When dedication, talent, coaching and friendship come together, championships follow. That's the story of Ella Wierks, Ava Porras, Emma Gunnett, and Collette Wierks, four remarkable student-athletes, who along with many others, are part of a West Ottawa XC and Track & Field Team powerhouse. These extraordinary runners take us behind the scenes of their journey to the 4X800 State Championship and how they followed it up with a National Runner Up finish three weeks later. With raw honesty, they reveal the "shared suffering" that bonds them, describing how pushing through the "pain cave" together creates both faster times and unbreakable friendships. Their story isn't just about athletic achievement—it's about teenage girls supporting each other through victories and setbacks while creating memories that will last a lifetime. The foursome recounts their breathtaking state championship race, where despite illness and pressure, they executed a perfect strategy to defend their 4x800 relay title, won the year before with Notre Dame bound athlete Helen Sachs. You'll feel like you're trackside as they describe the electricity of that moment and the pure joy of celebrating together. Then they take us to historic Franklin Field in Philadelphia, where their journey culminated in a 2nd place finish at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor. The girls speak about Coach Kyle Barnes as an important catalyst behind their success, creating a culture that balances intense training with genuine care for his athletes. Through his leadership, these girls developed not just as runners but as leaders themselves, learning lessons that extend far beyond the track. Whether you're a dedicated runner or simply appreciate stories of exceptional teamwork, this conversation will inspire you. It showcases how young athletes can achieve extraordinary things when they combine talent with friendship, guidance, and unwavering belief in each other. Tune in to experience a remarkable story of four friends who ran not just for themselves, but for each other—and found championship glory along the way.

This episode was recorded on August 13, 2025.