What a collection of amazing performance in the state of Louisiana during Week No. 1 of the outdoor season.
St. Augustine's Zander Dunbar turned in a couple of elite performances at the Carver Classic at Joe Brown Park. He won the 400 (48.74) and the 800 (1:57.77). How is he running this fast this early? How fast can he go? We cannot wait to find out.
Catholic's Louis Rudge dominated the hurdles at the most competitive meet in the state, the CHS Tip Off 2022. Rudge won the 110 hurdles (14.47) and the 300 hurdles (38.56).
Ouachita's Jeremy Nelson used a disappointing runner-up performance at the LHSAA State Indoor Meet and a favorable wind to help him join the 50 ft. club in the triple jump. His 50-3 at the D&H Relays at ULM leads the nation, by 1.5 inches over his District 2-5A foe Brandon Green.
Nelson also led Ouachita to wins in the 800 relay (1:28.61) and 400 relay (42.06).
Benton's Mason Haley is another Performer of the Week who bounced back after a disappointing performance at the state indoor meet. Haley broke a 25-year old school record in the 1600, winning with a time of 4:27.18. He also won the 3200 with a 9:56.58.
Haley was able to do this in front of friends and family at the Shamocus Patton Benton Tiger Relays.
Westgate's Camron Spencer at great opener at the Cecilia Bulldog Relays. Spencer won the 200 (21.77)and finished second in the 110 hurdles with a 15.52. Spencer was also a part of Westgate's sprint relays. The Westgate 400 relay (42.66) and 800 relay(1:28.37) both turned in times among the best in the state.
Speaking of speed, Carencro would like to enter the conversation with junior Koen Beavers. Beavers won the 100 (10.93) at the Charles Lacon Invite and finished second in the 200 (23.22). Beavers also took part in helping Cro to a win in the 400 relay.
Yet another speedster from Southwest Louisiana....Lake Charles College Prep's Jarell Joseph won the Track MVP at the DeRidder Dragon Relays. Joseph turned in a time of 11.25 in the 100 and followed that with a 23.22 in the 200. Joseph also helped the Chargers to wins in both sprint relays.
Jesuit's Jack Larriviere finds himself with the nation's best javelin throw, launching a 195-0 effort at the Patrick Ruth Memorial Relays at Tad Gormley. The mark is also a school record.
We have a future star alert coming out of Destrehan where freshmen Phillip Wright won the 100 (11.04), 200 (22.14) and 400 (51.42).
Last but not least, Zachary's Rhen Langley participated in an epic 3200 at the West Feliciana Invitational. The fast field helped Langley run a jaw dropping 9:14.59. Jesuit had four harriers in the race; Lucas Sampedro (9:20.79), Leland Crawford (9:26.39), Robert Buisson (9:28.22), and Patrick Dowd (9:29.21). Mandeville's Nathan Fontan (9:27.96)also joined in on the fun.
While it would take some research to prove, it is thought to be one of the most talented 3200 fields ever assembled in a regular season track meet in the history of Louisiana Track & Field.