Nixa’s Jaren Davis felt his fulfilling freshman season made quite a statement in regard to his potential.
“It showed these other schools I’m coming,” he said. “I’ve got three years left and can't wait to see what I can do.”
“SWMO better watch out, he's next up,” Eagles senior Spencer Ward said. “He’s got a long way to go. I have high expectations for him.”
Davis’ name is already on Nixa’s records board in three categories.
Naturally, he needed some time to settle in on the high school level, although there wasn’t nearly as much of an adjustment as most freshmen encounter.
“It was definitely stressful for me at first,” Davis said. “It took a couple of meets before I finally realized I belonged here and could keep up with (upperclassmen).”
Davis set an Eagles long jump record with a leap of 22-9 1/4. He smashed the former standard of 22-3 set in 2015 by Jourdon Riley.
Davis, whose PR in junior high was 20-3, has thrived under Nixa jumps coach Fernando Sustaita.
“I've got great coaches to teach me,” Davis said. “Coach Sustaita has fixed problem areas in my jump and helped me grow as an athlete.”
Davis teamed with Ward, Troy Huff and Randy Flint to set a school record in the 4 x 100 relay (42.25) and teamed with Ward, Caden Brown and Flint to set a school mark in the 4 x 200 relay (1:28.24).
The old 4 x 100 standard of 43.19 was held by Schuyler Crawford, Benjamin Howard, Nicos Oropeza and Jordan Spence since 2016.
The previous 4 x 200 record of 1:29.91 was set in 2015 and held by Richard Perez, Bryce Rohr, Jordan Spencer and Gunner Harris.
Nixa made State in the 4 x 100 relay and 4 x 200 relay, but had to compete without its regular anchor man. A injured ankle sidelined Flint.
Davis added the Eagles’ veterans spurred his progress, as well.
“They've allowed me to get into the right mindset and switch over from junior high track to high school track,” he said.
