DURHAM -- The thought of winning a regional track meet was more of a dream for Cary's Darrell Sheppard before Saturday's final race. Then again, there he was, on the track to start the 4x400-meter relay.

Sheppard and his teammates were racing mostly against time, as a strong Wakefield team was hoping to take its NCHSAA 4A Mideast Regional title in the next heat. Yes, Sheppard and the rest of the Imps ran as fast as they could. Wakefield ran faster in winning the event.

And in a rare finish to a track meet, Cary's time of 3 minutes, 29.33 seconds was enough for seventh place - and two points toward the team's overall total - which resulted in the Imps winning the meet over Wakefield with 70.5 points. The Wolverines finished with 70.