As a senior at Milton High School, Dominique Craig recently put the finishing touches on his athletic career by breaking a MHS track record in the 330 meter hurdle at a regional meet on April 23. The previous record was set in 1979 by Greg Robinson with a time of 38.35 seconds; Craig broke the record with a time of 38.29 seconds.
“It feels really good. At the beginning of the year that was one of my goals,” Craig said.
Craig, who also made an impact on the school’s varsity football team in being named this year’s most valuable player on offense, said setting the record at the regional meet was bittersweet.
“When I did it, I wasn’t really concerned about it because I was trying to beat the guy in front of me and he came and beat me at the last second, I was really upset,” Craig said.
After learning he had set a new school record, Craig said his emotions quickly changed.
“Then the angry tears turned into tears of joy,” he said.
Craig also received feedback from the previous record place holder.
“(Robinson) was there when I beat it and he told me ‘congratulations,’” Craig said. “He was excited for me.”
Upon reflecting on his tenure on the school’s track team, Craig said “it got better and better.” Craig credited the encouragement from his parents, fellow track members and coaches for his success.
“I motivated myself even more from them motivating me to do it,” he said.
Joe Austin, the school’s boys track coach, said Craig has been to the state track competition twice along with becoming the district champion in hurdle category also twice. Austin attributes Craig’s success to his work ethic.
“He comes to work hard every day. He is also a good leader,” he said.
Craig is currently fielding offers from several colleges who are seeking his talents in track after graduating from high school. As for the future, Craig hopes to one day give back to Milton High School.
“I want to come to Milton and give back to the school that gave so much to me,” Craig said.
Coach Austin is also proud of how the school’s track performed overall this year.
“All three kids that qualified for state got medals,” he said.
Ethyn Periman took seventh place in the triple jump and Jayci Floyd got seventh place in shot put at the state track meet. Craig took second place in the 110 hurdles.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Track: MiltonÂ’s Craig breaks school record