1979 Boys Track

Ten years removed from earning DeWitt High School its first team state championship, the boys track program again competed at the state finals in the spring of 1979 and brought home a second Class C State Championship. The 1979 team returned many veteran runners and had their sights set on winning a championship. As the season began, the Panthers performed well, placing fourth at the Spartan Relays against several bigger schools. From there, the Panthers began their league schedule versus perennial league favorites Charlotte, Mason and Okemos. DeWitt, however, overpowered the Capital Circuit league with an unblemished 10-0 dual league record and a 119-113 win over second place Charlotte at the Capital Circuit meet. At the regional, the Panthers crushed the competition with a convincing 131-52 win over second place Springport, winning every event except three. At the state meet, the Panthers found their championship stride, placing in ten events, but a state championship hinged on placing in the mile relay, the final event of the day. The relay team would race to a fourth place finish securing DeWitt its second boys track state championship. The Panthers did not win a single event but scored enough points to defeat defending state champion Detroit Benedictine 45.5 to 44, a mere point and a half victory.