By RYAN ARENA

Sports Editor

St. James’ Luther Ambrose won three events on his way to being named Outstanding Performer on Tuesday at the Class 2A Region III Track and Field Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium.

Ambrose took first place in the long jump (22-11.5), triple jump (45-5.5) and the 100 meters (10.65), of which he is the defending 2A state champion. Ambrose also anchored the school’s first place 400-meter relay team.

The Wildcats’ Casey Narcisse and Riverside’s Jesse LeBlanc also notched first place finishes on the boys side at the event.

Narcisse’s shot put of 46-3 was good enough for the top spot in that event. LeBlanc, meanwhile, took first place in the javelin with a throw of 164-7.

Episcopal won the team titles on both the boys and girls sides.

LeBlanc was scheduled to compete in the 800 meters and the 400 meter events, but had to withdraw after pulling a muscle in his back during his fifth javelin throw. LeBlanc did compete in the 1600 after the injury, finishing sixth.

In 2007, LeBlanc qualified for the state championship meet in all four events.

Still, Riverside track and field Coach Joe Trosclair said that he was glad to see LeBlanc make it back in at least one event.

“He really deserves it,” said Trosclair. “I’m glad he gets to go as a senior. He’s been at this since the fifth grade.

“You hate to see him get hurt and not be able to do anything about it like it happened, but it’s good to see him qualify for this one.”

St. James finished second among boys and fourth among girls overall. Riverside finished 10th among boys and eighth among girls.

Riverside’s girls will be represented at the state championships by Sarah Levin, who finished third in the javelin with a throw of 105-2.

Levin qualified to go to state in the event for the second straight year. Along with LeBlanc, Riverside’s representatives will carry experience with them.

“They already know what to expect,” Trosclair said. “When you go for the first time, there’s more pressure on yourself. There’s no substitute for experience, and they’ll know how to handle it.”

Among the St. James girls, Jennaire Jeffery took first in the javelin with a throw of 119-0.

Other St. James qualifiers include, among boys: Kartemus Heary (3rd, javelin), Justin Williams (3rd, long jump), Jarrun Hillaire (2nd, triple jump and high jump), and Kendal Charles (3rd, high jump.  Among girls: Donrielle Melancon (3rd, triple jump).