The 4x400m relay is the last race of every high school track meet. When scores are tight, it is the opportunity to clinch a championship.
Fans and supporters also know it is the last event and tend to not hold back when cheering the anchor leg home.
At the District 6-3A meet on April 18, the Saints girls and boys had already picked up plenty of points to win the meet, victory was not in doubt, and drama associated with the 4x400m relay was unexpected.
Enter Darius Davis.
Earlier in the day, Davis had won the 200- and 400-meter races. He did not have to run for the Saints to win the meet; he did not have to run the anchor leg for the relay when he was handed the baton trailing the Baker runner by 70 yards (or was it 100?). He did not have to bring it home for the win.
But folks in West Feliciana know that Davis is all about legendary performances that bring the fans to their feet. When Davis entered the first curve at the handoff, the Baker runner was exiting the first curve. The acceleration out of the curve through the straightaway put Davis closer.
When they hit the straightaway, Davis was a step behind the Baker runner. At the finish line, Davis was 5 yards ahead, sending a captivated and raucous crowd home with plenty to celebrate.
The action before the 4x400m had equally impressive performances. Both the girls and boys won district championships. The Lady Saints had multiple two-event winners. Kennedy London won the 100m (12.1) and the 100m hurdles (15.37). Kelly Goff continued her dominance in the distances with wins in the 1,600m (5:38.17), and 3200m (12:24.73).
Single-event winners for the girls were Mathilde Fox Smith in the 800m (2:31.90), Destiny Mitchell in the high jump (5-00), Destinee Morris in the triple jump (34-05.75) and Tynesha Williams in the discus.
In addition to the 4x400m relay and Darius Davis’ wins in the 200m and 400m, the Saints boys also won the 4x200m relay (1:27.32); Kam Jackson won the 100m (10.76); and Aiden Holland won the pole vault (13-00).
Jakob Fudge continued his dominance of throwing events and added to his track legacy at West Feliciana with personal and team records to win the shot put (55-08) and discus (165-06). The Region III-3A meet was held at West Feliciana on April 25, with the top three finishers heading to the Louisiana High School Athletic State Outdoor Meet on May 5.
The district championship winning performance was to coach Preston King’s liking.
“Everything is going good so far this season. No injuries. Trying to stay focused," King said. "Hopefully, we can come out (in the regional meet) and do what we are supposed to do and not worry about everybody else.”
King was especially excited to have Jackson going into the regional this year after an injury shortened his season last year.
“Kam has run 10.5 this year, and it’s great to have him back in the mix," he said.