BROTHER MARTIN HC DREW HARO TALKS ABOUT THE CRUSADERS D-I REGION 3 CHAMPIONSHIP
So far, 2022 has been "amazing" for Jesuit senior Jack DesRoches .
He has overcome a summer injury and has returned to championship form--"if not better"--as evidenced by his 14:23 course record at the District 9-5A Meet.
"It took us all by surprise," DesRoches said of Jesuit's feat. "The idea of setting any records were scratched when we saw how it was. But, we felt really good. I am really proud of the way I ran, and proud of what we accomplished as a team."
Now, DesRoches has the 2022 LHSAA Division I State Meet in his sights. And getting the bad taste out of his mouth from his state meet performance.
In the spring, DesRoches was in the best shape of his life before coming down with a mystery illness before a few days before the 2022 LHSAA State Track & Field Championship, where he finished second to C.E. Byrd's Trent Wells in a dramatic 3200m race.
DesRoches, the defending state champion in the event, put a valiant fight, but it was Wells' night.
It was the second consecutive state championship performance in which DesRoches finished second. He finished second to teammate Michael Vocke at the 2021 LHSAA Class 5A State Cross Country Championships.
"I want it to seem like it (finishing second) doesn't matter," DesRoches said. "Secretly, it does matter. I want to be back on top."
His main competition on Monday should come from Jesuit teammate--Jesuit sophomore Brady Mullen, who was six seconds behind DesRoches at the District Meet.
While DesRoches and Mullen are the heavy favorites at state, there are other runners capable of pulling off the upset. Two of those runners are Jesuit's Robert Buisson and Leland Crawford.
While talking about his younger teammates, DesRoches keeps coming back to one word--"hungry."
"Brady Monahan killed it a regionals," DesRoches said. "Leland Crawford has been trying to overcome some injuries. He is really talented. I'm really looking forward to see who is going to make a jump at state. There is always someone who suprises."
When talking about the rise of Louisiana cross country over the past few years, Jesuit head coach Cullen Doody has said--"A rising tide lifts all boats."
While there is no arguement that the Jesuit fleet of cross country weapons is higher than any other at present--or ever--in Louisiana, Brother Martin is not far behind. Look for Crusaders Daniel Falk, Gabriel Metoyer, and Luke Regan to finish the year strong with impressive performances on Monday.
The Crusaders are capable of some surprises of their own.
Who do you think will be the LHSAA Division I Boys' Cross Country State Champion? The MileSplit LA poll is open for our audience to decide. The poll will close on Sunday at 8pm.
Who will be the 2022 LHSAA Division I Boys' State Cross Country Champion?
