There’s rarely a moment when Steve Sulkin shows much emotion following a race.

Even when the York senior distance standout was the first to cross in the finals of the 3,200-meter run at Saturday’s IHSA boys track and field state championships in Charleston, his only reaction was to slowly lift his arms above his head in victory.

That changed when he turned around and saw teammate Jordan Herbert finish right behind in second place. A sudden burst of excitement, clap of the hands and quick hug followed as the two Dukes dominated the Class 3A two-mile event.

“I had no idea he was behind me,” Sulkin said. “It was better when I turned around and saw him than when I won.”

It was fitting that Sulkin and Herbert grabbed a 1-2 finish in the 3,200. The two have been leading the Dukes’ distance crew since the cross country season in the fall — Sulkin as the face of the team and Herbert the unknown who burst onto the scene.

Neither was forgotten on Saturday, as the duo combined for 18 points in the event to lead the team to a state championship (the Dukes scored 56). Sulkin contributed an additional six points after taking third in the 1,600.

“From the beginning of the season I’ve watched Steve practice and I’m like, ‘OK, I should just shoot for second because this kid’s going to win it,’” Herbert said. “That just motivates me because if I can stay with him on a work out I’ll say, ‘That’s good enough. I’ll follow this kid and he’ll lead me to victory.’
“That was just always the goal for me is for me and him to be 1-2. That’s huge for our team and I’m so happy. That’s the biggest thing — I want that (state championship) trophy.”

Sulkin also was concerned about the team title. However, he did have some extra motivation to win the two-mile race. In the fall, Sulkin missed out on the individual cross country title by one second, with Herbert right behind in third. The Dukes were edged by one point for the team title.

“I’ve been working so hard for this,” Sulkin said. “Just missing cross by a second and I’ve been thinking about that ever since. I’m happy I got another chance right now.”

Sulkin took control of the race during the third lap and never relinquished the lead. Herbert was further back in the pack, but made his move with a lap to go and ended up with a five-second cushion on the third-place finisher.

“I’ve been telling (Sulkin) all day that this is the most nervous I’ve ever been before a race,” Herbert said. “I’ve run in the all the Nike races and this was the most nerve-racking. He believed in me so I don’t think it was a surprise to him, but it was more of a surprise to me.”

Even fellow teammates talked about the impressive 1-2 finish.

“That was awesome by the way,” York sprinter John Fox said. “Steve Sulkin and Jordan Herbert are men.”