For Connally High’s Jacael Davis, the District 25-5A track meet was a time to shine. The Cougar senior turned in a great performance, winning the high jump and the triple jump. He also was a key member of Connally’s first place sprint relay team and he placed second in the 110 hurdles. Not only was it a great showing in his final district track meet, it was also a great way to celebrate his birthday.

“The first day was a great day,” he said. “It was my birthday so it had to be a great day. It was the first time I’d attempted 6-8 in the high jump and I almost cleared it. Even though I didn’t I still felt very proud of myself.”

While things were good on day one, day two, which was plagued by rain, was not as smooth.

“The second day was different,” he added. “We had a couple of screw ups but we pulled through and won the meet. I felt like going in we had a goal and something to work for. We had to show them we’re still here.”

Obviously Davis is talented in all of the events he participates in, however, he says the 110 hurdles are his favorite.

“All the other events are good but they seem to have drawbacks,” he said. “I’m always getting it in the hurdles. My motto is go hard or go home and I feel like I must go hard in the hurdles.”

Davis started his track career in the sixth grade. He said he had been focused on football prior to that but once he got out on the track he never looked back.

“My mom and dad ran track so my mom was pushing me,” he said. “Since then track has been my thing. Once I started it became my love.”

His love has turned into a love of not just participating. he loves to win.

“I’m very competitive,” he said. “I love the competition.”

Davis says he will continue his track career beyond this year although he is not sure where it will happen.

“I am certain I will compete in college,” he said.

Entering last weekend’s region meet Davis had plenty of things he was hoping to accomplish, including helping his relay team get back to state.

“I want to clear 6-8 and get past the 45-foot mark in the triple jump,” he said. “In the hurdles I want to make it to the finals and in the relay we want to make it to state. Last year readies us and we know what times to push for. Our competition is time itself.”