Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Fans looking for Kia’Jada Davidson’s name in the Class 5A State Track & Field Meet finals results last year wouldn’t have found it.

However, the Greenville High School senior changed that this season after placing in the Top 5 at the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s state meet last weekend in Gulf Shores.

During a preliminary heat, Davidson ran the 100-meter dash in 12.03 seconds setting a school record. She then went on to finish fourth in state in the 100-meter finals. She said that her final high school competition proved rewarding following a year away from the sport.

“It was just great to be back out there running with my team,” she said. “I really missed track my junior year. So, to be able to come back and have a high finish means a lot.”

Davidson began running track for the Greenville Tigers her freshman year. She quickly became one of the top runners on the team, but had to miss her junior year.

She turned the page and came back this past track season on a mission to run her very best. Davidson qualified for the state meet two weeks ago.

GHS track coach Brandon Lilly took over in 2017. He said having Davidson back on the team was beneficial.

“I don’t want to say I was shocked at how well she did, but it was a bit of a surprise,” he said. “I’m very proud of her. She should feel good about holding a school record.”

Lilly said several boys also qualified for state. Seniors Tyrone Ingram, Tyler Lewis and Keondre Thomas all qualified for the state meet.

Willisha Ward also competed at the state meet for the girls.

“We had a good season over all,” Lilly said. “We may not have gotten anyone on the podium, but qualifying for state is always a big deal and good for the team.”