Two days before the West Suburban Silver indoor meet, Oak Park-River Forest’s boys track and field team gathered for a meal.
It was an opportunity for the Huskies to bond and discuss what they needed to do to bring home a conference title.
Senior Sebastien Johnson rose and announced own he had something to say.
“He gave a heartfelt speech that was genuine and committed,” Huskies coach Tim Hasso said. “He told them, ‘The seniors have been waiting four years for this opportunity. This is our team now and we’re going to lead you.’ “
Less than 48 hours later at Proviso West, Johnson backed up his words. Needing a win in the final race for OPRF to capture a conference crown, Johnson, Sean Lonergan, Kabi Mwakyoma and Chris Wright-Madison raced to victory in the 1,600-meter relay (3 minutes, 29.86 seconds) by .12 of a second to help outscore York 116-115 for the title.
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“The pressure — all eyes were on us — that’s what I live for,” Johnson said. “We had to win and I’m so proud of everyone on the relay. They all killed it.”
Hasso wasn’t surprised with Johnson’s speech or his performance on the track.
“Sebastien is a warrior,” Hasso said. “He’s committed and leads the team and he’s been like that since he joined the program. It’s hard for kids to be part of a program that has the legacy like we have and feel their identity within it. Sometimes you have to wait for your turn to step up and other times you just realize it’s right in front of you. Sebastien has been a natural leader and he’s been there from day one.”
In addition to helping the relay team add 10 points to the Huskies total, Johnson contributed another 16 points with second-place finishes in the 55 hurdles (7.98) and the 400 (52.14).
“This is it for me because I don’t think I’m going to run in college,” Johnson said. “So I knew this would be my last indoor conference meet and I had to give it everything I’ve got, leave it all on the track.”
While Johnson has always been a team leader, he didn’t always produce big-time results. Sophomore year was the first time he broke a minute in the 400 and last year at indoor conference he finished in 53 seconds. On Friday, he clocked under 52 seconds on his leg of the relay and he’ll be aiming even lower when he gets outdoors.
“The improvement — what the coaches have done for me — is just incredible,” Johnson said. “I can’t believe I’m at where I’m at. It really just shows how hard work can pay off.”
“Sebastien is probably the most improved teammate I’ve ever had,” Wright-Madison said. “He’s running the fastest 400s on the team now. I feel like he’s going to be a big factor for our team outdoors.”
OPRF had plenty of other big finishes. The 800 relay crossed in 1:34.37 and Wright-Madison cleared 6-feet-8 in the high jump for another pair of firsts. Huskies grabbing seconds were Tyron Jones in the 55 (6.62), Irwin Loud in the 3,200 (9:28.45) and Graham Failor in shot put (47-9).
“We had to win conference because this is our last year so I’m really happy about that,” said Wright-Madison, who plans to join the track and field team at Wisconsin.
Rob Valentin is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.