By Ryan Arena

L’Observateur

East St. John’s Jacobi Wilson captured most outstanding runner honors on Friday as the Wildcats took part in the Thibodaux High track and field meet.

Wilson, a senior, led the Wildcats to an eighth place finish out of 25 participating schools. She scored 24 total points, taking second place in the 100 meter, 200 meter, and 400 meter running events.

“I’m very proud of her,” said ESJ girls coach Tiffany Wilson. “This was an extremely competitive meet. To take MVP honors is a very, very big thing for her.”

The Ladycat 200 meter relay team also captured second place honors. The team was comprised of Wilson, Dynekia Sanders, Darichelle Sampson and Deznee Wilson.

“We’ve got high expectations this year,” said Wilson. “Everyone put on a nice showing. These girls are very dedicated.”

The East St. John boys took a 15th place finish at the event.

Patrick Lewis captured second place in the shot put. Quinton Johnson finished in fourth place in the 100 meter event.

“We’re still experimenting,” said East St. John boys coach Eleno Rodriguez. “We’re trying some of our guys out in different events. We’re just looking to get better, so no, we’re not yet where we need to be.”

Rodriguez said he was blown away, though, by the overall competitiveness of the event.

“Oh my goodness, these were the fastest people I’ve seen this early into a season,” he said.

West St. John’s girls finished 14th at Thibodaux.

Kyla Morris took a third place finish in the 300 meter hurdles. Latisha Jupiter also captured a third place finish, hers coming in the 400 meter.

“Those two are back where they left off last year,” said WSJ girls coach Stacy Bradford. “They’ll be big players this year. And the good thing is they’ll be here this season and next.”

Ambria Major took a sixth place finish in both the long jump and triple jump.

“She turned some heads,” said Bradford. “Against this competition, that’s a real nice finish.”

East St. John will compete at the South Beauregard meet on Friday, while West St. John will compete at Destrehan this week.

Things will be no easier, said Bradford.

“It’s another tough meet, and we don’t back down from those,” he said. “It’s really a great opportunity for us. You want to run against the best and learn from your peers.”

St. Augustine finished in first place among competing boys schools. Higgins finished first among girls.