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LAPLACE — The St. John Legends Track Club closed out its summer season with its first annual scholarship presentation, which will be awarded annually to two athletes who have excelled in the program.

This year, four athletes were honored, including two who signed to collegiate track teams last year but were not recognized in 2020 due to COVID-19.

The following athletes received scholarships:

• 2021 – Devion Devare – University of Mobile
• 2021 – Jai Gaines – Miles College in Alabama
• 2020 – Alanni Martin – Dillard University
• 2020 – TaNaja Williams – University of Mobile

 

The St. John Legends Track Club also recently competed at the AAU Junior Olympics nationals at Humble High School in Houston, Texas. Seventeen athletes made the journey with the St. John Legends Track Club and competed against the nation’s best.

“It was a great experience and the kids got to see where they stand nationally,” Creecy said.

One of the highlights was the 4×100 meter relay in the girls’ 15- and 16-year-old division. A relay team comprised of Zha’nell Francois, Lauren Lewis, Diamond Shorty and Zakiya Dorsey knocked two second off of its qualifying time.

Francois and Aja Creecy had top 15 finishes in the triple jump and javelin, respectively. The youngest St. John Legends athlete to compete at the Junior Olympics was 5 years old, and the oldest was 18 years old.