The Ben Davis boys track team captured the Hoosier State Relays Indoor State Championship for the third time in the past six years this past Saturday.

The Giants relied on depth, qualifying 14 individuals and all four relays. The Giants field events also had depth by qualifying three shot putters (Justin Brandon,
Dallas Pitts, Jalil Brewer), three high jumpers (DeAndre Bluitt, Jailyn Harden, Harrison Goss), three long jumpers (Jaymin Miles, Chris Evans, Christian Powell) and two pole vaulters (Moussa Conde, Moussa Sylla) to the finals. BD also qualified two hurdlers (Moussa Conde, Frank Rhodes) and one 60 meter dash man (Tony Allen).

The Giants scored in multiple events throughout the day, yet were in second place with two events left. Conde was in the thick of his day as he was pole vaulting in the midst of his relay races. Conde lead off the 4x200m relay, came over and cleared 14’0” in the pole vault and then ran a blistering 4×400 leg before coming back to play the strategy game in the vault.

Conde took runner up in the vault for eight points to put the Giants up by two going into the last event.

The final event of the night was the DMR (distance medley relay). Both teams in contention for the title (Ben Davis and Avon) had teams qualified. The Giant team of Tim Anderson, Frank Rhodes, Tony Futrell and David Behrmann was outstanding. Anderson lead things off in the 1200m leg with a 6 second PR, giving to Rhodes for the 400m leg. Avon was running well also, running one spot ahead of the Giants.

Rhodes closed and handed the baton to Futrell for the 800m leg. Futrell ran well, yet Avon was still ahead. Behrmann handled the final leg, the 1600 meters. On the third lap, Behrmann caught and passed Avon and continued to extend the distance. The track was lined with the Ben Davis athletes, all screaming and cheering as Behrmann circled the track and brought it home for a 57-55 edge in points over Avon. Center Grove was third with 47 points.

The Giants also started the outdoor season last Friday with a home win over Kokomo. Conde and Allen were named runners of the week while field event performer of the week went to Evans and Conde. The most improved of the week went to the relay team of Behrmann, Anderson, Rhodes and Powell.