Na鈥橰yan Delone was not among the best known local names when the LHSAA indoor track season began almost four months ago. But he will be when the Class 3A, Region 3 outdoor meet begins Wednesday at Zachary High.
鈥淲hen we ran our first 4x200 (meter) relay indoors at LSU 鈥 I knew all this was possible,鈥 the Glen Oaks senior said. 鈥淥ur coach (Johnny Duncan) told us it was, but we knew we would have to work for it.
鈥淪o, we put in time every day. I guess we surprised some people during indoor (season). We believe we can be just as successful outdoors. To do that, we have to qualify well tomorrow. This is the start.鈥
Field events begin at 3 p.m. with running events to follow at 5 p.m. The meet is one of two involving area teams set for Wednesday.
Cecilia is the site of the Class 4A, Region 2 meet in which local/area teams from Districts 5-4A and 6-4A will compete. Field events begin at 1 p.m. with the running event scheduled for 5:45 p.m.
The top three finishers in all events advance to next week鈥檚 LHSAA outdoor meet at LSU鈥檚 Bernie Moore Track Stadium.
Delone was part of the All-Metro track team a year ago as one of the area鈥檚 top three competitors in the 100 meters and 400 meters.
But he has taken things to another level this time around. In addition to being a key part of relays, Delone was the Division II indoor champion at 60 meters in 6.8 seconds and in the 400 in 50.17.
But the best was yet to come. Going into Wednesday鈥檚 regional, Delone has the state鈥檚 top 400 time of 47.57 seconds set two weeks ago at Catholic鈥檚 Grizzly Relays. His best time in the 100 is 10.58 seconds and his top 200 time to 21.34.
鈥淲e had to make some noise and let people know we are here earlier this year,鈥 Delone said. 鈥淭hey know us now.
"I like that part of the challenge. And the toughest part now for everybody is getting to state. I think you will see some fast times.鈥
Other meets
Denham Springs hosts the Class 5A, Region 2 meet that features local competitors from Districts 4-5A and 5-5A. Field events begin at 3 p.m. and running events at 5 p.m.
Competitors from 香港六和开奖历史记录鈥檚 Class 1A districts compete on different days at different regional meets. Districts 8-1A and 9-1A are part of the Region 3 meet at Ponchatoula on Wednesday with field at 3 p.m. and running at 5 p.m.
District 6-1A competitors are part of the Region 2 meet on Thursday with field events at 1 p.m. and running at 4 p.m.
