RIO GRANDE VALLEY – Track & field is a fairly individual sport which often pits teammates against each other. When a team is tight, like The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's (UTRGV) men's and women's squads, that doesn't create animosity – it fosters an uber-competitive, yet endlessly supportive, environment which makes every individual better. 
 
Perhaps the best example of that is the duo of Corin Burns and Richard Young. Burns, a junior called "CB" by his team, and Young, a freshman better known as Ricky, are both short sprinters at UTRGV. They are extremely talented individuals, but most importantly, they are selfless and uplifting training partners. 
 
After a season of battling in the 100- and 200-meter dash, the rookie and the vet are both heading to the 2025 NCAA West First Round. Once again, they'll be competing against each other in the men's 200-meter dash running Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. in College Station. They're going in with the same qualifying time of 20.79 – a shared program and personal best. 
 
"I'm excited it worked out with them coming in with the exact same time. I know no matter what they're going to shake hands and get back to work at the end of the day. Their future is very bright together," head coach Shareese Hicks said. "They cheer for each other and they want to beat each other. It's the perfect combination, that push and pull that you need to have an ideal training partner. CB has definitely taken Lil' Rick under his wing in a big way because he understands the better this kid is, the better I'm going to be. And Ricky has been extremely coachable." 
 
The friendly competition between the duo started during the indoor season and can be perfectly summed up by the events of Feb. 14 at Texas Tech's Jarvis Scott Invite. Two weeks prior, Burns set two indoor program records at only his second meet competing for UTRGV. One of those records was in the 60-meter dash as he ran 6.71. 
 
"All year I was running 6.7, and then at the second Tech meet, I saw Rick get in his heat and run 6.6. I was like, 'Oh this guy just took the school record from me.' He had a great race so I had to give it to him," Burns recalled. 
 
Young ran 6.69 in the second of three heats of the 60 semifinals. In the third heat, Burns ran 6.68, regaining his top spot in the record books. 
 
"It lowkey hurt my feelings a little bit," Young reminisced as they shared a laugh. 
 
Burns has gotten the better of Young for the most part this first year training together, but that wasn't unexpected or unwelcomed. In fact, getting beat by Burns has been motivating for the youngster. 
 
"He pushes me a lot," Young said. "Coming from high school, I've always kind of been the faster guy, so training with someone who's older and faster than me is like, dang, now I got to really put pedal to the metal. And even when I do that, I still get beat by him, so training with him keeps me focused on being able to run at the best of my abilities." 
 
Burns appreciates having Young right on his heels. Hicks had the two rooming together during meets all year, and they'll be roommates again for the week of NCAA West. Burns welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge with his young teammate, who prevents him from resting on his laurels. 
 
"Rick always asks questions, or at practice he'll say, 'I saw you do this. How does it help with getting faster?' He keeps me on my toes, and that's one thing I like about training with him," Burns said. "Iron sharpens iron is what I say. We go head-to-head in everything we do and that's how we get better. I can't get too complacent because he's right there always pushing me." 
 
Young has won some reps here and there, and Burns jokes it's only when the elder athlete is working on something specific and therefore not really trying to go fast. But the junior did credit the freshman for his "dog mentality," which is something Young says Burns has helped him develop this year. 
 
"At the beginning of the season I wasn't running the best because I was so in my head. Being able to talk to CB about everything really boosted my confidence a whole lot. He's been a lot of help for me," Young said. 
 
The connection between the speedsters is anchored by the similarity in their values and personalities, Hicks said. They're both respectful, humble young men who like to work hard. Their differences are in their strengths on the track. Where Burns is seasoned with his mechanics and able to correct mistakes during a race because of his body awareness, Young is raw and learning to harness his natural speed and strength. Young is good with his starts and has outstanding speed endurance, while Hicks believes Burns' best quality is his acceleration. 
 
They're heading to NCAA West after having opposite experiences at the Southland Conference (SLC) Outdoor Championships one week ago. Young ran well but finished one spot out of advancing to finals in both the 100 and 200. Burns took silver in the 100, bronze in the 200, and added a second bronze medal with the 4x400-meter relay. 
 
Hicks said their conference performances show the difference in where they are in their respective careers. Burns, as a veteran, knows how to handle championship environments and was able to attack the meet with experience and execution. Young is continuing to learn how to focus on his race and not be affected by those running beside him. 
 
The freshman is leaning on lessons and advice from Burns to be better prepared for the big stage of NCAA West. This is Burns' second trip to the regional meet after advancing as a freshman himself in 2023. 
 
"He's told me that it's a lot more competitive than any other meet we've been to, so I have to be ready. He can give me pointers on what to do and give me tips going into the race," Young said. "Us being in the same event, I'm definitely ready to race him and beat him in a meet. I'm excited for us to race against each other full throttle." 
 
Burns is heading to College Station with a clear goal: finish in the top 12 and advance to NCAA Championships. He's excited to take on the big stage with his training partner and six other teammates and knows the Vaqueros will give their best in every event. 
 
"A lot of work went into this, a lot of treacherous practices this year. I'm glad to have been able to work with so many hard-working people and we've really pushed each other," Burns said. "Every dog has its day, so you have to go out there and compete and try to show everyone what you're capable of." 

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