasing the best young athletes nationwide.

The road to success for team captain Nield has required commitment, rigorous training, attention to diet, and focused mental preparation. Nield attributes his sustained motivation to his internationally acclaimed coach, Gilbert Tuhabonye, a genocide survivor from Burundi, Africa. Tuhabonye is a beloved role model to many, as a coach and philanthropist, and serves as an inspiration to people worldwide.

Alongside Nield’s spring 2023 accomplishments, another promising St. Andrew’s Highlander runner freshman Reed Robinson also caught the attention of the athletic community. In addition to a second-place individual finish at SPC con- ference state meet, Robinson reached new heights by placing 5th overall in the New Balance Nationals

All-American 800-meter event at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field. The talented contributions of Nield and Robinson launched the St. Andrew’s 4 X 800m relay team, which also included runners Luke Dial and William Dunaway to qualify for the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Haywood, Oregon. The 2023 spring track season for St. Andrew’s Highlanders had a record-breaking showing and set the stage for further success in 2023-2024 as they mark new standards in the world of competitive running.