By By Fredie Carmichael/The Meridian Star
June 24, 2001
Next Friday, MHS junior Peter Davidson, will board a plane and head to Australia to represent Mississippi in the Down Under International Games.
If this Saturday's performance at the State Games of Mississippi was any indication of how he'll do on foreign soil, then they should look out mate. Davidson looked unstoppable at Bonita Lakes racing through the field of competitors claiming his best time ever of 16:22 in the 5K run.
It didn't come easy for Davidson though, as he had to run most of the race with a dangling shoe string.
Bill Fox, from Hattiesburg, claimed gold in ??? and was the second fastest overall runner with a time of 17:24.
Fox, who originally hales from Lovelock, Nevada, brought a slew of talent along with him. His five kids, ranging in ages from 4-12, all competed in the State Games this year. Paul 6, Willie 8, Adriana 10, and Rebecca 11, all medaled in their respective age divisions in the 5K run. The youngest daughter, Vicky, ran along side her father and siblings in the 1-mile fun run.
Gloria Fox, Bill's wife, sat in the shade with their 1-year old son John urging the family on. "It's been fun being here," Gloria said. "This is a great event and we just wish that more people knew about it."
Nathaniel Hughes of Macon placed third overall and garnered a silver medal in the 15-19 age division behind Davidson with a time of 19:12.
Scott Crenshaw was the fourth runner to cross the finish line as he won gold in the 35-39 division with a time of 19:24.
5K Female, 10-14: State Games sportswoman of the year, Ashley Carrillo, claimed gold in the 10-14 age division with an incredible time of 20:29. Carrillo was followed stride-for-stride with family friend Rebecca Fox who took home the silver with a time of 20:36. Bronze medal winner, Holy Corbitt, ran in 22:48.
5K Male, 10-14: Ten-year old Tavaris Tate of Starkville claimed gold in the 1-mile fun run with a time of 7:00. Tate also won a bronze in the 10-14 division in the 5K with a 21:19. Greg Walker (19:47) won gold in the 10-14 division, while Cameron Sherrill (21:00) won silver.
5K Male, 9 &Under: Brothers Willie (24:28) and Paul (26:08) Fox took the top two spots in the male 9 &Under division. Gretha Eifert claimed the bronze with a time of 28:40.
1-mile fun run: Karissa Both walked away with a silver medal in the fun run, while Robby Shine bested his younger brother Andy for the bronze.
Fredie Carmichael is a staff writer for The Meridian Star., call him at 693-1551, ext. 3228 or E-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.