By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

It was a season for the ages for the St. James track and field team. Those selecting postseason awards for the LSWA took notice.

Wildcats’ Coach Randy Breaux has been selected as this year’s All-State Track and Field Coach of the Year in the wake of St. James’ state championship win at LSU three weeks ago.

In addition, St. James’ Lutcher Ambrose represented the Wildcats on the team in three events: the boys’ 100 (1st, 10.52); the long jump (2nd, 24-2.5), and the triple jump (3rd, 47-10.5).

The  All-State track and field team, unlike in other sports, is a single list that takes into account all seven classifications.

Lutcher saw two participants land spots on the team: Aston Williams (3rd, javelin, 192-9) and Fred Thomas (4th. Lutcher, 48.0).

Breaux emphasized that his coach of the year award was achieved via a team effort.

“It’s a credit to the kids, the other coaches, and our program. This is award is for all of them,” Breaux said.

“It’s truly gratifying to be named and recognized out of all the coaches in the state, for them to say that we did the best job.”

Ambrose, a signee with Louisiana-Lafayette, came into the season with a purpose, Breaux said.

“I just can’t say enough about him,” said Breaux. “He signed that scholarship, and continued to give his all. Our athletes on this decided in December that they wanted a state title, and Luther was the leader of that group. Others wanted to try their best just because he’s around.”

Ambrose made an impact on the track early in his career at St. James – he qualified for the state meet in his freshman year in the 100.

But in the field, he established himself more recently, in the last two seasons.

“He was a really good sprinter when he came here,” Breaux said. “He turned into a really good jumper.”