Salem City Council saluted the recently crowned VHSL State Champion Indoor Track and Field Team members at Monday night’s meeting. These young men have brought attention to the city on the local, state, and national levels with their immense talent in the 4 x 200 relay. Each member of the team was given a copy of Resolution 1450 and a State Championship pin. Here is the resolution that passed unanimously.
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, April 24, 2023:
RESOLUTION 1450
Resolution Honoring 2023 Salem High School Indoor Track State Champions
WHEREAS, with a great deal of pride and enthusiasm the City of Salem champions the development of its young people by providing an array of opportunities in both the academic and sporting arenas; and
WHEREAS, throughout the years, our youth have excelled in both areas, bringing numerous accolades to the city and school division; and
WHEREAS, the high school track and field program instills in its participants the significance of teamwork and creates accord and purpose among its participants and coaches; and
WHEREAS, Peyton Lewis, Josiah Persinger, Jonathan Vernon, and DaRon Wilson once again distinguished themselves, their school, and the entire community by being crowned Virginia High School League State Champions in Indoor Track and Field in the 4 x 200 relay; and
WHEREAS, team member Peyton Lewis also placed first in the 55 Meter Dash for the second straight year and in the process tied the state record with a time of 6.37 seconds; and
WHEREAS, Peyton’s teammate Josiah Persinger finished second in this race giving the Spartans a 1-2 sweep of the marquee event at the state meet at Liberty University; and
WHEREAS, “The Fastest Men in Salem” not only captured multiple Class 4 State titles, but they also earned national recognition by posting the best 4 x 200 meter relay time in the country at 1 minute and 28.32 seconds; and
WHEREAS, These young men were invited to compete in the prestigious NIKE National Indoor Track Meet at the Armory in New York City. At this event, the team members placed first in the 4 x 200 meter dash with a school record time of 1 minute and 27.9 seconds; and
WHEREAS, Peyton Lewis also distinguished himself by finishing second in the national invitational meet with a time 6.73 seconds in the 60 meter dash; and
WHEREAS, All four Salem High School students experienced a surreal moment when their images were featured on the marquee screens in midtown Manhattan at Times Square; and
WHEREAS, along with their coaches Darryl McCoy II and Tom Roth, the young men have brought recognition to each other, the Salem community, and the high school by showcasing their skills regionally, statewide and on a national stage; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SALEM, VIRGINIA, that Council joins with the citizens of the City of Salem in saluting these amazing achievements during the 2023 Indoor Track and Field season.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to the coaches and each team member and that a copy be placed on display at Salem High School.
Salem City Council:
Hunter Holliday
Bill Jones
Randy Foley
Jim Wallace
Renée Ferris Turk