WESTGATE'S DEDRICK LATULAS COMPETES AT THE 2023 LHSAA STATE OUTDOOR MEET!
Westgate's Dedrick Latulas faced the best of the best in the 2023 MileSplit LA Boy's Athlete of the Year ballot. With the support of family, friends, and the Tiger Nation in and around the New Iberia area, Latulas came out on top...and it wasn't close.
Latulas garnered 40% of the vote. Leesville's Sean Ledesma was second with 16% of the vote.
Latulas was the MVP of the LHSAA Class 4A State Outdoor Championships after winning both the long jump (22-6), triple jump (45-4), and running a leg on Westgage's winning 4x200m relay. Latulas was also third in the 110m hurdles (15.26). His performance-along with that of fellow senior Mekhi Boutte-led the Tigers to the team's third consecutive LHSAA State Championship.
"I just want to start by thanking you guys for this opportunity," Latulas said. "I'm beyond thankful for even being considered, but I wouldn't be here without the support of my family, friends, coaches, community, and most of all God."
"Discovering my athletic ability and deciding to be an athlete is the best thing that ever happened to me," Latulas said. "And It's truly a blessing to know that you have people who genuinely want you to succeed-even when times get tough. With them in my corner, it makes me strive a lot harder because I know I have people counting on me."
Those people will continue to be in Latulas' corner as he will take his talents to Louisiana Tech, where he will play wide receiver for the Louisiana Tech football program. Latulas plans to be a two-sport athlete in Ruston.
"I feel as if it's a no brainer," Latulas said. "I can compete in another sport I love. On top of that, the training will make me more explosive and faster on the football field-so it's the best decision for me."
Latulas gave credit to Westgate head coach Philip Guidry for his development in the sport of track and field.
"Coach Guidry mentored, constantly pushed me to be the best version of myself, and even saw greatness in me before I did," Latulas said. "I only wanted to play football-honestly, but with help of Coach Guidry, I became a better track athlete which transferred to the football field, a better person, and grew a greater connection with the Lord. I'm grateful to have such a well-rounded coach who pointed to a straight direction of greatness."