By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — When it comes to district competition, the Riverside girls track and field team continues to dominate. 

For the sixth consecutive season, the Lady Rebels earned district championship honors, this season besting five other teams for the honor with a top score of 187.

“It’s a credit to these girls,” said Riverside track and field coach Joe Trosclair. “All the hard work they’ve put in … Six years in a row is a major, major accomplishment.”

Newman finished second with 111 points, while St. James was third with 55.

The top four finishers in each event qualified for regionals.

Michelle Mayes won the discus (94-7) and javelin (100-10) and took second in the shot put (32-8.5) en route to being named the District Field MVP. 

“She loves track and field,” said Trosclair. “She’s in practice, working hard every day. The discus is her best event, but I know she wants to make it to state in all three. So that’s what we’re shooting for.”

In the field, Channan Simmons won the long jump (17-2.5). Kendra Turner won the shot put (33-3.5) and finished fourth in the discus (72-5). Michelle Mayes won the discus (94-7) and javelin (100-10) and took second in the shot put (32-8.5). 

Toni Perrin took second in the long jump (16-5.5). Re’Jon Alexander finished second in the high jump (4-5). Kendra Turner finished second in the triple jump (31-2.25). Maddie Duhon was fourth in the triple jump (28-1.75). Jordan Duhon finished third in the javelin (76-0). 

On the track, Kennedy White was second in the 100 meters (12.98) and third in the 200 (28.40). Taylor Aubert finished fourth in the 200 (29.05). Simmons was fourth in the 400 (1:07.12). Briley Becker took fourth in the 1600 (6:40.60) and 3200 (15:11.65). Toni Hebert was third in the 3200 (15:08.85). Spencer Rodriguez was third in the 300 meter hurdles (58.12) and fourth in the 100 hurdles (20.33). Duhon took fourth in the 300 hurdles (1:01.41). 

All three Riverside girls relay teams won their events. The 4×100 (Kennedy White, Channan Simmons, Peyton Sutton and Tajah Greenup) ran a time of 52.86. The 4×200 team (same quartet) finished in 1:51.15 and the 4×400 team (Toni Perrin, Taylor Aubert, Peyton Sutton and Colby Johnson) ran a time of 4:41.04. 

The Riverside boys finished fourth at the event overall. Newman earned district championship honors with a score of 126. 

The 4×400 relay team (Darrion Cook, Brandon Sanders, Von Julien and Curtis Thomas) took first place with a time of 3:39.73. 

“They’re something special to watch out there. We’re hoping for big things,” said Trosclair. 

The 4×200 relay team took second place (Von Julien, Curtis Thomas, Darrion Cook and Gerald Songy, 1:32.24) and 4×100 team (same quartet) finished third. 

In the field, Cameron Cook highlighted things with a win in the javelin (127-8).

JaJuan Bell took third in the long jump (19-8), high jump (5-6) and triple jump (38-7.5). Jordan Andrews was second in the high jump (5-8). Tanner Triche finished fourth in the javelin (111-5). Joe Anderson was fourth in the 400 (55.10). 

Trosclair noted that Andrews, one of the Rebels usual standouts, hoped to win district but didn’t have his best day. But the silver lining, the coach said, is he’ll move on.

“As long as you make it to regionals, we can keep going from there,” said Trosclair. “We just needed a top four place, and he got it.”