This week a small group of intrepid harriers from across the bayou state embark on a journey to McAlpine Park in the state of North Carolina. The Footlocker South meet in Charlotte is a yearly rite of passage for ten boys and girls to seek admittance into an exclusive club of prep runners who compete for a national title on a winter's day in San Diego in mid-December. Only two runners from Louisiana have ever qualified for to the Footlocker (formerly Kinney) Championships, Mike Morin of Sulphur and Ryan Travis of Sumner. This year may be another marked point in Louisiana running history. Here is a list of competitors who competed at the varsity level this year:
Ariel Pedigo- The 7th grader from Parkview Baptist looks to take on the challenge of Footlocker after placing 11th in a competitive 3A field at the state meet. It is uncertain if she will be competing in the championship section or the age group section.
Angelle Primeaux- Your 6th place finisher in the 5A state meet takes her talent to the NC with hopes of qualifying for the big dance in San Diego. The sophomore is quite far down on the list on potential qualifiers but no doubt she will earn some quality experience that will pay dividends.
Jeffery Kelley- The senior from Catholic of Baton Rouge will be one of the top runners from the state of LA to ever run the Footlocker meet and looks to have a great shot to place top 20, if not closer to the qualifying places if he has been training since the state meet.
Eric Coston- Coston needs no introduction, but will most likely get one from the meet announcer before the race. Cosotn is the most serious potential threat to qualify from LA since perhaps when Ryan Travis qualified almost 20 years ago. This year LA could double the amount of qualifiers they have every produced at major XC national championships.