Darts -
State Championships - We wrapped up the season this past weekend with some outstanding performances at the state championships. I really felt that state captured the hard work, heart, and unity of our TEAM. It will go down in Davis Track & Field history as one of the greatest, most memorable meets ever. Thank you to all the athletes who were competing, all their teammates who showed up to support, all the parents and families who came to cheer us on, and the amazing coaching staff who has put in so many unselfish hours!
The boys finished the season as state champions - scoring 126 points (35 points more than 2nd place). It is our 8th title in the past 10 years and the 18th in school history (which the most of any school in state history - the 2nd most is 13). I would put this boys team up against any team in Utah's history.
It was a well-balanced attack. We had boys qualified in every single event, and we scored points in 13 out of 17 events. Friday morning started strong for us as Logan MacKay finished 2nd in the deepest mile field in state history with a PR of 4:10 (Davis #3 All-Time). Colter Blanchard also scored finishing 8th with 4:18. At the same time, the boys high jump was going on. Hunter Simonsen capped off a great season with a 6'08 jump - good enough to tie for 2nd with teammate Nate Allred. Nate's jump was his best of the season and concluded a tremendous comeback. These 2 seniors have had an enormous impact on our TEAM for 3 years. They are graduating as #2 and #3 on our all-time list - and most importantly have been great teammates and examples. The boys pole vault was also Friday morning - Matt Calvin finished his unbelievable career with a second straight state title. Matt graduates with the #3 all-time mark for Davis and the #9 mark in Utah History. He is the best pole vaulter in Utah in the past 12 years. Our last final on Friday was the discus. Eli Beard was our only qualifier, but he got the job done with a 2nd place finish - showing poise and toughness in a close battle. It was windy throughout the other trials on the track on Friday, but we stayed focus and performed where we needed to, qualifying what we needed through to finals.
We kept things rolling on Saturday. We had 4 boys in the 3200 (3 juniors) who fought hard in the rain and all ran tough in a strong field. We really racked up some points in the 110 hurdles where Jaron Erickson got his first title of his awesome hurdling career with a near PR of 14.50 (into a slight headwind). Hunter Simonsen finished 4th in 14.99 (very close to 2nd), and Taylor Southwick picked up a 7th place finish. In the meantime, our long jumpers were dominating--we qualified 4 of the 9 finalists and it was really fun to watch them feed off of each other's energy and the energy of their teammates in the crowd. Hunter pulled off a PR jump in the finals with 22'05 (Davis #7) - leading our jumpers with a 3rd place finish. Xakai Harry was the only sophomore in the finals and jumped 21'09 for 5th. Matt Calvin had a great jump at 21'04 for 6th - making the podium in his 2nd event. And Jonny Thornton called on the power of the eagle with his 8th place finish in 21'01. We have never had 4 guys jump over 21 feet in the state meet. Back on the track, Jake Moffett ran strong in the 100m dash finals for 5th place and then came back in the 400m with another 5th place finish in 49.99. His trials 400m (49.40) is Jake's PR and Davis #7 mark. Our next event on the track was the 300 hurdles with both Jaron and Taylor in the finals. Jaron had run 38.68 (PR) in the trials. He ran a great finals race, and was in 2nd until the final hurdle where the leader hit the hurdle and fell. Jaron kept his composure and finished hard for the title - but more impressive than the 1st place finish was the way he approached Tyler (the hurdler who had fell) - Tyler was obviously sad about falling and getting up to finish 8th. Jaron put his arm around him and gave him the finishing tape in a great gesture of sportsmanship and friendship - truly worthy of a champion. Taylor Southwick raced out of his mind in finals - he put everything into the race, ran a HUGE PR of 39.40 and finished 4th. We kept the momentum going in the 800, where Logan MacKay became our 2nd back-to-back champion of the day. He ran a solid, smart race to finish in 1:52, knowing he had to come back in the medley for his TEAM. Had we let loose and gone for it, no doubt Logan would have had his second sub 1:50 effort of the season. His 1:49.77 from the region meet is one of the greatest races in Utah history in any event. Senior teammate (and bf), Colter Blanchard came in strong with a PR of 1:55.55 for 5th place. The two of them (just like Hunter and Nate) have done so much for our distance program - from state championships to national championships. And again, have been even better leaders and teammates. Logan came back in the medley relay to anchor our medley team to a 2nd straight state championship as well. Riley, McGyver, and Sawyer brought us through strong in a great sprint field of the medley. Logan got the baton in 6th, and rolled through the crowd, taking the lead around the final turn, pulling away for the victory with a 1:51 split - only 20 minutes after the open 800. Our final 2 field events were the shot put and the javelin. Eli Beard was one of only 2 underclassmen to make the finals, and he finished 9th with a 46'02 (great things to come next year). Xakai Harry was our only qualifier in the javelin, and in only his 3rd time throwing the javelin, he finished with a toss of 166'09 and a 2nd place, and he is still just a sophomore. Our final track event of the day was the 4 x 400. We had a great shot at winning and even setting a school record (3:20), but got the baton knocked out of our hand during Jaron's leg. I was so impressed with how much Jaron gave to go backward, pick the baton up off of the track, and keep it going for his teammates. Logan and Jake then closed the gap on the field quite a bit, and even came back for a point (8th). Although it wasn't the relay finish we were hoping for, it was still a testament to our never-quit attitude, our teamwork, and our toughness.
We finish the season undefeated with a back to back state championship - but even more impressive is the way our TEAM has come together, grown so much, and shown so much heart. This is everything a coach could ask for. We have the most incredible group of seniors - and it is going to be a near impossible challenge for our juniors and sophomores to replace them. They will be missed so much, but they have left a great mark on our program and they will forever be legends!
Speaking of HEART, our girls put so much effort into this state championship - at the end of it all, we were only 1.5 points short of pulling off the upset (88.5 for Herriman, 87 for Davis). There were so many close things that could have changed the outcome (not just with our girls), but what I will remember most is how hard we fought in every event. There was not a single effort that wasn't there - and every girl on the track and the field was doing everything they could do for their teammates. I have already been asked multiple times how painful the close 2nd place finish was - the answer: not painful at all. I am completely proud of our girls who have given so much all season long. They are tough, determined, unified, and perfect examples on and off the track. They will continue to fight hard as track athletes and as people in whatever challenges the future will bring. The 2nd place finish continues our streak of bringing home a state trophy. We have finished 1st or 2nd for 13 straight years (6 gold, 7 silver). The Davis girls have the most state titles of any 5A team.
Friday started strong for us in the girls 1600. Ally Geisler came from 6th to 2nd in the final lap of the race, running a great PR of 5:03 and really coming through for us after some major ups and downs over the past year. Courtney Wayment ran very strong for 3rd place. I know most of you are aware of Courtney's challenges with virus this season. She was out for nearly 4 weeks in March-April, and we weren't sure we would even get her back for state. Through pure toughness (and a lot of rest), she was able to put together an incredible state meet that started with the 1600. Jenna and Miah also had season bests, and we were looking strong. In the girls pole vault, Ashley Sullenger pulled off some great jumps and cleared 10'00 for a solid 5th place finish. She has been one of the hardest working girls we have ever had on our track team, and it was awesome to see that hard work pay off at state with her podium finish. Ashley is our #3 all-time pole vaulter. We didn't score any other points on the first day, but qualified where we needed to on the track - including all 3 relays - to put us in a position to make a run at the title on Saturday. We also had a big PR from Katelyn Hoskins in the javelin (109'08), which put her in 9th place and qualified her for finals.
Courtney started us off strong in the rain on Saturday once again. She ran a smart, patient race, made the right moves, and finished in 3rd with a season best 10:53. Senior teammate Sam Hedquist ended her great career with a PR of 11:24 at state. Megan Rowe ran a near PR (15.65) and finished 6th in the 100 hurdles. She had to race twice in the trials to get there because of a timing error - but stayed mentally tough and picked up some big points for us in the finals. Our girls 4 x 100 ran their best races of the season to pull through for 3rd place. The team consisted of 3 seniors - BriAnna Gipson, Melanie Sullivan, and Brittney Rounkles, and 1 sophomore - Corina Price. Their 49.23 in the trials was our best 4 x 100 since 2013. Melanie and Brittney came right back in the 400m dash to finish 4th and 9th. They both ran huge PRs in the trials - Melanie's 56.09 shattered her own school record and ranks around 20th in Utah state history. Brittney had a 2 second PR with 57.29 in the trials which is our #3 all-time mark behind Melanie and Shea Martinez. We also got some very valuable points in the 300 hurdles with Ruby Jane finishing 3rd and Megan Rowe finishing 5th. The two of them have been so strong for us the past 2-3 years, but especially this year - leading our hurdlers and working hard to improve and push each other. Ruby Jane now has our #2 All-Time mark, and Megan is graduating with our #6 all-time, and set her PR in her final 300h race at state. At about this point in the meet, it seemed that we might be too far back from Herriman. They had a great 2nd day going, and we weren't quite closing the gap like we needed to, despite some tremendous efforts. The girls 800 had to be something special - and it was. Last year, the 800 was a turning point that Herriman carried to their victory over us by 8 points. This year, the 800 was a turning point that put us back in it and gave us a fighting chance. We picked up a huge 17 points with Ally Geisler running 2:16 (only .10 off her PR) for 2nd, Courtney with a PR of 2:17 for 3rd, and Jenna with a PR of 2:18 for 6th. It was so fun to watch their intensity and their fight over the final 200m of that race. Just like Logan, Ally had to come right back and anchor the medley relay only 35 minutes later against some strong teams and some fresh 800 runners. Our sprinters nailed it - BriAnna Gipson, Gabi Uboldi, and Brittney Rounkles gave Ally the baton with a one second lead. Ally was challenged by the Bingham medley team, but turned on the after burners over the final 200m to pull away for the 5 second victory and Davis #2 All Time mark of 4:07.83. In her 3rd event of the day, Melanie grabbed us some big points in the 200m with a 7th place finish and a very strong race. It set us up with a chance going into the 4 x 400, but we were down by 8.5 points and needed a 1st place finish (10 points), against a very strong field. We also needed a little help from other teams as Herriman needed only a 7th place finish (out of 9 teams) to wrap up the title. Our girls were up to the challenge and did everything they could do. BriAnna jumped out to the lead. Ruby Jane ran 2nd and pulled slightly away. Megan was our 3rd runner and ran a great split, but Sky View closed the gap with a strong 3rd leg. It was Melanie with a 1 second lead against the state champ 400 runner from Sky View (Rawlinson). Rawlinson came by strong on the back stretch, but Melanie kept her cool and stayed on her around the turn, then over the final 100m of the race, Mel dug deep and fought so hard over the final stretch of the race to hold Rawlinson off and gain her team the victory. It was a monster effort from Melanie and all the girls. We got the win and had to run the school record (3:54) to do so. It was the 9th fastest time in state history, and one of the most inspiring races I have ever witnessed. Herriman gave all they could as well and picked up 6th place - enough to get them a 1.5 point win in the overall score. It was one for the books - and a very fun and exciting finish coming down to the 4 x 400. Even with the close 2nd place, we were all smiles and very proud of the solid efforts the girls gave throughout the long 2 day battle.
Just like with the boys, these girls are going to be remembered as legends of Davis track & field. They have left their mark, improved our program, and given so much. Our seniors are going to go on to do some great things - some of them in track & field - but all of them in life.
The team results are listed below, full results can be seen at www.runnercard.com, and pictures can be seen on the facebook pages of both Brad Anderson and Corbin Talley (you don't have to "friend" us to see the pics).
I am not editing the above (sorry for any errors). Here are the important items to wrap things up -
1. Uniform Turn-in - Monday (5/23) during class or after school in the bleachers. Tuesday (5/24) after school in the bleachers. After Tuesday, $40 fines will be entered. $10 will remain as late fees once you turn in your uniforms. You will not be able to get your yearbooks with those fines on your account.
2. TEAM BBQ - Thursday, May 26 at Barnes Park (volleyball pavilion) at 6:00pm. We will bring the hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. We are asking as many of you that can to bring dessert. Either make something at home or pick something up at the store. We will eat a ton, have some fun together, and give out some season awards.
3. Cross Country Meeting - for those of you interested in running cross country this summer and next fall, we will have a meeting in my classroom (2512) on Tuesday, May 31st at 3:05pm (to allow for 8th and 9th graders to attend). Parents do not need to come. Please help us with recruiting anyone who loves running and loves being on a TEAM with cool people. And for those who are wondering (I have had a lot of questions) - cross country camp is August 1-5.
4. Track Class/Practice - We will continue to have track class this week (Monday-Wednesday-Friday), but we will not have any after school practice. Those distance runners who are going to do cross country should begin a 2 week break at this point - unless otherwise instructed.
5. State Rings - I will send out more information on State Rings. All boys and any girl state champions (medley and 4 x 400 relays), are welcome to order a ring. Everyone was part of this championship, and you do NOT have to have competed at state. Of course, everyone will also have to pay for what they order. We have not designed anything yet, but I imagine the rings will cost between $180-$250 depending on what we choose (their will be multiple options).
Thanks for so much greatness this year. It has been one of the most memorable seasons and we have seen so many great things. The state meet was the perfect finish. I will forever appreciate your sacrifices and forever remember your character.
Much Love -
Coach Talley
State TEAM Scores -
Girls -
1. Herriman - 88.5
2. Davis - 87
3. Syracuse - 67
4. Lone Peak - 63
4. Bingham - 63
6. Mountain Crest - 34
7. Sky View - 32
8. American Fork - 28
9. West - 23
10. Lehi - 22
Boys -
1. Davis - 126.66
2. Herriman - 92
3. American Fork - 81
4. Lone Peak - 75
5. Syracuse - 64
6. Viewmont - 42
7. Riverton - 33.5
8. Bingham - 26
9. Layton - 22
10. Brighton - 18
Combined -
1. Davis - 213.66
2. Herriman - 180.5
3. Lone Peak - 138
4. Syracuse - 131
5. American Fork - 109
6. Bingham - 89
7. Viewmont - 59
8. Mountain Crest - 43
9. Riverton - 40.5
10. Sky View - 38
Girls Results:
200m
7. Melanie Sullivan - 25.57 in trials (PR; Davis #6)
12. Brittney Rounkles - 26.63
400m
4. Melanie Sullivan - 56.41 in finals/56.09 in trials (PR; SCHOOL RECORD)
9. Brittney Rounkles - 59.26 in finals/57.29 in trials (PR; Davis #3)
800m
2. Ally Geisler - 2:16.06 (SB)
3. Courtney Wayment - 2:17.04 (PR; Davis #9)
6. Jenna Connell - 2:18.69 (PR; Davis #6)
15. Miah Weaver - 2:24.02
1600m
2. Ally Geisler - 5:03.88 (PR, Davis #7)
3. Courtney Wayment - 5:05.69
10. Jenna Connell - 5:12.43 (PR)
12. Miah Weaver - 5:13.31 (SB)
3200m
3. Courtney Wayment - 10:53.58 (SB)
12. Sam Hedquist - 11:24.89 (PR)
18. Miah Weaver - 11:37.69 (SB)
20. Grace Neuenschwander - 11:56.04
100 Hurdles
6. Megan Rowe - 15.65
14. Ruby Jane Mathewson - 16.55
300 Hurdles
3. Ruby Jane Mathewson - 44.81
5. Megan Rowe - 45.12 (PR; Davis #6)
9. Becky Swanson - 46.60 in trials (PR; Davis #15; #1 Sophomore)
Long Jump
17. Emma Calder - 15'10.25
High Jump
12. Whitney Cox - 4'11
14. Korra Jensen - 4'11
15. Rylee Riggs - 4'09
18. Ashley Harris - 4'09
19. Kimberlin Cox - 4'07
Pole Vault
5. Ashley Sullenger - 10'00
9. Ashley Taylor - 9'00 (#6 Junior)
17. Ashley Harris - 8'06
19. Korra Jensen - 8'00
26 (tie) - Madi Lee, Julia Schraedel, Kristin Funk, Katie Fielden
Shot Put
16. Mary Page - 32'05.75 (#3 Sophomore)
18. Kathryn Wilde - 31'00.75
Discus
14. Mary Page - 98'05 (#1 Sophomore)
19. Emma Calder - 92'07
20. Kenzie Sagers - 91'08 (#8 Junior)
Javelin
9. Katelyn Hoskins - 109'08 (PR; #1 Returner)
4 x 100 - 3rd - BriAnna Gipson, Corina Price, Melanie Sullivan, Brittney Rounkles - 49.23 in trials; 49.54 in finals (Davis #8 All Time)
Medley - 1st - 4:07.83 in finals with BriAnna Gipson, Gabi Uboldi, Brittney Rounkles, Ally Geisler (Davis #2 All Time); 4:20.69 in trials with BriAnna, Gabi, Ally, and Jenna Connell.
4 x 400 - 1st - 3:54.62 in finals with BriAnna Gipson, Ruby Jane Mathewson, Megan Rowe, and Melanie Sullivan (School Record!) 4:02.05 in trials with BriAnna, Morgan Blackburn, Megan, and Ruby Jane.
Academic All-State (4.0 GPA)
Kristen Funk
Elly Ferguson
Emily Robison
Sam Hedquist
Alicia Stucki
Boys Results:
100m
5. Jake Moffett - 11.30
20. Alex Cottam - 11.95 (headwind; #2 Sophomore)
200m
13. Jake Moffett - 22.68
400m
5. Jake Moffett - 49.99 in finals/49.40 in trials (PR; Davis #7)
17. McGyver Clark - 51.66
800m
1. Logan MacKay - 1:52.29 (2 Time State Champ!)
5. Colter Blanchard - 1:55.55 (PR; Davis #7)
9. Bryce Ferguson - 1:57.93
? - Frasier Williamson - Results error
1600m
2. Logan MacKay - 4:10.65 (PR, Davis #3)
8. Colter Blanchard - 4:18.64
19. Bryce Ferguson - 4:25.60
21. Frasier Williamson - 4:26.85
23. Camren Todd - 4:28.81
25. Brigham Halverson - 4:29.34
3200m
14. Colton Rimann - 9:35.91
16. Frasier Williamson - 9:40.21
18. Josh Peters - 9:42.57
22. Camren Todd - 9:49.85
110 Hurdles
1. Jaron Erickson - 14.50
4. Hunter Simonsen - 14.99
7. Taylor Southwick - 15.48
13. Caleb Kamalu - 16.45 (#2 Sophomore; #5 Returner)
300 Hurdles
1. Jaron Erickson - 39.07 in finals/38.68 in trials (PR; Davis #9)
4. Taylor Southwick - 39.54 (PR; Davis #23)
11. Caleb Kamalu - 41.42 (#1 Sophomore)
12. Kelton Johnson - 41.85 (#4 Junior)
21. Andrew Simonsen - 43.78 (Fall; #2 Sophomore)
Long Jump
3. Hunter Simonsen - 22'05 (PR; Davis #8)
5. Xakai Harry - 21'09 (#1 Sophomore)
6. Matt Calvin - 21'04.25
8. Jonathan Thornton - 21'01.25 (SB; #4 Junior)
22. Alex Cottam - 18'10.50 (#3 Sophomore)
High Jump
2. Hunter Simonsen - 6'08
2. Nate Allred - 6'08 (PR, Davis #3)
11. Jonathan Thornton - 6'00 (#6 Junior)
12. Xakai Harry - 6'00 (#1 Sophomore)
15. Logan Baird - 6'00
Pole Vault
1. Matt Calvin - 15'03 (2 time state champ!)
10. Austin Hansel - 12'06
11. Taylor Southwick - 12'06
12. Cache Arbon - 12'06 (#4 junior)
18. Alex Cottam - 11'06 (#3 sophomore)
18. Jaxon Potter - 11'06
Shot Put
9. Eli Beard - 46'02.25 (#2 Returner)
Discus
2. Eli Beard - 152'06
Javelin
2. Xakai Harry - 166'09 (#1 Sophomore)
4 x 100 - 11th - 44.09, Landon Baird, Alex Cottam, Matt Beecher, Riley Stringham
Medley - 1st - 3:30.99 in finals with Riley Stringham, McGyver Clark, Sawyer Anderl, Logan MacKay; 3:35.78 in trials with Riley, Matt Beecher, Sawyer, and Colter Blanchard.
4 x 400 - 8th - 3:28.73 in finals with McGyver Clark, Jaron Erickson, Logan MacKay, and Jake Moffett (dropped baton but came back strong as possible); 3:23.49 in trials with McGyver, Riley Stringham, Kelton Johnson, and Jaron (SB; Davis #13)
Academic All-State (4.0 GPA)
Britton Porter
Drew Sumsion
PR = Personal Record
SB = Season Best
