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Binion makes school history
Hinsdale South's Tavaris Binioni (right) takes the lead in the Class 3A 100-meter dash, which he won on Saturday. | Patrick Gleason
Updated: July 3, 2012 12:43PM
School history belonged to Hinsdale South’s Tavaris Binion.
The junior from Willowbrook became the Darien school’s first state champion in the state meet. Binion won the 100-meter dash in 10.53 to beat Edwardsville’s Calvin Edwards (10.62).
Binion added to his legacy with another medal in the 200. He placed fifth (22.32) to add his name to a very slim record book when it comes to Hornets track.
Hinsdale South has never had a sprinter medal in the state meet before, now the Hornets have Binion with two medals in Class 3A.
The school’s top finisher in any previous state meet was Britt Taylor’s runner-up finish in the triple jump for Class AA in 2003.
“It was absolutely great,” Binion said. “I was telling a lot of friends, ‘I knew I had a chance.’ I had the mindset that I could do big things going into it.”
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises was that Binion made his first trip to the state meet as an individual. His only previous trip was as a member of a relay.
The state championship wasn’t too big of a surprise for coach Dean Norman, who touted Binion’s abilities even before he shocked two previous state qualifiers by winning the 100 at the Lockport Sectional May 17.
The upsets kept coming for Binion at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
Hinsdale South’s only other state qualifier, senior Dijon James (6-foot-2), tied for 16th place in the high jump after last reaching the state event in 2010. James was a starter for Hinsdale South’s basketball team last winter.
Binion will not pay much attention to track and field this summer. The Hornets’ camp for football players begins in June after school ends. Hornets football coach Mike Barry served as an assistant coach to Norman this track season.
Binion was a reserve running back and defensive back last season, who hopes to challenge as a starting running back this season.
Binion is familiar with his school’s slim history when it comes to developing elite sprinters. The Hornets did have a 400 relay finish seventh at state in 2004.
“It’s amazing,” Binion said. “I’m truly honored. Our school has had some great athletes.”
