By JERRY BYRD, Journal Sports
Captain Shreve sprinter Marquez Stevenson wasted no time in putting his stamp on his senior track season.
The two-sport star, who signed with Texas Tech last month, opened up with a record-breaking performance at the LSU High School Qualifier last Saturday. His time of 6.85 in the 60m was good enough for the win –- and the meet record.
Edna Karr’s Ra’hji Dennis, who shared the old record of 6.86 with Warren Easton’s Leon Elloie, was in the stands watching Stevenson. Dennis will open his season Feb. 4 at the LSU Last Chance Qualifier.
Stevenson’s time was the same time Dennis ran at the 2022 LHSAA Division I State Indoor Meet, beating Stevenson, who finished third (6.94).
“It felt good,” Stevenson said of his first record-breaking win of the season. “I’ve been working. I sat out the first couple of meets to get back in shape after football. I feel healthier than ever.”
While Stevenson started his senior track season faster than he ended his junior indoor campaign, he will have work to do over the next few weeks to defend his 400m state indoor title. On Saturday, Stevenson finished third in the 400m with a time of 50.15. West Feliciana’s Imani Coleman (49.77) won the event.
“I got out hard and then I started relaxing my body,” Stevenson said. “I could have run harder. There’s always next time. I’ll get ‘em.”
Byrd’s Jenna Key, who opened up her season Jan. 14 at the Arkansas High School Invitational, finished second in the 3200m at the LSU High School Qualifier, running an 11:32.91. Houma Christian’s Emma Bourg, who was named Gatorade’s Cross Country Player of the Year earlier this week, won the event at 11:11.82.
“There are pros and cons,” Key said of the two SEC venues. “Obviously, Arkansas was a really cool experience, but I love racing here. I know everyone, and it’s good to talk to everyone.”
It has been a great start for Key, who battled different injuries during both the track and cross country season in 2022.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” Key said. “I’m glad I’m getting better each race. I’m learning every race.”
Huntington had two girls make the podium at the High School Qualifier. Senior Serenity Palmer finished second in the high jump (5-3) and Demetria Harris took third in the 60m hurdles (9.29).
The Lady Raiders ran fourth in the 800m relay with a 1:46.32. Byrd’s 3200m relay finished fifth but ran a school record 10:48.83.
One of the biggest highlights of the meet was Zachary’s Rhen Langley’s running a 4:13.92 in the 1600m. The time is currently ranked No. 4 in the nation.
Three Caddo Parish distance runners had a front row seat to see Langley break the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse composite record. Calvary sophomore Jackson Burney finished fourth with a 4:35.72, Loyola’s Franklin Roemer was fifth with a 4:35.80, and Captain Shreve’s Evan Adcock took sixth (4:35.85).
Woodlawn and Southwood will join a group of teams who will open their 2023 seasons this weekend in Lake Charles at the McNeese Indoor No. II Meet.
Contact Jerry at sbjjerrybyrd@gmail.com