Lakeview's Davis Barr breaks 32-year-old track record previously held by his coach

BATTLE CREEK - The long jump record for the Lakeview boys track team has stood for more than three decades. Spartan track standout Davis Barr has been well aware of that record since he began track at the school, because it was held by his neighbor - Jason Moore.

Moore, also an assistant coach for the Lakeview boys track team, set the long jump record for the Spartans at 22-feet, 2-inches back in 1992.

And, since last summer, Barr and Moore shared that record as the current Lakeview standout also reached 22-2 at the MHSAA state meet last year.

But now, Barr has the school's long jump record to himself at 23-4, which he set last week in meet with Battle Creek Central and Loy Norrix. And nobody is happier for him than his coach and neighbor.

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"Since I started coaching him, I always saw Davis as someone who could one day break my record. I'm excited for him that he finally did," Moore said.

When he did set the new mark, was there any trash talking for Barr with his coach?

"Nah. It was just a goal of mine to break the record this year. So I was happy to do that," Barr said. "I wouldn't be where I am at without him. Coach helps me. He teaches me everything he knows. We have a lot of love for each other."

Barr, who has also been a senior standout for the Lakeview football and basketball teams this year, had a breakout season on the track as a junior and was the team's top point producer. He qualified for the state track finals in three events in the spring, including the 300 hurdles, 1600 relay team as well as the long jump. He finished fourth in the state in the long jump with that distance of 22-2.

"I feel much faster this year, more springier off the board. I think that's the difference," Barr said. "I think being a three-sport athlete has helped. I am always on my feet, constantly moving, my legs always getting stronger. Plus, working out in the weight room has helped with running faster, jumping higher, further."

Moore has seen first hand, how all the extra work Barr has put in, has helped his star pupil.

"He's not the fastest guy in the conference, but he has raw speed and he can jump out of the gym in basketball, so that's a great combination," Moore said. "He has a great worth ethic. We have just tried to improve multiple small things in his progression. He is patient with me and my coaching and I have enjoyed the evolution of Davis Barr."

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Moore, who also was a part of two relays teams in his high school years that held Lakeview track records, saw his final record fall with Barr's long jump effort.

"I won't get to see my name up there any more, so that will be different. My records have been chipped away over the years. But there will still be a Moore up there, so that's nice," said Moore, whose son Aiden Moore is a senior on this year's track team himself and is part of the school record in 3,200 relay. "But, I'm glad Davis broke my record. Who would you rather have break your record than someone you are coaching?"

Now, it will be Barr's chance to see his name on the record board, for what he hopes will be three more decades, like his predecessor.

"It will be pretty sweet to see my name up there. Hopefully no one takes me down before it gets up there," Barr said.

Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Lakeview track standout Davis Barr breaks 32-year-old long jump record