LPJ Sports Report
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Showtime Track Club capped its inaugural appearance at the 2026 USATF National Youth Outdoor Championships with two national championships, multiple personal-best performances and strong showings against some of the nation’s top young athletes.
Competing June 24-27 at Milton Frank Stadium, the first-year Ruston-based club was led by 11-year-old Dallas Smith, who won national titles in both the boys 11-12 800-meter and 1,500-meter races while also qualifying for the 400-meter final.
Smith captured the 1,500-meter championship in a lifetime-best 5 minutes, 3.35 seconds before claiming the 800-meter national title in another personal-best time of 2:26.06. He advanced to the 800 final after posting the fastest preliminary time of 2:29.75.
He also showcased his versatility in the 400 meters, qualifying for the national final with a preliminary time of 1:02.91 before placing fifth in the nation in 1:04.70.
Competing in three events across four days, Smith displayed the poise of a seasoned racer, according to Showtime Track Club head coach Morgan Smith.
“One of the biggest things we’ve seen in Dallas this season is how much he has grown as a race tactician,” Smith said. “He’s learning when to be patient, when to take control of a race, and when to respond to another athlete’s move. That’s a skill that can’t be taught overnight, and he’s developing it at an incredible pace.”
Coach Smith said Dallas embraced the challenge of competing against elite runners from traditional youth track powers.
“These weren’t easy wins,” he said. “Dallas competed against outstanding athletes from Florida, New Jersey, Georgia and Texas — states that consistently produce some of the nation’s best youth distance runners. Every race required him to make smart decisions, stay composed and trust his training. He answered every challenge that came his way.”
Throughout both championship races, Dallas remained near the front of the field before making decisive moves late.
“What impressed me the most was how calm he stayed,” Coach Smith said. “When another runner made a move, Dallas never panicked. He responded with confidence and looked completely in control. Once he decided it was time to take command of the race, he did exactly that. That’s the sign of a runner who is beginning to understand how to win championships — not just run fast times.”
Smith believes Dallas’ rapid development is only the beginning.
“To come home with two national titles at just 11 years old is a tremendous accomplishment, but what excites me even more is that he’s still learning and improving every week,” he said. “His work ethic is exceptional, he loves to compete, and he’s developing the racing instincts that separate good runners from great ones. We’re excited to see what the future holds.”
In the girls 11-12 division, Doris Hearn competed in three throwing events during her first national championship meet.
Hearn finished 10th nationally in the discus with a throw of 31 feet, 7 inches (9.64 meters), placed 12th in the shot put at 17-7 (5.36 meters) and finished 17th in the aero javelin with a throw of 21-10 (6.67 meters).
Smith praised Hearn’s growth during her first season competing in the throwing events.
“I’m incredibly proud of the progress Doris has made this year,” Smith said. “This was her first season learning three completely different throwing events, and she’s improved every time she’s stepped into the circle or onto the runway. That’s a testament to her willingness to learn and the work she’s put in throughout the season.”
He said the opportunity to compete at the national level should benefit Hearn in the future.
“Competing on the national stage against some of the best young throwers in the country is an experience that’s impossible to replicate,” Coach Smith said. “I believe seeing that level of competition will only motivate her to elevate her own game. She’s just scratching the surface of her potential, and I’m excited to watch her continue to develop over the next several years.”
As a first-year program, Showtime Track Club concluded the national meet with two USATF national championships, two personal-best performances and a strong showing on one of youth track and field’s biggest stages while representing Lincoln Parish and Louisiana.
