Special to the LPJ
MONROE, La. — Showtime Track Club made an impressive debut Saturday at the Louisiana State Games at the University of Louisiana Monroe, earning multiple event victories, podium finishes and team honors in the program’s first meet.
Athletes from across Lincoln Parish competed for Showtime Track Club, representing schools including Ruston Elementary, I.A. Lewis, A.E. Phillips, Ruston Junior High, Choudrant Elementary and Cedar Creek.
The club’s 11-12 girls division produced one of the top team performances of the meet as Amelie Hebert and Butter McGehee both reached the podium in the 800-meter and 1500-meter races. Doris Hearn added three third-place finishes in the discus, javelin and shot put events.
The trio combined to score 47 points and helped Showtime earn runner-up honors in the 23-team 11-12 girls division.
In the 11-12 boys division, Dallas Smith swept the 800-meter and 1500-meter races with first-place finishes. Jack McGehee placed second in the 3000 meters, while Ezekiel Wilson competed in three events and finished fourth in the 1500 meters.
Showtime’s 13-14 girls division also turned in several standout performances. Maddie Lu McGehee won both the pole vault and 100-meter hurdles while finishing second in the triple jump. Harper Pilgreen recorded a personal-best time in the 1500 meters and placed fifth.
The girls sprint relay team of Kindal Atwood, Kate Klepzig, Madison Alford and Pilgreen finished fourth in the 4×100-meter relay while also posting improved times in individual sprint events throughout the meet.
In the 13-14 boys division, Noah Millien won the 1500 meters, and Elias Ford captured the 3000-meter title while finishing second in the 800 meters. Alex Willoughby competed in the 100, 200 and 400-meter races.
The 15-16 boys division closed the meet with Kingston Culpepper winning the 100 meters following his recent high school season. Brant Youngblood competed in both the 200 and 400 meters.
Coaches said the meet served as a strong foundation for the new club program and highlighted the team’s competitiveness, sportsmanship and potential for continued growth during the summer season.
