After qualifying to compete in the state track championship, Gladstone High School junior Jayden Davis is heading to the University of Oregon’s legendary Hayward Field this weekend.
Davis is a relative newcomer to running 400 meters, having spent most of his time in high school and middle school running cross country and longer distances on the track. But he said that he’s received critical support from GHS track coaches Ray Richardson, Delane Williams and Kase Rogers in making the transition to sprinting.
“All of them are great coaches and show a lot of dedication to the team,” Davis said.
Last year Davis competed at the state championship in the 800-meter race. This year, with a 51.64-second personal record in the 400 meter, he placed first at the Dick Baker Invitational and second place at last weekend’s district track meet.
Davis said that he loves the energy of GHS’s team and is looking into colleges that might offer him a scholarship to continue running for a track team after high school.