Bynaum’s persistence pays dividends

Since entering high school, Cameron’s Davion Bynaum has simply been one of the fastest tracks stars in 3A. The junior was poised to make his first trip to the state meet last season as a sophomore, but it was not to be. The times were there, but unfortunately the health was not. For a good portion of his freshman and sophomore campaigns, Bynaum was sidelined with nagging injuries, hindering his ability to fully showcase his skills.

That is now in the rear view mirror, and the speedster is ready to show the entire state exactly what he can do in Austin following three gold medals at the regional track meet a few weeks ago.

“The years I had those injuries I fell into a slump,” he said. “I saw at the end of the year that my times would have made it to state and actually medaled. This is my first year going, and every year I have either got hurt at area or district. It feels good to overcome those challenges.”

Bynaum was first introduced to the sport of track in Bellingham, Washington. Bellingham, which is over 2,200 miles away from Cameron, is where he moved to his sixth grade year. His coach on the West Coast discovered him and soon enough he was the fastest kid out on the track.

“I was the fastest person on the team, and I ended up winning gold in everything I did, including the 100 and 200,” Bynaum said. “I didn’t know I had that in me, and after that it’s been an every year thing.”

Luckily for the track fans in Cameron, he moved back a few years later in eighth grade. During that time, he met another man that wanted to see him continue to grow.

“I got introduced to Mr. Damon Flemings,” he said. “He runs a pretty big track program and that is when I got introduced to the whole summer thing. I didn’t realize there was such a variety of different teams and different people you could meet over the summer that would push you.”

Others, including TCU, LSU, Texas A&M and Houston have also payed attention, showing interest in the junior. Bynaum said that while the track season may begin in March, by that time he has been running for some time at indoor meets, including events at the University of Houston and Texas A&M.

At state, he will be competing as an individual in the 100 and 200 meter dashes, but will also have three of his teammates along with him in the 4x100, which edged out McGregor at regionals by one 100th of a second for gold.

“It plays a big role having those guys with me,” said Bynaum. “They are going to keep me motivated and give their all in this 4x100. Just having them with me as opposed to going alone will play a big role in how I’m going to do this Friday.”

That group consists of DJ Daniels, Bynaum, Za’Korien Spikes and Iverson Westbrook. That has not been the mix all season long, but this is the group that has gelled together and is performing at a high level at the right time.

“I feel like these guys are outstanding workers,” he said. “The work ethic has improved coming into the later part of the season. DJ Daniels is probably the hardest working man I have seen. Iverson Westbrook was kind of hurt at the beginning of the season, but has been a great addition to the team. We also have a young man in Za’Korien Spikes. He’s only a freshman, but he has shown that he has what it takes and is ready for the big stage.”

Though Bynaum has already put up some blazing times in the 100, coming in at 10.64, and the 200, sitting at 21.69, he believes there is a little more in the tank.

“It feels good to be here, but it would be sweeter if I could come home with three golds. I’d also like to PR (personal record) in the 100 and 200. I feel like if I can get my start right in the 100, I can run a 10.40 or 10.30. I really expect myself to go 21.40 or 21.30 in the 200 at the state meet.”

He will compete at state on Friday from Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. The 100 meter dash is set to start at 6:05 with the 200 meter dash at 7:25. The 4x100 will get the running events started at 5:00.

Bynaum admitted that advancing through every competition adds some nervousness due to increased competition, but at the same time he knows his abilities and what he can accomplish.  

“Once I get in there and into my lane and they say set, I feel like everything fades away and I’m in that moment of trying to get to that finish line first. “

On your marks, set.