Roadrunners win nine medals

Members of the Southeast Louisiana Roadrunners Summer Track Team made a strong showing winning nine medals in the 2008 Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics in the competition held at Eastern Michigan University outside of Ann Arbor July 26 to Aug. 2.

Medals were awarded to the top eight individuals in each event. Twenty members of the Roadrunners participated in the Junior Olympics. Two Roadrunners distinguished themselves as double medal winners.

Hammond’s Tommy Brocato, age 12, was second in the 3,000 meter run (10:10.57) and fourth in the 1,500 meter run (4:49.61).

Hammond’s Trey DiCristina, 18, a senior at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, was third in the javelin (160- 6). He also earned a fifth place effort in the discus (161- 9). Covington’s Trey Klechek, age 11, who attends St. Peter’s School, finished fourth in the discus (84-6). Klechek was also 14th in the shot put (30-1.25).

Mandeville High junior Jenna Baker, 16, earned a fourth place spot in the javelin (123-6).

Ten year-old Eric Coston of Tickfaw placed sixth in the 1,500 meter (5:15.19). Derek Hampton, age 15-16, from Independence, was second in the javelin (179-1). Hahnville’s Tyler Hebert, age 15-16, placed sixth in the steeplechase. Other local athletes who competed but did not medal included DeRon Talley (Folsom), Meghan Becerra (Robert), Falon Hano (Albany) and Zach Thompson (Albany).

Throwers coach Paul Bowman said the Roadrunners athletes did exceptionally well in the national meet.

“I’m really proud of the way they handled themselves. Our athletes have shown the dedication and commitment to improve. They worked extremely hard putting in extra time at practice, staying late to better themselves,” Bowman said. “The discus ring was brand new, which caused some problems for the throwers. The athletes were having trouble with their footwork on the new ring, slipping and sliding during their throws. There were a number of foot fouls due to the newness of the discus ring,” Bowman added.

Bowman said he was proud of the performance turned in by the athletes.

“Our throwers collected five of the team’s nine medals so they had a strong showing.

There were a number of parents who made the trip to support their sons and daughters, which helped make a difference,” Bowman added.