HIGHLAND BAPTIST'S TYLER BLISSETT (9)LEADS 3200 EARLY AT STATE INDOOR
It's not every day that a middle school distance runner from a small private school in New Iberia makes his way to the Big Apple to compete against the best in the nation, but that's exactly what will happen on Saturday when Highland Baptist's Tyler Blissett competes in the middle school 3200 meters at the Nike Indoor Nationals.
Blissett is this week's MileSplit Louisiana's Future Star.
Blissett is not only one of the best in middle school runners in Louisiana, but is one of the best at the high school level as well. He has proven as much over the last two years.
Last year, as a seventh grader, Blissett finished 14th at the LHSAA State Cross Country Meet. This year, there were only two runners who finished in front of Blissett at the 2021 LHSAA State Cross Country Meet.
Indoors, Blissett has proven he is up to the challenge as well. He finished 8th in the Division II 1600 (4:47) and 6th in the Division II 3200 (10:16) at the 2022 LHSAA State Indoor Meet. The big stage inside the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse was not too big for him as both times were personal records for Blissett.
The big stage at the 2021 LHSAA State Outdoor Meet wasn't too big for him either. As a seventh grader, Blissett led the 3200 for 3000 meters. He lowered his personal record 14 seconds, running a 10:26.
Despite running incredible times, especially for a runner of his age, Blissett has his sights set on some lofty goals.
"I want to win a state championship in the 3200," Blissett said. "I also want to run sub 10:10 for the 3200."
Blissett hasn't arrived at this point in his career alone. He gave credit to several who have helped him along the way.
"God has helped me by blessing me with ability, work ethic , and good coaching," Blissett said. "My dad has coached and helped me to push myself to get better. Chapin Stewert, Cameron Kelly, Tray'quan Francis, Bailey Jean-Louis, and Christian Francisco helped me by giving me advice and being role models. Also, Coach Guidry of Westgate has helped me by giving me advice."
Now that he has made it here, he is going to New York to see if he can make it there.
Do you have a Future Star to nominate? Email Jerry Byrd at milesplitlaeditor@gmail.com