By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

The East St. John boys track and field team took second place on Friday at the Destrehan meet, missing first place by a single point.

The Wildcats scored 77 points to meet champion John Ehret’s 78.

At the same meet, the girls’ track team took fourth place out of 10 teams with 45 points, behind first place Xavier Prep (114), Karr (98), and Hahnville (45).

East St. John boys’ Coach Eleno Rodriguez was pleased with the meet results.

“I’m amazed at how close it really was,” Rodriguez said. “With a break here or there, we could have finished on top.”

In the field events, Jamaan Kenner, Patrick Lewis and Alex Singleton all netted top three finishes. Kenner took first place in the high jump with a leap of 6’. Lewis captured second place in the shotput with a throw of 46’8. Singleton finished third in the javelin with a throw of 135’2.

In track events, Tori Zeno impressed, finishing first in the 100 meter dash with a time of 10.51. Quinton Johnson finished second with a time of 10.60.

Johnson took first place in the 200 meter dash, with a time of 22.4.

The 4X200 relay team took first place with a time of 1:31.77. Johnson, Zeno, Ricky Grinstead and Todd Muse comprised the team, which also finished third in the 4×100 with a time of 43.56.

Zeno and Johnson are two that Rodriguez says have come out the gate strong this year.

“They’ve really stood out, especially in the 100,” said Rodriguez. “They’re right on track.”

Among the girls, Jacobi Wilson took first place in the 400 meter, posting a time of 57.8. Wilson took third place in the 200 meter with a time of 25.92.

Wilson, Deznee Wilson, Dynekia Sanders and Darichelle Sampson combined to take third in the 4×100 relay with a time of 49.51.

“I thought the girls did really well. There’s still always room for improvement of course,” said ESJ girls Coach Tiffany Wilson. “it’s still early, but I’m expecting great things the rest of the way.”

Of Jacobi’s performance, the coach wasn’t all that surprised.

“She’s a great competitor,” she said. “She’s not only excelling on the track, but she’s been a great leader on this team too.”