By RYAN ARENA
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — East St. John was represented well at the Class 5A indoor state track and field championship last weekend as the Wildcats’ Darius Lipps, Elizabeth Scioneaux and Ayonte Thomas all competed and placed well in the finals of their respective events.

Scioneaux took third place in the girls long jump with a leap of 16-10. Thomas paced fourth overall in the girls triple jump, banking a mark of 38-1, while Darius Lipps clocked a time of 7.05 in the 60 meter dash. 

In addition to those three senior athletes, freshman Angelique Johnson qualified for and competed at state in the triple jump, but fell short of the finals. Thomas also competed in the 100 meter hurdles and the long jump. 

“We had some high quality performances,” said East St. John track and field coach Mark Creecy. 

“I had a good feeling going in based on the times and marks they posted to qualify for it. It’s a good sign and we’re looking for this to carry over into the outdoor season.’

“I was happy with the outcome. We scored well … Once we get to the outdoor season, we’ll be able to add some events.”

Lipps, Thomas and Scioneaux have all been offered scholarships by the University of New Orleans, said Creecy.

The coach is optimistic about the Wildcats’ outlook this outdoor season. Creecy, who splits track and field head coaching duties (he coaches the girls while coach Greg Gathers heads the boys team) said that the girls team blends some strong veteran leadership with a good nucleus of young talent. Dominique Gray will be a factor in the discus, shot put and javelin while Bishan Caston will give the team a threat in the distance running events. 

Scioneaux will again be an anchor in the jumping and running events, while Thomas has a chance to make an impact in the jumping events and the hurdles.

“We’ve got a young group of sprinters that we like as well,” said Creecy. “I think we’ve got a chance to have a pretty good season.”

The East St. John girls won a district championship last season, while the boys finished as runner-up. Each squad was well-represented at the state outdoor meet.