COLUMBUS -- Zach Smith is a running machine. And this machine is in high gear.

Smith, the South Point Pointers senior mid-distance runner, turned in the best performance of his career Saturday by winning the 800 meter run at the Jesse Owens Classic at the University of Ohio State.

The Jesse Owens meet was open to high school athletes this year and Smith got an invitation to participate.

Smith ran a school record 1:55.8 to win the event as he led from wire-to-wire.

Pointers coach Randy Smith said Zach, his nephew, not only ran a great race, but could improve on his efforts.

"We were looking at last year and he made a 3-second improvement about this time. That would be something, but 1:55.8 is pretty darn good," coach Smith said.

The younger Smith was running against mostly runners from Division I schools.

"He deserved the win. He's worked hard for it," coach Smith said.