The sound of sneakers pounding against the rubber track is rhythmic and relentless. With each stride, the soles of the runners flash a brilliant red as they push their bodies to the limit, the finish line just moments away. The wind cuts through the air, urging them forward. Liam Pettus crosses the line, his face breaking into a grin as the stopwatch beeps—he’s done it. As the clock ticks down, he looks over at his best friend, Calhoun Cason. The two exchange a proud smile, their bond stronger than ever. Both of these sophomores, who are now school record holders, have earned their place in school history.
Liam Pettus and Calhoun Cason’s friendship is as fast and enduring as their strides on the track. The two first met in first grade, where a shared love for sports, particularly running, sparked their connection. It wasn’t long before they were both members of their elementary school’s Running Club, setting the stage for what would become an inspiring track partnership. By seventh grade at Baker Middle School, they were teammates, their passion for running fueling their dreams. The boys started running together “[a]s soon as we were allowed,” says Pettus, with a smile that reflects their mutual excitement.
For nearly four years, the duo has trained, competed, and driven each other to new heights, always aiming to push the boundaries of their potential. “Yeah, we definitely compete against each other,” Pettus admits with a laugh. “But in a friendly way. He’s always been better at the two-mile… and I’ve always been better at the one-mile.”
This friendly rivalry took center stage on March 1, 2025, at the Border Olympics Tournament in Laredo, where both athletes achieved personal and school-wide milestones. Calhoun Cason set a new school record in the 3200-meter race, clocking an impressive time of 9 minutes and 46 seconds. This feat had not been accomplished since the illustrious Sonny Villegas set the record in 2021.
Meanwhile, Pettus was also making his mark. Competing in the 1800-meter event, he shattered his own previous record with a blistering time of 4:34:44, surpassing his personal best from the year before. “I’m so happy about it,” Pettus says, still beaming. “It’s been a long time since I’ve set a new personal record”, he said with a smile. To him, breaking his record felt like an affirmation that he was working hard to improve, and it always feels great to see that hard work pay off.
Together, Pettus and Cason exemplify what it means to be dedicated athletes — and even better friends. Their story is a testament to the power of healthy competition, unwavering support, and a shared drive to push each other to achieve more. For these two best friends, the track isn’t just a place where records are broken — it’s where their bond, commitment, and passion for running thrive.
In a world that sometimes values individual achievement over collaboration, Pettus and Cason remind us that the best victories are often those shared with others. With each race, they continue to not only break records, but to break barriers—proving that with dedication, a supportive friendship, and a bit of healthy competition, anything is possible.
