“It’s a nice thing to chase after.”
Laron’s father, also named Laron Brown, is one of the area’s most celebrated sprinters ever, having led Roth to a couple of state titles in the early 1980s and leaving records wherever he ran.
Laron Brown — the son — has finally had a breakout senior season after injuries cost him at least two seasons. And he was better than ever Saturday, May 22, at the Division II district, sweeping the 100 meters (10.99), 200 (22.09) and 400 (50.82).
The top four in each event advance to this week’s regional, also at Welcome Stadium.
Dunbar swept the three relays, setting a record in the 800 relay (1:30.78) and junior Antonio Blanks added a record in the 300 hurdles (38.01) and seconds in the 100, 200 and 110 high hurdles. That helped the Wolverines overwhelm runner-up CJ for the boys team title, 141.5-81.
CJ, led by double winners Lizzie Gleason and Cierra Brown, snapped Alter’s district dominance, 122.5-88.
Brown’s effort was reminiscent of his namesake. His father still holds the district 400 (48.30) and 1,600 relay (3:19.60) records, set in 1982.
“I’m not really trying to compare myself to (his father),” said Brown, headed to Texas Southern to play football and run track.
“What he did was phenomenal. I’m still trying to break his records. As long as I can go home at the end of the day knowing I did my best, I’m satisfied.”
Brown’s sister, Kaila Brown, helped Stivers set an 800 relay record (1:45.55).
Division I
Lebanon’s Chase Cochran and Luke Norris were no match for Centerville’s depth. Cochran won the 100 (10.83) and 200 (21.88), and Norris won the high hurdles (14.80) and set a record in the 300 hurdles (37.38). And both were on the winning 400 and 1,600 relays.
Centerville countered with Michael Bennett’s firsts in the shot put and discus and won the boys title 137.5-108.5 over the Warriors.
The teams switched roles for the girls, Lebanon beating runner-up Centerville 141.5-95.
Division III
Miami Valley’s girls set records in all three relays to overcome Xenia Christian’s standout sprint duo of Loria Williams and Michaela Nelson.
Shelby Carpenter ran on the Rams’ record-setting 400 (50.14), 800 (1:47.92) and 1,600 (4:07.53) relays. Williams swept the 100 and 300 hurdles, and Nelson won the 100 and 200.
Miami Valley defended its girls district title, beating runner-up XC 129-84.
Mario Cosey of Yellow Springs swept the 100 and 200 and was on the record-setting 800 relay (1:31.36).
Twin Valley South won the boys title over runner-up Bethel, 92.5-80.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2381 or mpendleton@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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