DAMIEN RICHARD COMPETES AT THE LSU HIGH SCHOOL QUALIFIER IN 2023
Somewhere between Feb. 8 and Feb. 22 of 2025, Destrehan's Damien Richard II went from knocking on the door of becoming a good long jump to kicking the son of a gun in.
In the last regular season indoor meet in 2025, Richard jumped 20-9.5, which was close to his personal record of 21-5.75 which he had jumped earlier in the year as well as 2024.
What he would do at the LHSAA State Indoor Championships would put the La. High School jumps community on notice. He finished third with a jump of 23-0.75, making his first podium appearance at an LHSAA state meet.
Not only did he make the podium in the long jump, but he also made it in the triple jump where he also finished third with a jump of 46-10.25.
Two personal records and his first two state podium appearances in one day.
Richard is the No. 21 ranked returner in the nation in the long jump. In the triple jump, he is ranked No. 20 in the nation among all returners.
His jump last year also ranks him at No. 6 all-time in Louisiana for high juniors. In the triple jump, he is ranked at No. 7 all-time indoors for Louisiana juniors.
A star on the football field for Destrehan as well, last month Richard signed with LA Tech during the early signing period.
Richard was asked by WGNO why he chose LA Tech.
"It was my first visit, and my only visit," Richard said. "When I went up there, I loved it. I love the camaraderie of the team. It's like a family. I felt like it was the best fit for me."
Louisiana high school track and field fans will have to wait to watch Richard compete as he will wait to open his senior high school season on January 24 at the LSU High School Qualifier.
