By Ron Smith
May 27, 2021
 
(GULF SHORES, Ala.) Westmont's 4 x 800 men's relay team followed up last night's historic performance with a national runner-up showing in tonight's finals. The Warrior quartet of Adam King, John Baker, Jason Peterson and Zola Sokhela finished the eight-lap race in a time of 7:32.71, the third fastest time in Westmont history.
 
The second place finished earned the Warriors All-American status. Westmont crossed the finish line behind Dordt, who posted a time of 7:30.55.
 
The decision to run Sokhela in the 4 x 800, rather than let him rest in anticipation of his two national championship races tomorrow, was made late in the day. After winning the second heat of the 800 meter prelims earlier in the afternoon, Sokhela talked about the possibility of competing in the relay, "I'm going to get ready as if I am running, and then, when it is time to come out, decide how I feel."
 
If a decision had been made to keep Sokhela out of the relay, Daniel Rubin was ready to step in and assume his place.
 
"It was a group decision," said Baker about a team meeting at the hotel. "Danny wanted what was best for the team. We figured that in terms as a national standing, the points we would get from doing well in this 4 x 800 would be extremely beneficial and help us land a top-10 spot for men's teams in the nation. Danny gave us this opportunity. This wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for him.
 
"It was a little bit of a last minute decision," reported Baker. "We didn't expect to run near 7:32 last night. We saw our time and thought, 'Let's take a shot at it.' The prelims time was pretty fast. We gave it all and coming away with second place isn't too bad.
 
"Adam ran a decent first lap – 1:56 is a tad slow for him but he really kicked it in and brought us in mid-pack. I'm the weakest link of this relay. My job was to hang on as best I could. Given the injuries I've had this year - I've done 90% of the training this last two months on an exercise bike - so, considering that, being here is one of the best things that could have happened.
 
"Jason (running the third leg) is the first link in starting to catch up. He ran a quick first lap then got some guys on his kick in the second lap. The pack was more spread out than it was yesterday. When Jason handed off to Zola, he had about 50 meters of lap to do. He did about 30-40 of that. The guy from Dordt (Iowa) was a little too fast and a little too far."
 
Baker, Peterson and Sokhela each posted their fastest times of the season with Baker posting a 1:55.19 split, Peterson a 1:52.91 and Sokehla finishing in 1:48.32. When Sokhela took the baton from Peterson, he was in sixth place but gradually moved up. On the back stretch of the final lap, he passed three runners to move into second.
 
"There are no seniors on this team," noted Baker. "Next year, at both indoor and outdoor national championships, we are coming back."
 
In the earlier 800 meter prelims, Sokhela won the second heat in a time of 1:52.50.
 
"It was quite hot," acknowledged Sokhela. "I ran the 1500 prelims yesterday and the 4 x 800 last night. My legs did feel a bit sluggish in the warm-up. My goal was to go an even pace. The first lap I tried to be relaxed and then even throughout and keep myself out of trouble. That means being in front and controlling the race. I did it with minimal effort, which was good. I'm happy with that."
 
Sokhela and King will compete in the 1500 meter finals tomorrow at 3:10 p.m. CDT. At five o'clock, Sokhela will run in the finals of the 800 meter run. Sokhela was the top seed in both races coming into the national championships.
 
Also competing tomorrow is Seth Wilmoth in the pole vault. Wilmoth will be looking to claim his fourth All-American title and his second national championship.