The state of high school girls distance running in Louisiana has never been better. Led by Parkview Baptist's Cramer sisters, there is a Youth Movement sweeping across the Bayou State and this week's MileSplit Louisiana's Future Star is the cream of the crop.
The Willow School's Emma Aldana-Huegla (5:26) finished seventh in the 1600m at the LSU Last Chance Qualifier. In the 3200m, Aldana-Huegla finished closer to the podium with a fourth-place 11:27.49.
While she didn't make the podium for either race, you will not have to worry as she will be making several podium appearances over the next few year. For this reason, Aldana-Huegla is MileSplit LA's Future Star.
RANKINGS! La. ALL-TIME 1600m LIST FOR SEVENTH GRADE GIRLS!
It was was her first indoor meet-EVER. And after her first indoor meet she is ranked No. 3 all-time in Louisiana for seventh grade girls. Only Parkview Baptist's Lucy Cramer (5:15) and Molly Cramer (5:23) have run faster.
In the 3200m rankings, Aldana-Huegla is even closer to the top. She ranks No. 2 in Louisiana history among seventh grade girls. The only seventh grader who has run faster is Molly Cramer.
RANKINGS! La. ALL-TIME 3200m FOR SEVENTH GRADE GIRLS!
Nationally, out of 132 seventh grade girls who have run the 1600m indoors this season, Aldana-Huegla ranks No. 4. In the 3200m, she ranks No. 2 in the nation.
On Louisiana's all-time list for seventh grade girls, Aldana-Huegla is ahead of Louisiana high school legend Gabrielle Jennings, who recently competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics. Jennings had a best indoors of 5:31 when she was in the seventh grade. Jennings' time in the 3200m was 11:32.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Do you have a MileSplit LA Future Star you would like to nominate to be highlighted. Send Name, school, grade, events and personal records to Jerry Byrd at milesplitlaeditor@gmail.com. Let us know what makes the athlete special and why they are deserving or recognition. Nominations are due every Monday by 5pm.