Christopher Goode, a Cal State Fullerton-bound senior at West Ranch High and the California prep leader at 400 meters after running 46.75 seconds May 21 at the Southern Section Masters meet at Moorpark High, joins DyeStat editor Erik Boal to discuss competing May 27-28 at the California state championship meet at Veterans Memorial Stadium at Buchanan High in Clovis. Goode shares his anticipation for a showdown against junior Dijon Stanley of Granada Hills, who produced a 46.94 performance May 19 at the L.A. City Section finals at Birmingham High. He revisits racing Feb. 26 on the anchor of a 4x100-meter relay against Stanley at the Trevor Habberstad Invitational at Canyon High, but explains how much he has been looking forward to a 400 matchup after both athletes have competed in the event March 12 at the Redondo Nike Track Festival and again April 9 at the Arcadia Invitational, although not in head-to-head opportunities. Goode analyzes how much his progress in the 200 meters has contributed to his improvement in the 400. He also speaks about the confidence gained from consecutive sub-47 performances at the Southern Section finals and Masters meet at Moorpark High, and how proud he has been to maintain his technique and form in the final 100 meters of both races. Goode shares his respect for former West Ranch standout Solomon Strader, the Wildcats' record holder in the 400 at 46.59 achieved at the 2019 Brooks PR Invitational in Washington, along with analyzing his potential to become the first state champion in program history. He also speaks about how significant it is to have teammates Billie Issa and Lexi Fernandez competing in the boys and girls 3,200 meters state finals May 28 and how meaningful it is to have the opportunity to represent West Ranch in such an elite setting in Clovis. Goode reviews the balance he was able to achieve with completing his academic requirements in order to graduate, along with focusing on peaking during his postseason races. He also expresses gratitude for the support of family and coaches throughout his career, and his motivation for being able to contribute next year to Cal State Fullerton and help elevate the Titans' success.