When Scotlandville junior Makeriah Harris was asked about her favorite moment of 2022, it didn't take her long to give her answer. With many incredible history-making moments to choose from, you would think it would require more thought.
Instead of pointing to one of her many individual accomplishments, Harris chose the victory celebration when her Lady Hornets knocked off Ruston to win the LHSAA Class 5A State Outdoor Championships at LSU's Bernie Moore Stadium on Saturday, May 7th.
"It really felt good to know that I contributed to the team," Harris said. "For our all of our hard work to pay off with a state championship, it was really special."
It was just one of many special moments for Harris in 2022.
In March, Harris (41.74) became the first female in Louisiana history to break 42 second in the 300 hurdles at the Texas Southern Relays. A week later, she went back to Texas and become the first female in Louisiana to break 41 seconds, running a 40.76 at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays.
As good as 2022 was, Harris is working to make sure that her junior year is even more successful.
"I'm looking forward to continuing to make history and keep breaking records," Harris said of the year ahead. "I want this year to be better than the last."
Harris has identified areas in both the indoor and outdoor seasons where she wants to see improvement.
"I'm looking forward to continuing to make history and keep breaking records. I want this year to better than the last."
Scotlandville's Makeriah Harris
"Indoors, it's the 400," Harris said. "I feel like I could have done better last year," Harris said. "Outdoors, I feel like I was holding back in the 300m hurdles which caused me not run as good as I wanted to."
But--like her favorite moment of 2022--Harris seems even more excited to see what her Scotlandville Lady Hornets can achieve.
TOP 9 HS GIRLS IN USA RETURNING IN INDOORS 60m HURDLES
| RANK | TIME | ATHLETE/TEAM | GRADE | MEET DATEPLACE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8.32 | 2023 | MITS - LAB #21st F | |
| 2 | 8.39 | 2023 | ||
| 3 | 8.43 | 2023 | The Galleria Games1st F | |
| 4 | 8.46 | 2025 | ||
| 5 | 8.49 | 2023 | ||
| 6 | 8.52 | 2024 | ||
| 7 | 8.53 | 2023 | The VA Showcase1st F | |
| 8 | 8.59 | 2023 | ||
| 9 | 8.60 | 2024 |
"We have improved a lot," Harris said. "We have grown as a team. I feel like the chemistry we have will help us be even more successful this season."
Harris will open this Saturday at LSU Indoor Classic where she plans to compete in the 60m hurdles and the 400. She also plans to put the team chemistry on display by running on Scotlandville's sprint relays.
And so, it begins. Another year. Another track season...one Harris hopes is filled with many magical moments.
