Chapel Hill, NC – February 14, 2025 — The Burlington Cummings Girls Win 30th NCHSAA State Championship! In a thrilling and tightly contested finish, Burlington Cummings High School captured the NCHSAA 1A/2A indoor track & field state championship, ending Swain County’s three-year reign as state champions. The team finished with 80 points, narrowly edging out Swain County, which tallied 74.5 points. The victory was largely fueled by the outstanding performances of junior athlete D’Anna Cotton, whose remarkable efforts earned her three gold medals and one silver.
Cotton’s performances were nothing short of historic. In the women’s high jump, she tied her own 1A/2A state record, clearing 5 feet, 6 inches to claim her first gold medal. Later in the competition, she soared to new heights in the triple jump, breaking the previous state record with a jump of 40 feet, 9 inches. This new mark gave Cotton her second gold and established a new 1A/2A indoor track & field record that had stood for years. D’Anna Cotton, Diamond Moore, and Brooke Packingham also secured a clean sweep for the Cavs in the long jump.
Her final event of the day was the 4×200-meter relay, where she contributed to a silver medal finish for the Burlington Cummings team. Despite not claiming a third individual gold, her performance in the relay proved vital to the team’s victory, cementing the importance of her versatility and leadership.
The competition remained tight throughout the day, with Swain County putting up a strong challenge. Arizona Blankenship of Swain County set a new 1A/2A record in the 3,200-meter run with a blistering time of 10:45.27. Blankenship’s effort, along with strong performances across other events, helped keep Swain County in contention until the very end. However, Burlington Cummings’ consistent scoring, fueled by Cotton’s exceptional performance, ultimately proved to be the deciding factor.
Legendary coach Donnie Davis, who has been with Burlington Cummings for over two decades, was instrumental in guiding the team to this historic victory. Known for his dedication to developing athletes both on and off the track, Davis has built a track program that emphasizes hard work, resilience, and teamwork. His leadership and experience played a crucial role in preparing the team for the intense competition they faced at this year’s state championship.
Davis, who has led the program to numerous regional and state victories, shared his pride in the team’s success. “This victory is a testament to the years of dedication, both from the athletes and the coaching staff. D’Anna’s performance was outstanding, but this was a true team effort. I’ve been fortunate to coach so many talented athletes, and to see them break records and reach new heights is incredibly rewarding. We’ve been working towards this moment for a long time.”
The 2025 championship also saw a notable achievement from Mountain Island Charter, whose 4×200-meter relay team broke the 1A/2A indoor record with a time of 1:46.16. This new record added to the growing list of achievements at this year’s event, underscoring the level of competition and talent on display.
The victory marks a historic moment for Burlington Cummings, a school that has long been a competitive force in North Carolina’s track and field scene but had never before claimed the indoor track & field state title. This marks the end of Swain County’s three-year streak of state championships, a feat that had once seemed insurmountable. Yet, thanks to Cotton’s dazzling performances and the team’s collective strength, the Burlington Cummings squad found themselves atop the podium in 2025.
As the meet came to a close, Cotton reflected on her journey. “I just focused on giving my best for my team,” she said. “This is something we’ve all worked so hard for, and it feels amazing to see it all pay off. But this victory is a team effort. We all pushed each other, and that’s what got us here.”
The victory also served as a reminder of the deep talent present in North Carolina’s track & field programs. The state championship featured incredible individual feats and performances, with records being broken in multiple events across the board. For Burlington Cummings, however, February 14, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day they stood at the top of the podium, thanks to their exceptional athletes, the legendary guidance of Coach Donnie Davis, and the remarkable achievements of a team and their leading outstanding athlete, D’Anna Cotton.
As the team celebrates its triumph, the story of their win will surely inspire future generations of athletes looking to leave their mark on the track & field world.