by George Mahl Sports Editor

DESTREHAN – 2003 was the year in which the Destrehan baseball team fell one game short of capturing the ultimate prize – a 5A State Championship. Also in 2003, the girls basketball team surprised some by making it to the Sweet 16 semifinal, only to lose to Southwood, 53-36. The Lady Wildcats were led by Megan Stock, who signed a scholarship with Delgado in 2002.

Destrehan’s most memorable regular season victory was probably the victory over rival East St. John in the final regular season district game on February 14. The loss prevented the Lady Cats from having a perfect record in the district.

Destrehan Head Baseball Coach Marty Luquet enjoyed an excellent baseball season in 2003. Led by the pitching of Andrew Lassere and Beau Jones, the Wildcats claimed second place in 6-5A. Also featured was the play of third baseman Trey Simon, who recently signed a scholarship with LSU. During the Wildcats playoff run, Destrehan knocked off Denham Springs, Mandeville, Southwood and Barbe before falling to East Ascension in the 5A title game, 10-6.

The Wildcat football team had another good season under Head Football Coach Stephen Robicheaux. Destrehan’s only two regular season losses were against Hahnville, 24-20, and a 45-14 blowout against East St. John the following week.

Throughout the 2003 season, Destrehan was led by quarterback DeMarko Hutchinson and defensive end Darryl Richard. Both were named members of the All-L’observateur team in 2003. The playoff run for the Wildcats ended with a quarterfinal loss against Carencro, 34-13.

The Lady Wildcats volleyball team was in a position it was not familiar with. Destrehan got off to a slow start in the district race and even lost to East St. John, a team that had not defeated them in the several years.

The Lady Wildcats did get better during the season, largely because of the play of Katie Stevens.

Destrehan got knocked out in the bi-district round of the 2003 playoffs by New Iberia.

Under the direction of Boys Head Basketball Coach Joe Schick, the basketball team finished in third place behind Hahnville and Thibodaux. The Wildcats featured seniors Donald Pollard, Aaron Sylvain and Chris Moore. Their championship dreams, however, were cut short by a loss against Brother Martin in the first round.