There is depth in track and field, and there is quality. Sometimes, there is quality depth. Then there is Ben Davis High School quality depth.
The Giants' drive to what could be their first state team championship in boys track and field begins today at Decatur Central as sectionals are run across Indiana.
Regionals are May 22, followed by state finals May 31 in Bloomington.
"We really have to work hard to be as everyone says we are and as good as we know we are,"
said Ben Davis sophomore Robert Rose, a hurdler who anchored the winning 1,600-meter relay at last week's Marion County meet.
Four Giants -- Matt Terrell, Rapheal Williams, Colin Hester and LaVarus Williams -- set a state indoor record of 1 minute, 28.05 seconds in the 800-meter relay March 22. It was the fastest time in the nation this year.
Yet the Giants have such depth that four different sprinters won the 1,600 relay in the county.
"We have a lot of fun, but at the same time we still push each other,"
said hurdler Brandon Newbern, a transfer from Bishop Chatard. "We know we have to work hard to be the best."
Even a top team should be reeling from the loss of someone like Rapheal Williams. The 19-year-old senior was shot in the leg at 1:18 a.m. May 3 at a gas station at 8955 U.S. 31 South, according to a police report. Four arrests were made in the incident.
Williams has won state titles with two relay teams. His availability for this postseason is uncertain, but he still has plenty of influence on his teammates.
"He's always there, cheering us, motivating us,"
Hester said. "We're a big team, instead of just individuals."
Terrell, a junior who is defending state champion in the 200, and LaVarus Williams, a Central Michigan football recruit, are the top individuals. Yet alone, they could not win a state team title.
Coach Mike Davidson would like to declare a pool of eight eligible sprinters in the 400 and 1,600 relays, rather than six. Then at the last minute, he could select four to run. Hester said everyone must train hard just to retain their spots.
"As a coach, you've got to try to think of all the different scenarios that can happen,"
Davidson said. "And then make the best plan possible that will fit all the scenarios and allow you to be successful."
At Ben Davis, it is easier to do so than at most schools. Pick a sprinter. Any sprinter.
