The Cochrane High track team has been perpetual banner winners at the ASAA 3A schools track and field provincials for two decades, but this year takes the cake.

With a record 42 athletes competing, they scored 546 points in what appears to be a new ASAA record. A Medicine Hat high school finished second, 179 points behind the Cobras.

That's higher than even the larger 4A schools.

Head coach Esther Sieben believes the athletes truly understood what it takes to perform as a team.

"This was just the epitome of a pure team performance. Everyone that was there competed and contributed to that overall point total and I have to tell you, I've never been more proud of kids," she says. "They left it all on the field. They threw far, they jumped high, they jumped far, they ran fast and they ran long distances, too."

"The best part of being a part of a team like this and having a shot at your own personal best and your own stellar performances is you're doing well, but in the back of your mind, you're thinking I'm contributing to this win, and I'm a huge part of this program that we've built over the last 20 years."

She says the entire team took the bus they chartered to go to Foote Field in Edmonton and stayed on the sidelines the full weekend to cheer on one another. 

"You could hear the Cobras across the track, and it's just one of those weekends I will not soon forget."

Each year, Sieben has a team motto for provincials. Imprinted on the backs of their t-shirts this year were the words, "Success is not owned, it is rented and rent is due every day."

"These kids need to know that it's not just about you and the clock, it's about you and everything it takes to get there and all of the support of all the people around you. And that's what being a part of a team is all about."

She continues to be grateful for the ongoing support of the community.

"We are lucky to have such a supportive community. I mean, the Charlesglen Toyota was just one example. Parents dropping off Gatorade, dropping off food, and making sure the kids get to where they need to go. I mean, you're not alone. You're not an island, right? I just feel so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful community like Cochrane."

Soon, the team will have a small celebration and banner signing to wrap up the season.