By JOHNNY PEPPO

Sports Editor

The Wildcats have 15 students entering today’s regional track and field meet with an eye towards qualifying for the state meet set for May 9.

Jamaan Kenner is one of the favorites from ESJ to make it, having seen teammate Vincent Stewart win state last year and after consistently taking first place finishes this year while clearing 6-0 this year. Last week in the district meet, Kenner earned the district title with a leap of 6-2, a height that would have earned a top ten finish in last year’s state meet.

&#8220At the beginning of the season I told him that he can make it over 6-2 with consistency,” said ESH Head Coach Eleno Rodriguez. &#8220He’s gotten there in the last two meets, so he knows he can do it. Now, he’s got to be wondering if he can get over something just a little higher.”

Another Wildcat looking for a return to the state tournament is Darielle Sanders. Sanders placed first in the triple jump and fourth in the long jump last week in Hahnville for the district meet and competed in last year’s state meet.

&#8220Darielle is just an athlete,” said coach Percy Williams. &#8220She can do anything that she puts her mind to. She just has that kind of physical talent.”

Also placing high in the district meet at Hahnville last week was Patrick Lewis and James Travis on the boys side, with second place finishes in the shot put and 1600 meters respectively. Back on the girls side, Whitney Stewart had two second place finishes in the triple jump and 800 meters to go with a fourth place in the high jump.