By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

Reserve Christian went into last Wednesday’s Class C Region III track and field meet with only eight team members.

Nonetheless, the Eagles emerged with state qualifiers in ten events – and two MVPs.

The Eagles’ Alphonso Mackey was named boys MVP and Alana Bernard was named girls MVP of the regional last week at Louisiana School for the Deaf in Baton Rouge.  Both are headed to the state track and field championships at LSU this Friday.

Mackey won the 100 meters (11.24), the 200 meters (23.88) and the 400 meters (52.79) on his way to MVP honors.

“He’s the heart of our team, the leader,” said RCS track Coach Ashton Cage. “He held us together when we had a lot of people, and he still does as we have fewer.

Bernard took first in the girls’ 1600 meters (6”48.40) and the 3200 (16:06.82) She placed second in the 800 meters (3:06.07).

“If Alphonso’s the heart of the boys team, she’s certainly the heart of the girls’ team,” said Cage.

Matt Cali captured first place in the boys’ javelin with a throw of 138-10, and will join them Friday in Baton Rouge.

Damion Dinef took second place in the shot put with a put of 38-3.5.

Raquel Scott is on her way as well, taking second in the 110 meter hurdles (18.87) and the 300-meter hurdles (58.11).

Reserve finished fourth in both the boys and girls team competitions.