Deavon Kiefer, 16, blew into Spring, Tex, just north of Houston, for a two-day inline speed skating meet just as Hurricane Gustav stormed across Cuba.
But this was the NIRA National Championship meet, so the event got underway as competitors kept a nervous eye on the progress of the Hurricane, this past Labor Day Weekend.
Deavon blew past his competition on the first day, winning the 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meter races in his division. Deavon earned a first place overall trophy and four gold medals in the Newcomer Junior Men Division for ages 16 and up.
The second day the competition proceeded to the outdoor portion on a 500 meter track. Deavon finished a very close second in the one-lap 500 meter race. Then came a 16-lap race on the 500 meter track that put skaters’ endurance to the test. Again, Deavon finished a close second, which earned him a silver medal overall in his age division. Saturday night Gustav rolled toward New Orleans and Deavon took off his skates and headed home. Deavon Kiefer lives in Fate and is a Junior at Royse City High School. He skates for DFW Speed and is coached by Ricky Brock, Todd Hackney and Gary Hilliard. The race was sanctioned by the National Indoor Racing Association.
