Brotherhood goes beyond what happens on the track. It’s the competition between wants and needs, the encouragement, and the ability to push each other further. For the McNiven brothers, it’s in their blood.

Liam McNiven, an HSE junior and Varsity track athlete who runs the 800 meters, 4×800, and occasionally the 1600 or 400 meters, has developed a strong bond with his younger brother who has also taken up the sport. Drew McNiven, a HSE freshman and fellow Varsity track athlete runs the 800 meters, 4×800, and 400. Their competition is driven past what happens just on the track, but in the brotherhood between them.

“I think we make a pretty good team, and when we want to get something done together, we have a lot of fun” Liam reports. Although he and his brother appear to work together flawlessly the sibling rivalry is still lingering. “We troll each other a lot, too, but we make it work.”

Beyond the track, the boys’ strong brotherhood ventures into their personal life, too, as the brothers often compete against each other when not performing at meets. “I mean, we get a little competitive. Sometimes we get heated at each other in practice.” Drew, the younger brother, adds.

But that sibling bickering never travels far, as the boys don’t feel as their competition has become a heated rivalry. They work to keep the competitive nature separate from their brotherhood and focus on fueling and pushing each other to their fullest potential.

“I think the foundation of our relationship is built on supporting each other. We get competitive on the track but keep it cool.” Liam states.

Speaking on their brotherhood while on the track Liam reports that they both enjoy the sort of spotlight that they are given.

“It’s fun because there’s no one else that can do it like us. I mean, that’s gang.”