LAKEWOOD – Injury wasn’t going to stop Gavin Reddick from putting on a show at JeffCo Stadium.  

In a thrilling final, Canon City’s Reddick secured back-to-back Colorado High School Activities Association state championships in the 100-meter final Saturday morning. Just a few hours later, he took the 200 final to end his high school career as a three-time state champion. 

Reddick took the 100 in a time of 10.61 seconds and followed up with a personal best time of 21.55 to take the 200. 

“This year’s title means a lot more than last year,” Reddick said. “Going into state, I was feeling pretty injured, but I knew I just needed to trust in God and put in the work. I trusted everything he’s given me and got the work done.”

Reddick suffered a groin injury that left him wary of defending his 100 title. Even so, he took a deep breath in the blocks and focused on a decent start to execute a near-flawless race. 

The senior recorded 18 touchdowns and piled up over 1,000 rushing yards for Canon City this fall, but the 6-foot-2 sprinter has decided to pursue a track career over football and will compete for Fort Lewis College in Durango. 

“I love football, but God gave me the gift of track, and I think I can go really far,” Reddick said. “I love it, it’s my favorite thing in the whole world.” 

While Reddick has officially retired his football pads, competing for the Tiger football team prepared him for his state championship performance.  

“Football mentally prepares me better than any sport,” Reddick said. “It gives you mental toughness, leadership skills, creates bonding with teammates, gives you a mindset that when you need to get something done, you have to get it done, and things won’t come easy.”

Although Reddick placed third in the 200-meter last season, he didn’t consider himself a 200-meter runner until this year. He used to favor the 100-meter, but the 200 is starting to become his new favorite event. 

“Ever since I won the state last season, I’ve been thinking about it every day,” Reddick said after his 200-meter race. “How will I get better, stronger, faster. So to get here feels great, nothing like it.”