Demopolis track squad wins 18 medals at Birmingham meet

If Demopolis’ World Wide Track Club’s inaugural event is any indication, the team is in store for much success.

The 19- member, first-year squad comprised of area youth garnered 18 medals at last weekend’s meet at Birmingham Southern College, even exceeding – by his own admission – the expectations of head coach Royce McKinney.

“I was very pleased,” said McKinney, who has been in Demopolis two years and has coaching experience in Atlanta and Ozark. “We’ve got some good kids and they are developing well. I am very pleased with the participation and the kids’ work ethic. And Demopolis has the best parental support system of anywhere I’ve been.”

Medalists from this past weekend in various age groups include:

Gold:

Datrion Fultz – 800 meter run

Shy’shawna Smith – 100 meter dash

Girls 4×100 relay

Boys 4×100 relay

Silver:

Demetrius Davis – 100 meter dash

Ny’Kesia Grayer – 200 meter dash

Samantha Williams – shot put

Bronze:

Alexzundria Abrams – 100 meter dash

Antonio Besteder – 100 meter dash and 200 meter dash

Ny’Kesia Grayer – 100 meter dash

Madison Phillips – 800 meter run

Other team members are Alexander Besteder, Audrey Boykin, Darnesha Harris, Ashleigh Ivory, Anthony Jackson, Khaliyah James, Benjamin Ogden, Yasmeia Rainey, Brett Schroeder and Savannah Williams.

McKinney said last weekend’s success is just a taste of things to come. “Our goal is to get to the national championships in Texas in July. We want to bring back some national championship medals. There is a lot of talent in Demopolis – it just needs to be developed.”

McKinney is assisted by Rodney Rowser, Ronnie Abrams, Ernest Taylor and Deborah Boykin.

The squad returns to action this weekend at the Alabama Games at Samford University, and will compete against teams from Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana at the regionals July 10-13, in an effort to quality for nationals.