Athletes from small schools took center stage at last weekend’s district track and field meets around the state.
The boys and girls’ teams from Lift for Life Academy came away with team championship trophies from Saturday’s Class 3, District 2 meet at Lutheran North.
Lift for Life’s boys won seven individual district titles and qualified athletes in 12 events, including three relays for this weekend’s upcoming sectionals at Montgomery County. Much of the Hawks’ strength came in the sprints, hurdles and relays.
Dai’Shawn Houston won district titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Kameron Hurst was also a double winner as he finished first in the 110-meter high and 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Another individual district champion was Jay’Veon Scott, who won the shot put.
The Hawks were also strong in the relays as they won the 4×200- and 4×400-meter relays and finished second in the 4×100.
In the field events, Noah Ridgel won the javelin and finished second in the discus. Jay’Veon Scott won the long jump and Tedumberi Naasah finished third in the high jump. Eiklain Henderson finished second in the 100, Laquan Witt was second in the 400, Davyon Walker was third in the 800 and Cameron Clark was fourth in the 300-meter hurdles.
Lift for Life’s girls showed its strength in the field events in winning a district title. Anyla Roby-Miller won the high jump and finished third in the triple jump. Ashreale Parchmon won the long jump and finished second in the discus. Elise Quinn won the javelin, finished third in the shot put and fourth in the discus.
Lutheran North boys excel
Host Lutheran North had two individual district champions and qualified athletes in 10 events for this weekend’s upcoming sectional meet. Michael Clark won the 400-meter dash, and the Crusaders also finished first in the 4×800-meter relay.
Clark also finished second in the 200 while Zahir Harvey finished third in the 400 and third in the 110-meter-high hurdles. Joshua Hastings was second in the 300-meter hurdles. In the relays, the Crusaders finished second in the 4×400 and fourth in the 4×200.
In the field events, Karvon Jefferson was second in the long jump, Jeremiah Jadallah was fourth in the shot put while Rakam Stamps and Floyd Boykin finished third and fourth in the javelin, respectively.
Mimes and Campbell dominate
Angel Mimes of Miller Career Academy and Gabrielle Campbell of Bayless had strong individual performances at Lutheran North. Mimes was the district champion in the 100 and 200 and she ran legs on the Phoenix’ first-place 4×100- and 4×200-meter relay teams. Campbell was also a double-winner as she won the 400-meter dash, and 800-meter meter run in addition to her second-place finish in the 200.
Class 2 standouts at Lutheran North
The Class 2, District 2 meet was also held at Lutheran North last weekend. The top girl’s performer on the day was Genesis Garner of host Lutheran North. She won the100 in 12.6 seconds, 200 in 25.43 seconds and 400 in 57.59.
On the boys’ side, Demetrious Thomas of Brentwood had a big day. He finished first in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles and the triple jump. He also ran on the Eagles’ second-place 4×100- and 4×200-meter relay teams.
Large School districts on tap
Area Class 4 and 5 schools will be on center stage with district meets this weekend. District 4 meets are at Cape Notre Dame, Windsor and Parkway Central. Area Class 5 schools will be competing at Farmington, Parkway South and Wentzville Liberty. The top four finishers will advance to sectional competition on Saturday, May 24.
Earl’s World
Former Lindenwood offensive lineman Gareth Warren obviously impressed the Pittsburgh Steelers as an unsigned free-agent during rookie minicamp. He signed a deal with the Steelers last weekend and was added to the team’s 90-man roster…In the first three games of the NBA playoff duel with the New York Knicks, Jayson Tatum scored 23, 13 and 22 points, respectively. His career postseason scoring average is 26.8 points…LeBron James is catching heat for saying “I don’t lose sleep over that,” in reference to criticism of him and Luka Doncic after being ousted from playoffs.