Chugiak sprinter Fred Millen has been racing to record times this spring

May 14—Coming off a surgery for a torn meniscus he suffered during this past football season, Chugiak High School sophomore sprinter Fred Millen III couldn't quite start the 2026 track and field season firing on all cylinders.

However, over the past month, he has been posting record-breaking numbers as an individual and as a member of the Mustangs' 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams.

"It was hard to get started but it's been going really well," Millen said. "It was hard getting through that, but I have good team support and coaches who really helped me through that and get to where I am now."

In April, he and his teammates achieved record-breaking performances out of state at the Liberty Bell Invitational in Denver, Colorado.

"We didn't really think we were going to do very good," Millen said. "All the times in the Lower 48 were kind of intimidating at first but we actually went down there and won the meet coming from Alaska."

While state records can only be set at the state meet, Millen recorded the fastest Alaska high school time in history in the 200 with a mark of 21.88 seconds. Additionally, he anchored the 4x100 and 4x200 relay teams, which also set the fastest all-time marks with times of 42.61 and 1:28.18.

"He came into the season looking great and has just been getting faster ever since," Chugiak coach Luke Steele said.

To be able to not only represent Alaska on a national stage but also post times never before seen in the state from their age group made the accomplishment even more special.

"It was amazing to go down there and compete with some really good athletes and some really good teams," Millen said.

He takes pride in being the anchor on the Mustangs' relay teams because it shows their faith in his ability to make up for any lost ground and finish strong.

"It's great that they trust me with that after seeing the times I've run," Millen said. "They're all running fast times too. ... We're all up there."

Raising the bar together

Track and field is often viewed as an individual sport. However, through events such as relays and the fact that some of Millen's toughest competition comes from his fellow Mustangs, it feels more like a team sport at Chugiak.

"It's amazing that it's not just me," he said. "I have a really good team around me and they push me through practice so I can continue to improve every week."

Steele commends Millen's fellow sprinters for not only pushing him but also contributing to the program's success overall. Millen is joined on the 4x100 relay team by Elijah Udall, Ahmir Walker and Luke Poland.

"Hats off to all those guys for working hard, and it really is a team effort," he said. "We try to emphasize that at Chugiak especially. It's not just about the individual, we're in this as a team. We're always looking for titles and team success."