Durham Striders Youth Association
The Durham Striders Youth Association integrates multiple aspects of wellness, academic reinforcement, citizenship training and family fitness to improve the overall health and productivity of the youth in our community.
Cotton Named NC Gatorade AOY
At this year’s N.C. High School Athletic Association 4A outdoor track and field state championships, D’Anna Cotton of Cummings won the girls long jump, triple jump, 100-meter hurdles and 300-meter hurdles. She led the Cavaliers to a team state championship and excelled in every event she participated in while winning MVP of the meet.
And now, she’s the first Gatorade North Carolina Girls Track and Field Player of the Year from Cummings since DeAnne Davis won in 1994.
Read more about Cotton’s award win.
Here’s more about D’Anna’s stellar high school career from a profile in the Alamance News.
Cotton, Hunter on Podium
Two athletes represented The Durham Striders on the podium at the 2026 Nike Outdoor Nationals and USATF U20 Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
D’Anna Cotton won the U20 Triple Jump and also placed 3rd in the Nike Outdoor Nationals
Chase Hunter placed 2nd at the Nike Outdoor Nationals with a PR of 2.20m.
D’Anna will return to Eugene to represent USA at the U20 World Championships, August 5-9.
NCHSAA Honors Davis, Cotton
We are incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding educators and leaders who were recognized at this year’s NCHSAA Awards for their unmatched dedication to student-athletes.
Donald Davis of Cummings High School was honored with the prestigious Harvey Reid Male Coach of the Year Award, adding another milestone to one of the most accomplished coaching careers in North Carolina history. Coach Davis guided the Cavaliers’ women’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs to state championships during the 2025-26 school year, elevating his career total to 24 team state championships. His true legacy is defined by his deep commitment to education, leadership, and the personal growth of generations of student-athletes.
Adding to the celebration for Cummings High School, D’Anna Cotton was also recognized at the awards for her phenomenal achievement as a twenty four-time Track and Field State Champion.
College Commitments
Congratulations to D’Anna Cotton, Chase Hunter, Diamond Moore, Dylan Watkins, and Aleah Weight for the commitments to the University of South Carolina, Duke, Jacksonville State, and Belmont Abbey. The Striders will be cheering for you!
NCHSAA Indoor Championships 2026
Congratulations to our State Medalists and Finalists:
D’Anna Cotton (MVP): 1st 55H, Long Jump, Triple Jump and High Jump
Carlos Green: 3rd Shot Put, 7th 55H
Jaleel Griffin: 1st 55H
Addyson Hamer: 3rd Triple Jump
Asher Holland: 7th 55H
Chase Hunter: 1st High Jump
Alex Juarez-Lopez: 7th 1600
Diamond Moore: 2nd Long Jump and Triple Jump
Kaili Payne: 2nd 55h, 3rd in Long Jump and Triple Jump
Alex Reiter: 2nd 55H
Carmelo Salem: 6th 55M
Honesti Trollinger: 3rd 55H
Aleah Weight (MVP): 1st Long Jump and Triple Jump, 4th 55H, 5th Shot Put
In Memorium
Honoring the Life an Legacy of Coach Carla
The Durham Striders family is heartbroken to share the tragic passing of Carla McLaughlin Boynton and her husband, Andre Boynton, in a car accident on Sunday, February 22, in Detroit.
Carla was deeply woven into the fabric of the Durham Striders family. In the late 70’s, she began as an athlete, grew into a coach and official, and remained a devoted volunteer—always willing to serve wherever she was needed. There was no task too small and no role too great for Carla. She gave her time, her energy, and most importantly, her heart.
Beyond the track, Carla lived a life of purpose and impact. She dedicated her professional career to working with youth as a high school physical education teacher, shaping lives with the same passion, commitment, and care that she showed on the track. She was one of the most devoted, compassionate, and genuine people.
Most importantly, Carla was a loving mother, a proud new grandmother, a devoted daughter and wife, a treasured friend, a Strider Sister, and a teammate.
We extend our deepest condolences to Carla’s family and to all who loved her. Grief is born of deep love, and the depth of our sorrow reflects just how deeply Carla was loved.
Here is a link to a Google album for Carla’s family. Please share any photos you may have of her.
In Loving Memory of Walt Cleary
The Durham Striders Track Club honors the life and legacy of Walt Cleary, a cherished supporter and friend whose impact on our program will never be forgotten.
As the owner of his shoe store, 9th Street Active Feet, Walt ensured our athletes had the gear they needed to compete with pride—providing uniforms, running shoes, and generous financial support over the years. His contributions helped countless young runners step onto the track with confidence and dignity.
More than his generosity, Walt gave belief. He believed in our athletes, in our mission, and in the power of sport to uplift and unite. His kindness and commitment will forever be part of our story.
Walt Cleary’s legacy lives on in every stride, every race, and every athlete who laces up their shoes. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.