Carrollwood Track Star’s Athletic Roots Run Deep

Carrollwood Day School sophomore Robert Davis is going to the 1A State Finals in Winter Park today.

Robert will mix it up with some of the best athletes in the state. Robert will be competing in the 100m and 200m races, and he stands a good chance to bring home some hardware.

Robert’s strong suit is the 200m. This is just his second year of competitive track, so he is still learning how to explode out of the blocks. This handicap is minimized in the 200m race where Robert has time to use his running ability to close on opponents. Robert's district time of 22.98 seconds would have got him a bid in the finals at last year’s state finals.

And Robert continues to improve.

“That’s one thing about him(Robert) this year is that he’s consistently gotten better (and) improved his times,” said CDS Track Coach Sal Cuono.

Last year’s 1A State Champion, Ian Williams, who has since graduated, ran a 22.15 second 200m race. Eight-tenths of a second doesn’t seem like a long time, but it can be a lot in a 200m race. Robert will have to run the race of his life to claim state champion.

However, Robert is poised to do just that. He worked out at USF’s track and field facility this week in preparation. If he gets a good start and finishes strong, he will push for the state title.

Robert has a dedication that is uncommon and almost unheard of for a young man his age. He is also the star tailback and safety on the CDS football team. His after school practices last hours every day after school, including three days per week in the weight room. Track season begins as football season is winding down, and track season ends just days before spring practices for football begin.

For inspiration, Robert looks to pro football player Chris Johnson.

“He(Johnson) is a picture of hard work and dedication, and he’s always preaching that,” Robert said.

They both are track stars who play tailback, so it makes sense that their philosophies align.

Even more of an inspiration to Robert are his coaches: Cuono and Assistant Football Coach Derrick Brown.

“Sal is part of what drives me. Just to have him out here every day working with me - it’s a blessing,” Robert said.

Robert’s dad, Derrick Brown is also a major influence. Derrick Brown is a home-grown athletic talent from Hillsborough County. Brown played as a three-year starter for the Jefferson Dragons at fullback and middle linebacker. His mom was a track athlete at Leto High School, and she ran the 400m.

Brown is adamant about Robert running track, even though he wasn't a fan of the sport when he was younger.

“I hated track when I was in school,” admitted Brown. “Track is just more conditioning for football."

Football is where Robert’s heart is, and it's something he wants to continue after his days at CDS are over.

“I definitely want to pursue football in college. It’s football all the way for me,” he said.

Even as a sophomore, Robert is attracting attention from universities across the country. Most notably from Auburn, but also from The University of Southern Alabama. Skip Holtz, the USF Head Football Coach has also expressed interest in Robert.

Regardless of what happens with Robert’s football career, he has a date with destiny this weekend at the 1A State Finals.He could be the first athlete in school history to win a state title.

Not that there’s too much pressure on him. After all, he’s got two more years left to get it done.