DaytonDailyNews.com

HUBER HEIGHTS — There were 16 squads, which included countless relay teams, vying for supremacy on Tuesday, April 8 at the Warrior Relays. But it turned out that Tommy Marks' solo effort on the pole vault outshined the masses in front of his home crowd.

Marks, who finished second in the state during the indoor season (14 feet, 6 inches), shattered his personal best and registered a Warrior Relays record, clearing 15-6. It was the season's first meet for the senior, who'll attend the University of Cincinnati in the fall.

"It was a phenomenal jump," said Wayne pole vault coach Terry Wasson.

"It is well deserved because he has worked really hard. It has been an attitude with Tommy this year that has been exceptional. ... This is going to put a mark that I don't think anyone in Ohio has put up yet. So he will be one to shoot at for sure."

Ironically, Marks' effort isn't even a school record: Les West registered the state's first 16-foot jump in 1975. Marks, whose effort carried the Warriors to a first place in the pole-vault relay, could very well be zeroing in on the all-time state record of 16-4.

Marks was by no means the only star for the Warriors. Wayne won both the boys and girls competitions overall, as their boys relay teams won the 400 meter, 1,600 mixed medley and 4x110 shuttle hurdles.

Wayne's 400 relay, which included Stephen Curtis, Erique Geiger, Javon Marshall and Demoye Bogle, registered a meet-record 41.8 seconds. Wayne's girls broke the meet record in the 1,600 mixed medley.

Dunbar's boys flashed their lightning speed in the 800 relay, posting a meet record in 1:28:5. Seniors Jermaine Sims, Antonio Parks and William Oliver put the Wolverines in good position and junior Terrence Glenn ran a seamless anchor leg. The chemistry between the veterans who ran together during the indoor season was clear.

"Their chemistry is real good," said Dunbar coach Sidney Booker.

"They can judge each other's speed real well. They know each other real well because they've been together since November. I think they can drop their time three more seconds in better conditions."

Dunbar, which finished second overall in the boys meet, also finished the event on a high note with a narrow victory over Wayne in the 1,600 relay.

One of the most impressive girls performances came from Chaminade-Julienne, which recorded a 1:46:9 to win the 800 relay.

Danheasha Harding, Charise Stargell, Carson Williams and Tyesha Jones put together an excellent effort in the victory. C-J also registered wins in the 400 and 6,400 relays. The Eagles were second to Wayne as a team.

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