World-class sprinter to run in meet

By By Jeff Byrd / staff writer
April 16, 2002
One of the top sprinters in the United States, may be the world, will be in Meridian on Tuesday and Thursday.
Janice Davis from Natchez High School will lead her Lady Bulldogs into the Division 5-5A track and field meet set to begin today at noon at Meridian Community College.
Davis is a member of the U.S. Junior National team.
She has clocked one of the top times in the world for a junior this year in the 400 meters at an amazing 53.4 seconds. She has the state best times in the 100 meters (11.6) and 200 meters (23.8).
Davis could run in as many as six events in Thursday's finals. They will include the 100, 200 and 400 meters. She will probably anchor Natchez's 400, 800 and 1600 meter relay teams.
With an eight-lane track, Davis probably won't run any races in today's preliminaries
Brown hopes her Lady Wildcats can make up some ground in the field events.
Meridian's top state medal hope is Ashley Curry in the shot put. She has the state's best throw at 36 feet. She will also compete in the discus, where she has been measured at 99 feet.
Regina Williams could be a medal contender in the high jump. She has cleared 5-feet-2 this season.
The Wildcat boys under coach Billy King will have to contend with defending Class 5A state champion Brandon.
Joining Meridian and Brandon in the field will be Natchez and Wayne County.
The Wildcats' top hope is with distance runner Peter Davidson. Davidson finished sixth last year in the 5A state meet in the 3200 meter run.
He has clocked a 10:41 in the 3200 meters this season. He has a time of 4:21 in the 1600 meter run. He will also run in the 800 which could give the Wildcats solid points in three events.