LPJ Sports Report
HAMMOND, La. — Showtime Track Club continued its impressive inaugural summer season this past weekend, turning in a strong showing at the AAU Region 11 Qualifier at Southeastern Louisiana University and earning multiple berths to the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
Competing against athletes from Louisiana and Mississippi, Showtime athletes recorded four regional championships, eight podium finishes, a meet record and numerous personal-best performances as the club qualified several athletes for the national meet scheduled for Aug. 1-8 at Drake University in Des Moines.
The distance runners once again led the way.
In the 12-year-old boys division, Dallas Smith claimed regional championships in both the 800-meter run and 1,500-meter run. Smith posted a personal-best time of 2:27.23 in the 800 before winning the 1,500 in 5:17.19. He also earned a third-place finish in the 400-meter dash with a personal-best time of 1:01.72.
Noah Millien delivered one of the meet’s most notable performances in the 13-year-old boys division. Millien won the 800-meter run in a personal-best and meet-record time of 2:10.07 before returning to capture the 1,500-meter title in 4:55.56.
Millien’s 800-meter performance eclipsed the previous meet record of 2:10.38 set in 2019 by former Jesuit standout Michael Vocke while competing for New Orleans Metro Stars.
Butter McGehee continued her strong summer campaign with fourth-place finishes in both the 800-meter run and 1,500-meter run. She recorded personal-best times of 3:03.27 and 6:38.79, respectively.
Harper Pilgreen also earned a Junior Olympic qualifying spot with a fourth-place finish in the 1,500-meter run while competing in the 800-meter event as well.
The sprint and hurdle group contributed several standout performances. Maddie Lu McGehee captured a bronze medal in the 100-meter hurdles with a personal-best time of 18.49 seconds and later posted another personal best in the 400-meter dash at 1:08.53, finishing sixth. Kate Klepzig recorded personal-best performances in the 100, 200 and 400 meters, while Kindal Atwood posted a personal best in the 200-meter dash. Brant Youngblood added one of his strongest performances of the season with a personal-best 56.88 in the 400 meters.
In the field events, Doris Hearn enjoyed one of the club’s most successful weekends, earning runner-up finishes in three separate events. Hearn placed second in the shot put (17 feet, 5 inches), turbo javelin (25-7) and discus (33-7).
McGehee also added a fifth-place finish in the javelin and advanced in the pole vault competition despite schedule modifications caused by inclement weather.
Showtime Head Coach Morgan Smith praised the athletes’ effort throughout the regional championship meet.
“This was a tremendous weekend for our athletes,” Smith said. “What impressed me most wasn’t just the wins or medals, but the way our athletes competed. We had kids stepping up in big moments, setting personal bests and trusting the work they’ve put in all season.”
Smith singled out Millien’s record-breaking performance as one of the highlights of the weekend.
“Noah’s meet record in the 800 meters was truly special,” Smith said. “To break a record that had stood since 2019 and was held by an athlete of Michael Vocke’s caliber shows just how much Noah has grown as a runner. It was one of the most exciting performances I’ve seen from our club.”
The coaching staff also highlighted Smith’s versatility and consistency.
“Dallas continues to prove that he is one of the top young distance runners in the region,” Smith said. “Winning both the 800 and 1500 while also earning a podium finish in the 400 speaks volumes about his toughness and versatility.”
The club will now turn its attention to the AAU Junior Olympic Games after six Showtime athletes qualified in multiple events.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to represent Showtime Track Club and Lincoln Parish on the national stage,” Smith said. “Qualifying for the Junior Olympics is a major achievement, and we’re looking forward to the challenge that awaits us in Des Moines.”
AAU Junior Olympic Qualifiers
Dallas Smith
- 800m Champion
- 1500m Champion
- 400m (3rd)
Noah Millien
- 800m Champion (Meet Record)
- 1500m Champion
Maddie Lu McGehee
- Pole Vault (2nd)
- 100m Hurdles (3rd)
- Javelin (5th)
- 400m (6th)
Doris Hearn
- Shot Put (2nd)
- Turbo Javelin (2nd)
- Discus (2nd)
Butter McGehee
- 800m (4th)
- 1500m (4th)
Harper Pilgreen
- 1500m (4th)
