Better Together: Ryan Anderson & Oier Linera Mallea & Gavin Simmons

Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

Meet Ryan Anderson, Oier Linera Mallea, and Gavin Simmons. Three sophomore individuals, but one tight bond that extends beyond the field of play and a cross country course or a track, depending on the season.

The trio push each other to greatness, and that was evidenced in the GIAA State Championship, where Anderson was 3rd in the 400, 4th in the 800, and 8th in the 1600 in his individual events. The 4x800 Relay which included them along with Teagan Penland finished 5th, and the 4x400 Relay came in 4th, which was comprised of Anderson, Simmons, Penland, and Milos Ivancevic. Meanwhile, Linera Mallea ran to a 14th-place finish in the 3200 after being 5th at region in that event. Anderson had a pair of Runner-Up finishes at region, and a 3rd-place run too.

"Our relationship is very brotherly and loving," says Anderson. Off the field, we are best buds. Whenever I can be, I'm with them and having a great time. When we get out onto the track, that relationship remains, but turns into a competitive, all-for-all mentality. Specifically in our relays, we know that every leg of the relay counts, so every one of us needs to be equally as successful as the others. Looking past the competitive aspect, we really have a lot of fun working together. Every practice is a joy because of these men, and I am very grateful to have been able to work with them this season."

Anderson admits that Oier and Gavin push him to be the best he can be, whether in competition or outside of it.

"Oier and Gavin pushed in the 4x800 relay at region," adds Anderson. "We were placed third coming into my handoff, the last leg, by a decent margin. Right before I received the baton from Teagan, I remember Gavin saying, 'I believe in you.' There is something very special about being the last leg of a relay, knowing your three closest friends have worked, suffered and sacrificed for the entirety of the race (and all season in preparation), and they believe in you to finish the job and get the win for the team. There is no greater motivation than that; knowing your teammates have worked so hard for the team, being able to watch each one of their legs of the race before I run, that's got to be the biggest way that Oier and Gavin push me."

For Oier, he falls into positive peer pressure when competing with his friends.

"We push each other by setting a standard through our effort," says Oier. "When I see how hard Ryan and Gavin are working—whether it's at practice or at a meet—I feel responsible to match that. It's not about being better than each other, it's about being better together. We all know what we're capable of, so we hold each other accountable to give our best every day."

Oier, who hails from Muskiz, Spain, has spent several holidays and breaks with the Andersons, becoming part of the family. When he arrived, he didn't know anyone, but his friends embraced him immediately.

"It was a completely new environment, and starting fresh like that was, honestly, pretty overwhelming," recalls Oier. That's when I met Ryan and Gavin. From the beginning, they welcomed me in, talked to me, included me in things, and treated me like I already belonged. Since then, they've continued to be there—not just when things were tough, but also during the good moments."

Gavin, a resident of Toccoa, knows their bond goes beyond the classroom and field of play.

"With them, I know that I have a steady friendship in which I can seek advice, adventure, and amusement," says Gavin. "I also know that these boys deserve the best friend they can get, so I always strive to be someone they can come to for anything life may bring. Everyday, I look forward to the opportunity of enjoying every moment I have with them, no matter if it is practice, class, lunch, etc."

Echoing Ryan and Oier, Gavin shares how they each sharpen each other.

"Ryan and Oier are always contributing to me getting better, whether it is in sports, in school, or in life," says Gavin. "Specifically before this year's state meet, both boys, in addition to Teagan, helped me get dialed in for our 4x800 meter relay. In the weeks leading up to the meet, we practiced our handoffs consistently and gave each other feedback in order to improve. We agreed that all believed in each other and we pushed each other hard so we could get every ounce of growth we could. Ryan and Oier gave me even more confidence in myself that I could perform well. It paid off, we finished 5th at state and all left beaming from ear to ear."

Circumstances will inevitably change and each will go their own way. The strand of three might be stretched, but the bond will never be broken.