Wicksburg’s Landon Davenport sets school record, finishes as 3A state runner-up
WICKSBURG, Ala. (WTVY) — Every stride counts for Wicksburg’s cross country team, especially for senior Landon Davenport, who etched his name into the school’s record books this season.
Running can be dreadful for some, but for others, it’s an escape. For Davenport, it’s both an outlet and a passion that’s taken him to new heights.
The senior capped off his high school career as the AHSAA Class 3A state runner-up, crossing the finish line with an impressive 5K time of 16 minutes and 19 seconds.
“If I had one goal out of my whole high school career, it was to win state,” Davenport said. “But I fell a little short. It’s so many people yelling, so much encouragement, and the adrenaline, the rush, it doesn’t compare to anything around here. But I’m still very thankful for what I was able to get. All glory to God for that.”
Even without the championship title, Davenport achieved a major milestone: breaking Wicksburg’s school record by more than two minutes. The previous record was set in 2017.
Davenport didn’t start running until his sophomore year and wasn’t sure it was for him. But after staying consistent and putting in extra training, he found his rhythm.
“It just becomes a natural thing; more running just feels good,” he said. “You take your mind off everything. It’s a place to set your mind at ease and keep going. And it’s so much more fun with people.”
This past summer, Davenport trained alongside the Providence Christian boys’ cross-country team, which he said made running even more enjoyable.
First-year Wicksburg cross country coach Britton Hughes has watched Davenport’s growth and dedication firsthand, both as a parent with his own daughter on the team and now as his coach.
“Just yesterday afternoon, I was driving down the road, and here comes a kid with his shirt off—it’s 45 degrees—and it’s Landon at 3:30 in the afternoon when nobody’s watching,” Hughes said. “When you see a kid putting in the work when nobody’s really watching, that’s fun to see.”
Another major influence in Davenport’s running journey is Cliff Morrison, a mentor, team helper, and his youth pastor.
“I’ve really grown close to him,” Davenport said. “He’s really been the man who’s brought me closer to God. But also in my running, he’s just a great model. He’s out there every day putting in the work right alongside us.”
Davenport’s leadership goes beyond competition. He’s known for cheering on teammates and setting an example through his work ethic.
“He’s the one all the kids look up to,” Hughes said. “They think, ‘I can be Landon. I can be fast. I can do what he does if I put in the work.’ And right there at the finish line, he’s the first one handing out water bottles, congratulating them, thanking them for showing up and showing out.”
Even after battling injuries during his junior year, Davenport persevered. He practices every day and plans to continue his running career in college.
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