David Hickerson shines for Ferry track

When talent meets hard work, success usually follows.

Success certainly was something Ferris High School senior David Hickerson enjoyed over his four-year career.

“He ran by my house on the South Hill,” said Ferris boys track head coach James Fisher. “I could see him running when there was rain and snow. I mean, the kid doesn’t quit.

“He understands if you want something, you have to work for it. I truly believe that’s something he’s learned from home,” Fisher said.

Hickerson’s hard work on the roads of Spokane paid off as the Saxon senior capped his running days at Ferris with a career-best performance at last weekend’s State 4A track meet.

“We finished 14th at state, and we brought in only 14 points,” the coach said.

Hickerson “was involved in all 14 points. He came in third in the 800, third in the 1,600, and we came in seventh, (with Hickerson) anchoring the 4x400 team for us,” Fisher said.

“My goal since my sophomore year was to finish like (former Ferris runner Ben) Poffenroth did,” said Hickerson. “I ran the exact same double he did at State, and I also ran the 4x400, but he won and I didn’t.

“Which is fine,” Hickerson continued. “I ran a P.R. (personal record) in the mile (1,600), which I’m OK with. My whole goal was to get that top-three spot at state. It’s been achieving. I had hoped to win the (individual) state cross (country) this year, but things really didn’t go my way. I’m happy with it though.”

Hickerson’s accomplishments on the track weren’t exactly what the Saxon runner had in mind when he started high school four years ago.

Enter Ferris cross-country coach Mike Hadway, who changed Hickerson’s direction.

“Coming to Ferris, I didn’t even think about running or making that the career choice,” Hickerson said. “It was just something I enjoyed doing, competing.

Hadway “made it a dream. He motivated me to not just run faster, but in my personal life to do the best I can do. He’s been there every step of the way. He’s part of my family pretty much. I can tell him just about anything. I know no matter what I do, he won’t get mad at me or anything as long as I do my best,” Hickerson said.

Hadway led Hickerson to be part of four straight cross-country state championship teams for the Saxons. The accomplishments during those fall seasons still resonate with Hickerson as his fondest memories of Ferris.

“Winning state my sophomore year in cross country,” Hickerson said when asked his greatest memory of his running career. “That was one of the biggest ones.

“Running with Ben Poffenroth in the 800 all the way up through regionals my sophomore year was fun, and all the guys who I’ve brought into my family along the way, the older and younger guys. I know I’ll have them as my friends my whole life,” Hickerson said.

Fisher named Hickerson as one of the captains of the track team this season, thanks to his work ethic and leadership.

“When I needed him, I called on him for the mile relay team, and he did that,” said Fisher. “He was one of my leaders for this year for track and field. He was a quiet and focused young man and worked hard. He’s one of those blue-collar workers. He’s not verbal. He doesn’t miss a practice.

“At the awards banquet, he earned the award for most inspirational,” the coach continued. “I elaborated to the audience what that meant to me. He inspired me. I wish I could walk in his footsteps because he just led like a leader and boldly took on any challenges that faced him. He personally inspired me to be the best coach I can be because of his hard work.”

Now Hickerson will take his running to the college level at Washington State University, where he will run for the cross country and track teams next year.

It’s another challenge Hickerson says he looks forward to.

“I know what to expect and what it takes to get to the top,” he said. “I hope to carry those skills toward college and help get the team to nationals.

“I think I’m going to have to kick my mileage up a bunch. I’ve been averaging like 70-mile weeks when I have no meets. I think I’m going to have to boost that up to 80 or 90 miles for the college level. I’m really looking forward to it.

“WSU is such an underdog – it’s that more motivating to get them in the track rankings. It’s like UW (the University of Washington) is getting so many guys. To beat them would feel so good,” Hickerson said.

Somehow, you get the feeling David Hickerson will find a way to win.