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Sweet Home's Davis Shattering Indoor Track Records

Posted at 3:37 PM, Feb 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-04 13:26:20-05
In less than a month Sweet Home's Nate Davis has single handedly re-written the Panthers indoor records.
 
After sitting out most of November and all of December following volleyball, Davis eased into track season. 

His first race in fact wasn't until the 14th of January, when he broke the school record in the 300.  A week later he set the Section VI all-time mark and if that wasn't enough, this past week at an invite only meet at Virginia Tech, the junior re-broke the record, clocking in at a lightning-fast 34.64 seconds.
 
"I had the mindset that this was my year and I wanted to make my mark," the junior said.
 
That wasn't the only record he hit.  Triple jump?  Surpassed it with ease.  The long jump? He completely shattered it by nearly a foot, breaking the mark set in 1979 by Rick Zacholski.

Nate jumped 23-feet 1-inch, while Zacholski leaped 22-feet 1-and-a-quarter inches.
 
"It's been exciting going from meet to meet doing these jumps and running these times that I have been," he said.
 
"I think he's going to set a pretty good standard here by the time he leaves of some elite jumping," Head Coach Brian Lombardo said.
 
That's the same message Zacholski, who now lives in Georgia, passed along to the track star.
 
"To Mr. Nate Davis,
 
I wanted to take a minute to congratulate you on your recent performance at Houghton College and your 23'1" long jump.  I have a friend that followed my high school career and he told me that you would probably be the one who set some new records at Sweet Home High School.
 
I wish you the best and continued success in the sprints and the jumps. Hopefully you will be in the running for a state championship and you will set a new mark in the outdoor season as well. 
 
I look forward to reading about your future successes and would think a scholarship offer would be in your future.
 
Best Wishes,
Richard D. Zacholski"
 
"It means a lot," Davis said of receiving the letter.   "I didn't think that anybody would be paying attention let alone home since he's not in state anymore.  I didn't think I'd get a letter from his saying congratulations and good luck on everything else. It was pretty special."
 
Three weeks. Three records.
 
"I haven't thought about how crazy it is," he added.  "I see it as I want to set the standard and I want to see another kid come up and say I can beat that. I hope other people see this and want to go and beat those records."

***SUPER 7 COUNTDOWN***

#1- Nate Davis, Sweet Home Track & Field
Set the Section VI and Sweet Home school record in the 300 meter run and also set school records in the long jump and triple jump.

#2 - Maddie Williams, Medina Basketball
Set state record with 16 3-pointers and exploded for a school record 54 points in an 83-23 win over Holley.

“Maddie is a great shooter, player and more importantly an amazing person. She was hot from the start of the game hitting 5 threes in the first quarter. We knew the girls' single game 3 pt school record would be in reach seeing how the previous record was 6. She broke that by halftime totaling 8 threes at the half. I told her mother at halftime that I was going to leave her in to see how far she could take it, having no idea what was to come.

“It was with about 5 minutes left in the 4th quarter that I made eye contact with her mother in the stands and she yelled out, "The NYS 3pt record is 15!" Even though we were up a bunch and never wanting to run up the score, I knew she might not ever get this chance again, so we went for it. It's a testament to her a as shooter, a player and to her team as they wanted it for her and did whatever they had to do to help her accomplish it. I'm so proud of her, the team, and am just honored to of had the best seat in the house to witness it!

“My hat goes off to the Holley fans who were cheering her on throughout the game, their coach who was a class act understanding what we trying do and for coming into our locker room after the game to present Maddie with the game ball. Just an amazing night!” – Ken Haak, Head Coach

#3 - Claire Wanzer, Amherst Basketball
Moved into first place on the Tigers' all-time career scoring charts for boys and girls with 1490 points with an 18 point effort over Sweet Home.

“Claire has been playing varsity basketball since 7th grade. Her passion and work ethic are unmatched. Her record is quite amazing considering how many years there have been basketball at Amherst. She has committed to Niagara.” - Mike Chatelle, Head Coach

#4 – Riley Reddington, St. Francis Hockey
Scored three goals, including the game-winner in overtime in a 4-3 win over West Seneca East.

“Riley's character is something that you can't replicate. He is a true leader and has an incredible work ethic on and off the ice. He's one of those guys who is always looking to do things better. He's never satisfied with a performance and that is why he is able to do so many great things in game situations.” – Tim Benner, Head Coach

#5 - Meighan Murphy, Mount St. Mary Basketball
Scored 15 points to help power the Thunder past Sacred Heart for the first time in 20 years with a 46-41 victory.

"Meighan Murphy plays inspiring basketball.  She has been with me the last four years and has always been a leader.  I’m glad in her senior year she was able to leave her mark at Mount St Mary Academy with a historic win over Sacred Heart." – Michael McCarthy, Head Coach

#6 – Trent Banaszak, Nichols Basketball
Scored 21 points in 53-44 win over St. Joe’s. He also hit 5 3-pointers.

"TJ was incredible Wednesday night.  He controlled the game, our pace and tempo, and hit big shots every time we needed it.  He gets better every game.  We ask a lot from TJ, and his evolution as a player this season has been fun to watch." – Darren Fenn, Head Coach

#7 – Dakota Wiley, Williamsville South Basketball
Scored 24-points in a 74-49 win over Jamestown.

“Dakota was on fire from the beginning of that game.  He had 4 three pointers in the first quarter and even his misses were going in and out. When Dakota is on there is no better scorer in WNY. “ – Gabe Michael, Head Coach