Davis Girls after School Record 4x800 at Boise State Jacksons Invite - Photo Courtesy of Corbin Talley
With some athletes getting their outdoor track debut this weekend some are still finishing their indoor season. The New Balance Indoor Nationals gets kicked off this Wednesday. Last year Brad Nye brought glory back to Utah and to Davis High School with his win in the boys 1 mile run. This year Davis High will be sending 9 athletes to compete. The question is, can the darts bring a title back to Utah for the second consecutive year?
The Girls 4x800 is one of the Darts strongest events, as this year they set their all time school record, and the #2 Utah all time with the 9:14 they ran at Boise State in January. That effort was a solo effort, and as for right now ranks #8 in the US. They have the talent on the team, as well as an unbeatable anchor leg in Shea Martinez, that they should be able to do great things at the meet this weekend. Look for them to be in contention, as well as possibly again break their own school record. Their relay looks to be made up of Ellie Child, Taylor Cox, Joanna Boyd, and Shea Martinez
In the girls 800m, Shea Martinez will be looking for individual glory as she challenges for a National Title. She is currently ranked #2 in the US, and has yet to run in an 800m where she wasn’t alone in the end. Shea's Coach Corbin Talley is a great coach and will have her prepared to do what she needs to when they round the final turn this weekend.
Joining Shea in the 800m Run will be Taylor Cox. She has run 2:15 this year and will be looking to shave even more off that time. Coach Talley will definitely prepare Taylor perform above anybody’s expectations.
Ellie Child will be doubling back from her 4x800 to compete in the 1600m. Her season best is 5:07, but in a big meet like the National Championships, if she can keep focused and forget any pressure she should be able to better that season best.
In the Boys 4x800, Davis has put together a team that broke the boys school record, and ran a Utah all-time #5. Their time of 8:01.38 is a great time, but it will also give the darts the advantage of not having a target on their back. Not all eyes will be on Davis so they can use their depth and talent to shock and surprise and see how high they can finish. Their relay looks to be made up of Brayden Cromar, Alex Hedquist, Skylar Williams, Jackson Sagers, and Preston Johnson as the alternate.
If Preston truly is the alternate for the 4x800, he wont feel too left out, as he will be the only Dart running in 2 individual events. When he signed with Weber State he told us that he looks forward to moving up in distance on the track. (See the interview here) He will get his chance early as he will be competing in the 5k, an event that is rarely run indoor at the high school level. He will also double back in the “emerging elites” 1 mile run.
Jackson Sagers will be running the 800m along with the 4x800. Jackson ran a PR in the 800m at the UHSTCA Championships in February. His time of 1:55.16 ranks him 31st in the US this year. He is also a great anchor leg for the 4x800.
Brayden Cromar will be competing in the 2 mile along with his 4x800m run. His PR in the 3200 is 9:08 and that is fast enough to put him in the front pack.
Alex Hedquist and Skylar Williams will both be joining Preston Johnson in the “Emerging Elites” 1 mile run. Skylar has a PR of 4:19 and Alex’s PR is 4:20. They use each other and their comparable speed to improve in practice, look for them to work together in the race to fight for the win.
Results of the meet will be posted as they become available.
Also, don't forget to vote for Utah track athletes in the Governers State of Sport Awards. Make sure you support your teammates and competitors