What's happening with Dennis Darling?

BY FRED STURRUP

FN Acting Managing Editor

There were once three very talented brothers, Dennis Darling, Devaughn Darling and Devard Darling. Devaughn and Devard became high school and college standouts in American Football.

With a bright future promised, Devaughn collapsed and died following a workout with the Florida State Seminoles.

Then, there were two talented brothers.

Devard transferred from Florida State to Washington State and continued to excite football experts. He opted for the National Football League with one season left in college and went to the Baltimore Ravens in the draft.

He was on the Ravens' roster from 2004 to 2007 and then joined the Kansas City Chiefs, his present team.

Older brother Dennis meanwhile opted for track and became a quality quarter miler. In fact, he is one of the stalwart one-lap sprinters who have made The Bahamas one of the top countries in the 1,600 metres relay for more than a decade now.

With a career best open clocking of 45.83, Dennis proved over and over to be a hard-nosed, gutsy relay runner. He made several national squads and was a member of The Bahamas' bronze medal winning team at the 2003 International Association of Athletic Federations' World Championships in Paris, France.

A mild-mannered, but strong advocate of fair play, Dennis always demonstrated maturity beyond his age. He was the different one. He was the one with a steady head whose prime focus was the job at hand.

On the track, he attacked rivals on his legs with tenacity. In other aspects of his life, he shows the same kind of determination.

The collegiate circuit in the United States followed his career and many liked his style. To that extent, The University of Texas-Arlington called and he coached at that institution.

Now, he coaches the female sprinters at Texas Christian University (TCU).

Darling thus is a member of that special breed of Bahamians who took their craft seriously enough to develop the kind of knowledge background, attractive to the highest of collegiate athletics.

It is a tribute to his sterling character of decency and work ethics. Dennis Darling is one of those Bahamian standard bearers who continue to make the people of this country proud, after their competitive careers are over.

Congratulations Dennis!

(Tomorrow the series will conclude with a focus on Darling's passion for working with young athletes).

© 2009 The Freeport News