~ PVN staff report
HARRISONBURG, June 1 — Luray High School’s Davey Johnson won his second state title on Saturday at the VHSL Class 2 state track and field championship. In the process, the junior also broke his father’s LHS-record that had stood for 39 years by completing the 800-meter run in just 1:55.82.
Over the weekend, Johnson returned to the track at James Madison University where he had won his first state title almost a year ago to the day in the 1600-meter run. On Saturday, he took his second title in the 800 meters. He also earned his third state runner-up finish for running as a member of the 4×400 meter relay team.
In addition to collecting “gold” and “silver” at the state level, Johnson has set school and course records, as well as collecting several region and district titles. He often competes in larger invitationals showcasing some of the best young runners in the country.
A longtime former principal at Page County High School, Dr. Paul Johnson now serves as the assistant superintendent of Human Resources and Business Operations for Page County Public Schools. Among the many accolades that Davey has won over the last three years, it seems that both father and son would agree that, perhaps second only to a state title, surpassing his father’s record in the 800 meters — set by Paul in 1985 — has become the greatest accomplishment of his young career.
Johnson finished the 800 meters on Saturday almost a full three seconds ahead of his next competitor. For the last two years, Johnson’s two state titles represent the only state championships — team or individual — earned by any athletes in the county.
Two years ago, Johnson posted a state runner-up finish in the 800 meter run as a freshman. He started his sophomore year with a second place finish at the state cross country meet, just under five seconds behind the state champion. Then a few months later, Johnson set a new school record in the 1000 meter run and took yet another “silver” at the state indoor track meet in Lynchburg.
To keep track of running events in Virginia, visit https://va.milesplit.com/
~ Athlete of the Week selected by the publisher ~
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