Boys Track: Davis Lights It Up For Tigers

NAPERVILLE – Wheaton Warrenville South senior Titus Davis exploded on the scene during football season, helping lead the Tigers to the Class 7A state title.

If Friday’s DuPage Valley Conference indoor track meet at North Central College in any indication, Davis is poised to make just as large an impact on the track this spring.

Davis was dazzling in leading the Tigers to a runaway team title. Wheaton South scored 140, well ahead of second place West Aurora’s 97 points.

Davis broke former Wheaton North standout A.J. Harris’ 2002 meet record in the 200 meters, finishing in 22.44 despite not running in the fast heat. It was his first 200 of the indoor season. He also shattered a 28-year meet record in the long jump, leaping 23-5. He also finished behind teammate Charlie Pinedo in the 55 meters.

“It means a lot,” Davis said of the records. “Last year, I worked real hard on the long jump, worked on my explosiveness, and I worked hard to get to this point, so I’m very proud of that. I hadn’t run the 200 yet because on our indoor track, the turns are tighter, so it’s harder on my shins and hips, so they wanted to hold me until conference.”

Davis’ two wins led an eight-win barrage for the Tigers. Other wins for WWS were recorded by senior Digba Coker in the 55 hurdles, senior Max Heyden in the 400 dash, senior Will Davis in the triple jump and the 4x400 and 4x800 relay teams. The 4x400 relay team of Dan Franke, Phabian Clark, Andrew Dabisch and Heyden win in 3:25.86, shattering Wheaton North’s 1982 meet record by over three seconds.

“This was impressive,” Wheaton South coach Ken Helberg said. “They came out to compete and I’m impressed. We have to stay healthy, that’s absolutely the key. But this is a really good group of seniors.”

Titus Davis knows that this is just the tip of the iceberg for the Tigers, who appear to be loaded up with veterans and poised to make a run at a state crown by the time the state outdoor meet rolls around in late May in Charleston.

“Year in and year out, we work hard and stick together as a team,” Davis said. “We’re all in it as one. And we’re talented. When you put it all together, the success comes out. This is only the beginning.”

Wheaton North placed third at the meet with 77 points. Senior Rafe Kiely notched the Falcons’ lone win of the meet, dominating the shot put. His put of 54-3 ½ was 1-5 ½ ahead of the rest of the field. Tyler Ester was also solid in the field events. He took second in both the high jump and triple jump. Jason Dowell was also second in the 3,200 meters.