Daniel Lacy roars through a weekend long journey that was motivated by his father
Lacy appears elated and relieved after polishing off the 200m field
========
Enter Daniel Lacy the son of Jimmy Lacy and a star senior from Champaign Centennial. Daniel, earned his keep as a standout during middle school, winning several titles to close out the eighth grade.
Covid-19 had a big play in stunting the ascent of Lacy until this year. Keep in mind that the track and field season can be very long when you factor in the indoor season. Lacy was unheralded entering the 2023 campaign with just a few state or regional track accolades.
Lacy enjoyed a strong indoor season that produced fast times in the 60m (6.89), 200m (21.75), and 300m (34.54). He also took a trip and competed in the New Balance Nationals Indoors and learned a ton about elite-level temperament and competition. Yes, track and field season has peaks and valleys. Lacy, grew up fast and was ready for the outdoor season.
No one knew that Lacy was setting up for a run at the triple crown but he and his camp. But there was a glimpse of what was to come against rival Jackson Gilbert (Sr., Urbana) at the Big 12 Conference Championship. He ran the 100, 200, and 400- winning just the 100. However, the scene was for Charleston in April.
Enter the big stage: Lacy got through the preliminary rounds easily and was ready for the Saturday show and redemption for this father.
Lacy won the 100 in a legal personal best 10.69 which included some giddy-up in the final meters. The second race of the day was the 400 and it could be a landmine if one step is off. Lacy felt late pressure from Billy Bailey Jr (Sr., Joliet West) but got the win despite the same time of 47.28.
The final race of the day was the 200 and probably Lacy's best race. He strode him with confidence in 21.51. The bottled-up emotion that persisted for more than 25 years for the Lacy's is now a legacy they can smile upon for years to come.