It’s no secret that the Herriman track and field team is one of the strongest squads in the state. Twin brothers Jonah and Micah Tang are big reasons why. 

The Mustangs were fourth in the Class 6A state meet last season, a year after finishing second in 2023. There’s little reason to think Herriman won’t be in the mix again this season, especially with stellar performers like Jonah and Micah. 

Despite not starting their competitive running careers until they were freshmen, the two senior distance runners have quickly established themselves as forces on the track. Both Jonah and Micah compete in the 800-meter, 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter races. 

“The Tang twins are quite a story,” head coach Doug Soles said. “They have worked hard and have turned themselves into two of the best guys in the state and beyond. I would add that they are two of the most consistent athletes that I have ever coached. They show up every day, work hard, have fun and do their best to improve. It is hard to find one athlete like that, let alone two identical ones. It has been amazing to watch them grow over the past four years.”

The identical twins have similar looks and features—and talent. Soles said he “can’t tell them apart most of the time.” On the track, both runners are driven to do their best and see just how well they can do. 

“I like to see how fast I can run and test my limits,” Jonah said. “I want to see how fast I can get.”

Micah said he logs quite a distance and amount of time on the track but believes the efforts are well worth it. 

“I love that every time I step on the track I get to test my limits,” he said. “I run thousands of miles every year and I get to see all of it pay off when I compete.”

Both brothers love the sport not only for the chance to see how far they can take their skills and abilities and for how much they can improve but also for the friendships they have built with their teammates. The Mustangs are a close-knit team, and the Tang brothers love being around the other competitors, on and off the track and the field. 

“I like hanging out with my teammates at practice and track meets,” Jonah said. “I like to be around people who like to run, too.”

Soles and his staff are dedicated to helping the runners learn to love the sport and to get better each day. The Tang twins appreciate this support as well as the instruction they receive. Both brothers are grateful to be a part of a thriving program that sets its sights high every season. 

“We have knowledgeable and hard-working coaches,” Jonah said. “I have become close with my teammates.”

“The best thing about the Herriman team is that we all have the same goal: to be the best student-athletes possible. We also have very supportive coaches that help us reach this goal.”

Class 6A features some excellent teams and talented runners. Every meet, the Tang brothers and their Mustang teammates face formidable competition. To be successful at this level, the brothers know they have to be focused and aim for their best times each time they step onto the track. Jonah said his biggest strength is being consistent. 

“I'd say one of my best qualities as a runner is consistency,” he said. “I can compete well at every race I do.”

Micah echoes his brothers words when speaking about his own abilities and what he brings to the Herriman team. 

“My biggest strength is consistency,” he said. “I am very consistent in both my training and my racing.”

The ability to turn out fast times in each meet has helped these two runners become standout performers and lead the Mustangs to the top echelon of 6A track. But neither runner is complacent. Both Jonah and Micah know there are things to improve and continued hard work ahead if they want to achieve their goals. 

“I want to work on my kick at the end of the race,” Jonah said. “Many races are decided at the end when everyone is sprinting toward the finish line.”

Micah wants to have a positive attitude and a can-do mindset. 

“I need to be more confident,” he said. “I need to truly believe that I can compete with the best of the best.”

Jonah is setting out to be among the top five finishers in at least three of the four events that he will run at the state meet this coming May. He’s part of some relay groups that he hopes will set some records at state. The Mustangs are looking strong in the 4x800 and 4x1,600, and Jonah is confident that he and his teammates can achieve the top spot at the state meet. 

Micah wants to rack up lots of points at state for his team and contribute to a record-setting performance in the 4x800 relay. 

“Before the season ends, I hope to podium and score in all four distance events at the state meet in May,” he said. “As a team, I really want to break the 4x800 national record.”

Jonah said being committed to training and practicing is crucial. Of the three distance events he runs, he said “the 800 is the most challenging for me,” so he is working tirelessly to drop his times in that race. Micah said track can be demanding, so taking care of yourself is vital. 

“I wouldn't say any one thing is challenging about track, but it is the combination of doing every little thing that is challenging,” Micah said. “It is really important to sleep well, eat good and hydrate along with training hard.”

Once the season ends, big things await the brothers. 

Jonah has signed to run cross country and track at Utah State University in 2027. Micah will serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Once he returns home, Micah plans to join his brother at Utah State on the cross country and track teams. 

The brothers have loved the experience of competing together for Herriman and look forward to more enjoyment and success on the track. They’re also competitive against one another and push each other to be at their best.

“It is very fun to compete with my twin brother,” Micah said. “I have to make sure that I am doing everything to be in the best possible shape so that I don't get beat by him.”

Jonah said Micah motivates him to be an even better runner. 

“It is awesome to have a twin brother to train and race with; I am never running alone,” Jonah said. “Seeing him run well gives me a lot of confidence that I can do the same. He holds me accountable and pushes me to achieve my goals.” λ