He's the caterpillar that turned into the butterfly, the frog that became prince.

Darnell Juan "D.J." Washington began his Petersburg High track participation as a reluctant, unsuccessful long-distance runner.

In a head-spinning transformation, he's on track now to end his career as the area's premier sprinter.

"The sky's the limit for D.J.," Crimson Wave coach Remus James said. "He's going to keep getting faster."

The 5-8 160-pounder already is swift enough to wear the crown as the Central Region's indoor 55-meter conquistador. He hopes to tag on the 100 and 200 titles this spring while also anchoring the Wave's 400 relay.

There's speed aplenty on the roster with Washington - barely - at the front of the charge.

The Wave's fast fraternity also includes Marquis Bagby (second in the region 55), Eric Magruder (fifth) and DeMondre Woodson (ninth) - all capable of placing in the region dashes.

Petersburg opened the outdoor season by besting a field of 18 schools to win the 400 at the Manchester Relays.

Freshman flop: Washington was relegated to 1,600/3,200 duty as a freshman in his first try at organized track.

"I was seeking fun, but it was no fun," he said.

The highlight of a resignation-shortened freshman season was "finishing next to last at Christopher Newport."

James said, "We had faster sprinters then. You've got to earn your way to be a sprinter at Petersburg."

Even Jerome Mathis, who would go on to become state 100/200 champion, started out in the distance brigade.

"As much as I hated it, it did get me in shape," Washington said.

Open 24 hours: Until recently, Washington worked a part-time job as a waiter.

"Great people skills," he said with a laugh.

He's given up his service with a smile chores this spring to focus on racing and investigate college options. He plans to continue track and football on the next level.

Washington was a standout cornerback (nicknamed "Shutdown") last fall before missing the last six games with a leg injury.

Chowan and Averett have made inquiries. He hopes to open more eyes this spring in showcase meets such as tomorrow's Dogwood Invitational in Charlottesville.

Steady climb: Washington returned to track as a sophomore and competed in the 400.

As a junior, he was second (11.35 to 11.38) to senior teammate Sharrod Brown in the district 100.

Washington can't drag his feet. In the first outdoor dual meet (against Meadowbrook) this spring, he was second in the 100 to Bagby.

Since then, he has defeated Matoaca's Jamar Parham, another region contender.

"I edged Jamar," Washington said. "He told me he'd see me at districts."

Parham and Dorian Jackson of Matoaca, Douglas Freeman's Ulrick Smith and Cosby's Mitchell Shifflett would seem to be area's elite sprinters among those not wearing Petersburg uniforms.

"We've got a great situation here," James said. "Our sprinters are so good, and so close, that even the practices are very competitive."