By Natalie Miller '23
Less than a year after trying shot put for the first time, Cyrus Rakin ‘29, found himself on the way to CIF-SS Masters with his Unified throwing partner, Logan Anderson ‘29.
The Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) and CIF Southern Section’s mission is to allow high school athletes with and without disabilities the opportunity to compete together in their high school’s CIF-sanctioned activities on a Unified Sports team.
SMCHS head track and field coach Mike Powers had always wanted to start a Unified Sports team. “I love that Unified gives everyone the chance to compete and win,” said Powers.
As SM’s first Unified track and field team, Rakin and Anderson impressively advanced through League Finals, CIF-SS Prelims, CIF-SS Finals and ultimately the CIF-SS Masters Meet.
What was his secret to making it so far? Rakin simply explained, “I just tried to throw really hard,” while demonstrating his form. “And when I found out I was going to Masters, my family and I were really excited.”
Powers believes that the partnership between Rakin and Anderson is a testament to track and field as a whole. “With track being a non-cut sport, we have kids at all levels on the same team,” he said. “The best part about that is we get to have a bunch of different stories and personalities all together.”
A Trinity League champion as a member of the freshman-sophomore 4x100-meter relay team, Anderson didn’t hesitate when his coaches asked if he wanted to be Rakin’s partner for Unified track. Soon after meeting, Rakin and Anderson became one another's biggest supporters.
“I’m not the most social guy, but I’m learning to be, so it's really nice to have someone by my side,” said Rakin when talking about his teammate.
Anderson added, “He was so supportive and encouraging of me at every meet too. It was awesome seeing him improve each time.”
Throws coach Christian Yvens recognizes the importance of Unified Sports in bringing students together and creating not only meaningful partnerships on the track, but lasting friendships.
“Logan was so supportive throughout the season and excited to be here,” Yvens added. “They are both such kind people, which made it really cool to see the two come together to support one another.”
Late in the season, Rakin discussed his goals for the last few meets with coach Yvens. Rakin set his sights on qualifying for the Unified CIF State Championships and didn't look back. Needing a third place finish at Masters to qualify for the state meet, Rakin placed fourth, but his mindset hasn’t changed.
“I’m most proud of him for coming up with that goal and going for it,” said Yvens. “We were only one team away, so now that we've seen how far he can go, the goal is to improve his marks and go from there.”
“He has become so much more comfortable competing,” said Anderson. “Our goal is to keep improving, have fun, and hopefully make it back to Masters again and maybe even go to state.”
Although the season concluded at the Masters Meet, the friendships, confidence and momentum built throughout the year have laid the foundation for the future of Santa Margarita’s Unified program.
“I didn't win, but I sure did have fun trying," added Rakin. “2026-27 will be my first full year throwing shot put, and I’m excited to keep going.”
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