The Davis Darts ran their way into the record books as they dominated the girls 4x800 at the armory Saturday night. Their time of 8:56.57 is a Utah All-Time record, and the third fastest time in US history.
The key to Davis’ title comes down to the fact that they didn’t have a weak leg on the team. Each of the girls on the team are great runners, as they all split under 2:18. The key to doing it in US #3 time is an anchor leg splitting 2:08 after impressive performances on legs 1-3. Ellie Child Led the relay off with a 2:14 split followed by Joanna Boyd splitting a 2:17, and then Taylor Cox Splitting 2:15. In her post race interview Taylor said that her split was a PR. Her effort (along with the previous two legs) set the race up perfectly, handing the baton to Shea Martinez right along side a strong team from Warwick, NY. Shea is ranked #2 in the 800m and giving her the baton so close to Warwick was all they needed. She split 2:08 as Warwick faded to 3rd and Davis won by over 5 seconds.
The title is the 2nd title that has been brought back to Utah by the Darts in as many years, as Brad Nye won the 1600m last year. Coach Talley is doing something right and the meet isn’t even over yet? Could there be more hardware for Davis this weekend?
Preston Johnston won his heat of the 5k in a very impressive time of 15:07. His time was good enough for 7th overall on the night and is one of the fastest times ever run by a Utah athlete indoors. He bounced back in the emerging boys 1600 to finish 8th with a 4:21 which capped a great weekend for him.
The Davis Boys put together a great 4xMile that finished 11th. Their relay was made up of Brayden Cromar, Alex Hedquist, Skylar Williams, and Jackson Sagers.
Tomorrow Shea Martinez will attempt to bring home double gold as she competes in the girls 800m run, which she is ranked 2nd in. She must be flying high from her National Title, look for her to use the adrenaline to post another season best.
Watch post race interview of girls 4x800 winning team here