By Kyle Roberts
Ruston High is sending more Bearcats off for collegiate competition after seniors Jaliyah McWain, Landon Byrd and Thomas Rogers all signed with their chosen universities.
McWain will play basketball for Trinity Valley Community College, while Byrd and Rogers will run track for Louisiana Tech and Louisiana State University, respectively.
Ruston High girls head coach Meredith Graf spoke of McWain’s contributions and what she has meant to the program overall.
“In her time here, I’ve seen her work tremendously hard putting the time and effort to not only get better as an athlete, but also grow as a person and leader,” Graf said. “That for me is what I’ve enjoyed most. Trinity Valley is getting a wonderful student athlete; I can say that wholeheartedly.”
McWain was named the MVP of District 2-5A and the most outstanding player for the Lincoln Parish Journal after leading her team to the quarterfinals in the playoffs and averaging 13 points, six rebounds and five steals per game.
“When I went on the visit, it felt like home,” McWain said of her choice to play for TVCC. “It’s a great environment. They have a great program and they’re known for getting two-year players to four-year schools.”
Ruston High cross country coach Dustin Cochran then spoke of the hard work that both Byrd and Rogers have put into their running careers.
“These two guys are the definition of what it means to be a Bearcat,” Cochran said. “We’re thankful for for what they have done for our track program.”
After a stellar career as a Bearcat which included winning the indoor 3200-meter state championship this year, Rogers elected to run for the Tigers.
“It just had everything that I wanted,” Rogers said of his choice to go to LSU. “It’s a great team and a great school.”
Byrd, on the other hand, has decided to stay home and run for the Bulldogs.
“I really wanted to continue my running career,” Byrd said. “I can’t wait to continue at Louisiana Tech. They have a great program, and I’m looking forward to working with the coaches there.”
