It was a strong weekend for Lincoln Parish track and field teams.
In fact, a historic one.
Choudrant and Cedar Creek both had athletes capture individual state titles in several events, but it was a double runner-up finish by Ruston High School followed by the news that RHS head coach Alan Whitaker is leaving the program that made the biggest impact of all.
“I told my team in March that God has given me a peace about stepping away after the season is over.” Whitaker said. “People may question why would I leave a program that I’ve helped bring back to prominence? My household is one that is led by God. He knew the challenges I’ve faced over the years heading the program.
“He strengthened me during those times. He encouraged me during those times. He has led me to believe that my assignment as head coach is complete. He has given me the peace that I’ve been seeking. I’ve given the program everything that I can give mentally, emotionally, physically.
“In my 11 years at Ruston high we’ve accomplished four state championships, 6 state runner-ups, 8 regional titles, 15 district championships, countless individual state championships and more than 40 college scholarship athletes. I’ll pat myself on the back and say, ‘Job well done!’”
Whitaker also has tabbed the person he feels should succeed him as head of Ruston’s track and field program.
“As I step away, I’m proud of the countless lives I’ve touched. I’m proud of the impact that this program has made over the years. We are known nationally and internationally. I’m thankful for the memories and experiences this program has given me. I’m thankful to all those who played a part in my success as a coach and our success as a program. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat.
“I would now like to pass the torch to my assistant coach Kevin Jackson. I told my administrators that he is the man for the job. He’s been by my side for the last four years learning what it takes to run a program. He’s ready. He needs support. As our school goes through the interview process, they need to look no further than what we have already at Ruston High.”
Ruston turned in four first-place performances — Brandon Green doubled up in the Boys Long Jump and Boys Triple Jump while Jada Williams took top honors in the Girls 400m Dash and Lily Garrett won the Girls 3,200m Run.
Caleb Babineaux finished second for the Bearcats in the Boys 800m Dash while Josh Anding placed third in the Boys 400m Dash.
Green added a second-place showing in the Boys 300m Hurdles.
The Bearcats in the Boys 4×100, 4×400 and 4×800 Boys Relays.
On the girls’ side, Ruston’s Bryana Craig won the Girls High Jump while Garrett also placed third in the Girls 1,600m Run while the Lady Bearcats also took second place in the Girls 4×100, 4×200 and Girls 4×400 events.
Cedar Creek turned in three top performances in Class 1A – Annie Jones won the Girls Javelin; Taylor Ramsey won the Girls 3200; and Ryleigh Geis, won the Girls Triple Jump.
Also turning in top performances for the Lady Cougars were Caroline James, who finished second in Girls 1600 and Jones again with a third-place showing in the Girls High Jump.
In Class B, Choudrant’s Kylie Portiloz finished first in the Girls Discus while Alyssa Sanders added a second-place performance for the Lady Aggies in the Girls High Jump.
