Cameron Turner Photo

NORWICH – The Norwich High School will see sophomore Zack Race head to states to represent The Purple Tornado in two events, the 100 meter and 200 meter dash.

Race has exploded out of the starting blocks for Norwich, as this 2016 Outdoor Track Field season truly marks his first year of competing in the sport, barring a season of modified in seventh grade.

“Well it was the first week, and I planned on joining the team but I was focused on academics,” said Race. “I ran a pretty good 40 time in football (4.6 second 40 yard dash), so then coach Horan said 'you know you should probably come out for the track team if you’re the fastest kid in the school,' So I came out for it and here I am. I really owe it to all the coaches, Coach Horan, Coach Decker, Coach Curley, all of them.”

Most impressively for Race is that he is regarded as the fastest Norwich athlete since Barry Benjamin in 1983 ran a 10.9 and Jason Morris, the current record holder ran a 10.8 in 1992.

“Records are made to be broken buddy, I am happy someone is there trying to break it,” said Barry Benjamin. “The kids are getting faster, I wish Zack luck.”