by Malcolm Butler
Senior Caroline James captured the state championship in the 400 meters at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association Class A state meet last week to highlight seven medals earned by Cedar Creek School competitors.
James won the event with a time of 59.61, one of two events she earned a podium finish on for her school. She also finished third in the 800m with a time of 2:24.78, and was a member of the 4x400m relay team that finished as the state runner-up.
The multi-sport star ends her high school career with six school records.
“Caroline James leaves behind one of the most accomplished track careers in Cedar Creek history,” said coach Toni Martinez. “Throughout her career, she consistently competed at an elite level while leading with determination, toughness, and humility. This year, Caroline was named Regional MVP, adding another incredible honor to her outstanding career.
“More than the medals and records, her leadership, work ethic, and competitive spirit helped raise the standard for everyone around her and inspired the next generation of Cedar Creek athletes.”
Cedar Creek’s girls finished seventh in Class A with 32 total points as Southern Lab won the team state title with 67 points. The Cedar Creek boys were sixth with 31 points with Southern Lab earning the state title with 82 points.
A total of 10 competitors represented the green and gold, including three eighth graders, three freshmen, two sophomores, one junior and one senior.
“Both the boys and girls programs have a really good young core,” said coach Todd Martinez. “They work hard and well together. With the addition of indoor track and the plans many of them have working with AAU this summer, we are excited to see where they will go as individuals and where they will each help lead this program.”
Sophomore Luke Alexander finished as the state runner-up in both the 1,600m with a PR of 4:35.46 and the 3200m with a PR of 10:11.12, earning 16 points. Freshman Ella Robinson was the state runner-up in the 400m with a 1:00.97.
James was joined on the state runner-up 4x400m relay team by Robinson, Juliette Sewell, and Gabby Smith as the foursome recorded a time of 4:15.59.
Junior Joshua McCarthy earned a bronze medal in the pole vault with a mark of 10-feet, 11-inches.
“This team competed with grit, composure, and confidence,” said Toni Martinez. “PRs were broken, points were earned, and memories were made. More than anything, these athletes represented Cedar Creek with class and determination from start to finish.”
Below is a list of all the Cougars competitors in the state meet.
Luke Alexander (Sophomore)
• State Runner-Up — 1600m — 4:35.46 PR (+8 pts)
• State Runner-Up — 3200m — 10:11.12 PR (+8 pts)
Campbell Woodard (Freshman)
• 4th Place — Javelin — 161’7 PR (+4 pts)
Kingston Culpepper (8th Grade)
• 4th Place — 100m Dash — 10.96 (+4 pts)
Joshua McCarthy (Junior)
• 6th Place — 800m — 2:10.72 (+1 pt)
• 3rd place – pole vault – 10ft. 11 in
Caroline James (Senior)
• STATE CHAMPION — 400m — 59.61 (+10 pts)
• 3rd Place — 800m — 2:24.78 (+6 pts)
Ella Robinson (Freshman)
• State Runner-Up — 400m — 1:00.97 (+8 pts)
Girls 4×400 Relay — State Runner-Up
• Ella Robinson
• Caroline James
• Juliette Sewell
• Gabby Smith
4:15.59 (+8 pts)
Gabby Smith (Freshman)
• 7th Place — 800m — 2:38.92
Mary Claire Temple (Sophomore)
• 7th Place — Pole Vault — 6’11.75
Evelyn Mills (8th Grade)
• 7th Place — 3200m — 12:23.05
• Massive 57-second PR
