In 2023 there were the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. There were stories of one of the greatest hurdlers in Louisiana history deciding to stay close to home, and stories of the adversity that athletes at the Louisiana School For the Death have to overcome to compete. Here are a few of our favorite stories in 2023. We appreciate all of the athletes and coaches who allowed us to share them with the MileSplit LA community. What was your favorite MileSplit LA story in 2023?
1. Richey's Brother Will Have Best Seat In The House In 2024!
This picture was the last one Teurlings Catholic's Addison Richey took with her older brother. It was moments after Richey won her first state championship at the LHSAA State Outdoor Meet. Richey passed away from the result of an accident on a Floriday beach over July Fourth holiday.
2. Shreve Coach Murdered; Grieving Gators Begin Season
No team should have to be called into a conference room filled with grief counselors to discuss the horrific death of their beloved coach, but that is exactly what the Captain Shreve Lady Gators did on the first day for practice of the indoor season. Head Coach Kendrick Law sent the team home and the team regrouped to begin practice on the next day.
3. Scotlandville's Makeriah Harris Staying Home; Picks LSU!
There were several recruiting visits for Scotlandville's Makeriah Harris. Tennesse, Kentucky, Michigan, the University of Florida, and Baylor. In. the end Harris decided to stay on the bayou and attend LSU. MileSplit was there to cover the signing in early
4. Oh, yeah! Brady! Jesuit's Brady Mullen Breaks 9:00 At RTC
It was a year of barrier breaking for Jesuit's Brady Mullen. It started this spring at the RunningLane Track Championships in Huntsville, Alabama. Read about the historical significance of Mullen's performance in this article. Mullen's magical year continued during the Fall when he became the first distance runner in Louisiana history to break 15:00 in a 5K cross country race.
5. COLUMN: When It Doesn't End Well, It Hurts!
West Ouachita's Jahzell Jackson made the podium at the 2022 LHSAA State Outdoor Meet. Unfortunately, Jackson was not able to make it out of Region 1-5A 2023. Watching Jackson brought back some memories from the same complex for MileSplit LA state editor Jerry Byrd.
6. LSD War Eagles Face Adversity Every Day
Some athletes will face adversity during a season or a track meet. The student-athletes at the Lousisiana School for the Deaf face adversity every day. It doesn't stop them though. Read about the hurdles that War Eagles have to overcome to compete at the LHSAA State Outdoor Meet.
