Leandria Elam’s postseason performance leading to an MHSAA Class 3A individual title in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles looked perfect on paper, because it was.

The Franklin County High School sophomore went undefeated and placed first at the district, regional and south state meets, then earned her spot atop the podium twice on May 5 at the state championships held at Pearl High School.

However, the year began with a new exercise system presented by first-year coach Steve Davis, and Elam said she never imagined the journey that led her to the medals would be so demanding.

“We ran nonstop,” she said. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out.”

Starting last February, Elam said the Bulldogs practiced every day after school and typically ran much more than was required for their events. When she finally recognized what the training meant, Elam said, she was first to cross the finish line in the 100 meter hurdles at the district meet.

“I wasn’t out of breath. I wasn’t tired, and I just got some water,” she said. “After I started to process what I just did, I liked it. The feeling was unforgettable. It makes you want to put your pride to the side. I realized the running helped me build stamina.”

But, knowing there is always opposition, she said, Elam didn’t stop there.

Before competing in the state 100 meter hurdles, Elam took a look at the qualifying times of her competitors. Many were faster than she had ever run.

Elam then ran a personal best of 15.48 and won the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 46.79.

“I was very shocked, but I was so proud of myself. I did not expect that outcome at all,” she said. “There is always going to be good competition, but somehow I did it, and it was blissful.”

“That was the happiest I had been all year,” Davis added of Elam’s progress. “We had to set a base, which meant we had to get in shape. Everything comes with a price, so you have to put in the work. I told them not to be afraid of being great, and when we finally did that, she ran her best.”

Overall, Franklin County had five athletes advance to state competition and the girls team finished in sixth place.

Also winning an individual title was junior Dominique White by throwing a shot put of 47’ 5.5”.

After ending last year at the regional meet, White said the discipline instilled by Davis was what pushed him to the championship this season.

“It felt real good. He put it in my mind that I could do it,” he said. “I want the title again.”

Other members of the FCHS track team to place at state included Syeria Adams at second place in girls dicuss, eighth-grader Tekysa Thompson at third place and Takia Jackson at eighth place in the 100 meter dash.

As for next year, Davis has accepted a position to coach track and football at Natchez High, but he said he knows Franklin County will continue its success.

“Even though I will be there, I’ll still be checking on them here,” he said. “It was a hard decision, and the fact that I bonded with them was the hardest part. I’m proud of these guys.”