IOTA -- It was a stellar day on the track this past Tuesday for both the Ville Platte High boys’ and girls’ teams, as they took home some big time hardware.
The girls picked up the most important trophy of all, claiming the District 5-3A title, a title they have not garnered in 20 years. Individually, Vondrayua Wilson was named the Outstanding Track Person, while Kayden Coward and Alyssa Fontenot earned Outstanding Field Person titles.
On the boys’ side, Ville Platte placed third overall in the district. Alex Soileau was tabbed as the Outstanding Track Person for the boy’s division.
After the meet, girls’ head coach Roy Serie talked about the progression of his team this season.
“The commitment that these girls have shown throughout the year has been getting better and better,” stated Serie. “I think they are starting to see that track is a team sport as well as an individual sport. They have worked hard all year long and it has paid off. I am just hoping that the performances of these girls will inspire others to come out and participate in the future.”
What is more amazing about both performances from the boys and girls is that Ville Platte High has been without a workable track since the late 1980’s.
According to Serie, both teams get ready for meets the best way they can.
“I know other teams throughout the state may not have a track to practice on, so I don’t want to make any excuses for us,” said Serie. “But, our track has been out of commission for a while. It’s challenging to say the least. We just improvise and do the best we can. We work on technique and just wait until the meet to perform each event fully.”
Individually, several boys and girls qualified for the regional track meet to be held Tuesday at McNeese State University. Events begin at 10:30 a.m.
Here is a list of those athletes moving on to the regional meet, their placement at the district meet and their results.
Boys’ Results
100M- Trayvence Thomas, Third place (11.88).
200M- Trayvence Thomas, Second Place (24.89).
400M- Trayvence Thomas, First place (52.69)
800M- Alex Soileau, First place (2:22.22); Rodney Anderson, Fourth Place (2:50.75).
1600M- Alex Soileau, First place (4:48.85).
3200M- Alex Soileau, First place (14:02.22).
300M Hurdles- Trent Smith, First Place (20.12).
Shot Put- Kyle Williams, Second Place (42’5”).
In addition, the 400M (Fourth place), 800M (Third place) and 1600M (Third place) relay teams will all participate in the regional meet.
Placing fifth and going as alternates to the regional meet were Korrin Coward in the high jump and Quincy Bias in the discus.
Girls’ Results
100M- Kayden Coward, First place (12.95).
200M- Kayden Coward, First Place (26.69).
400M- Vondrayua Wilson, First place (1:04.83)
800M- Vondrayua Wilson, Second place (2:40.90).
1600M- Vondrayua Wilson, Second place (6:06.17); Na’Kira Freeman, Fourth place (7:09.61).
3200M- Vondrayua Wilson, First place (15:48.76).
100M Hurdles- Pa