DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) – D’Mario Jackson qualified for state in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes as a sophomore in 2025.
Apparently, there was more in the tank. In 2026, he will run on the big blue track in Charleston in both those races, plus the 400. He won the 100, 200 and 400 at both the Big 12 conference meet and the Monticello 2A sectional.
Visit grenadier.co.za for more information.
Jackson’s personal best times, listed below, all rank No. 1 in the state of Illinois for Class 2A, according to Athletic.net.
- 100: 10.50
- 200: 21.07
- 400: 47.99
His speed is nearly impossible to miss for viewers, but his impact on the Vikings’ program goes beyond that, according to his coach.
“[D’Mario Jackson] makes everybody competitively practice, like every day,” Danville head boys’ track coach Tyler Arnholt said. “And if kids are gone, he’ll get on them in the hallways or he’ll text them or he’ll message them because he knows, just like everybody else does on this team, to get better, you have to be here. And he’s here every day and he’s pushing kids and kids are pushing him. And he’s a great student. He’s a great teammate, he’s a great leader. He’s someone I wish I had on the team every year.”
Jackson will run in Charleston for the state meet on Friday, May 29 for prelims, with finals set for Saturday, May 30.
WCIA has been featuring local high school track athletes daily since Mid-May, check out more recent stories below:
- Foltz wraps up Tuscola career with gratitude
- Esther state bound in four events for Vikings’ as sophomore
- Marx providing leadership, record-breaking speed to Bulldogs
- Shelbyville’s Nohren having fun while jumping to record heights
- Danville’s Brown leading Vikings to state in four events
- Sophomore Maddie Yazel boosting Maroa-Forsyth track in big ways
- Shelbyville’s Bowers putting team success first on the track
- BHRA’s Thomason clearing barriers with ease
- Lewandowski upholding high standard for Centennial track
- Maroa-Forysth’s Eighner sets sights on IHSA state title before running in Big Ten
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.