By Sarah Amador

In a sport where winners are determined by centimeters and milliseconds, precision and focus is key. 

Last year, the Granada Hills Charter (GHC) boys and girls track and field team brought home the CIF Los Angeles Division I City Section Championship. This season, the Highlanders are fighting hard, looking to defend their title for another year. 

In their meet against Chatsworth, GHC demonstrated their skills and determination as they raced hard and took multiple victories over the Chancellors. 

HOME GROUND: The picture features Tevin Kollamparambil as he passes by the “Highlander” sign painted on the tennis courts. Being on home ground comes with many advantages such as less fatigue from travel, louder crowds and the support from friends and family alike.

FULL SPEED AHEAD: Junior Jansen Joseph is seen jumping over a hurdle. The hurdles on the track pose a challenge, setting the expectation that athletes run at full speed on top of timing each jump and making it over the hurdle to win the race. 

OVER THE BAR, NOT RAINBOW: Ethan Gonzalez is shown midair clearing the bar below him, glancing down at the landing mat to successfully finish the attempt. The high jump event relies on athletes’ bravery to commit to the jump alongside their explosive and plyometric training to be able to make it over the bar without touching it. 

“TAKE YOUR MARK, SET, BANG!”: Before each race, the athletes take their time getting set to the designated beginning position. This only establishes a fair start, but allows the runners to mentally prepare to perform at their peak.

THE HEAT: The wideshot photo features a lineup of a singular heat, one division composed of several athletes with a similar set of skills and levels. It takes place right before the runners take off. The still photo contrasts the fast-moving action which occurs seconds later at the sound of the starter pistol.

GOING FOR GOLD: The photo features senior Shia Aube, the lead-off runner for the 4x400m relay race, holding a golden baton. Apart from running fast, each leg must coordinate smooth transitions and clear communication with the next, as milliseconds separate with winners and losers.

PURE AMBITION: Pole vaulting is a daunting sport as athletes propel themselves to heights only attainable using a pole. The photo features a lady Highlander, awaiting her attempt. The stance she takes reveals not fear but power and courage.

GRANADA GREEN: The picture highlights GHC’s mascot, a Scottish terrier, behind Donnell Swanson in his starting position. The correlating picture and jersey show how our Highlanders proudly represent GHC, even in the smallest ways.

NO TIME FOR SIGHTSEEING: Senior varsity runner Karime Benmbarek is pictured running the first curve in the 800M race. Although the scenery behind Benmbarek is nothing short of eye-catching, his focus and determination is poured into the race ahead of him.