The day was coming to a close when the above picture of Bryan Lay soaring into the sky was taken. It is one of hundreds that could have been shot over the past several months. Totally dedicated to his craft, this is what the junior from Quitman High School can be found doing almost any evening. Through his effort of practicing till the sun goes down, now the sun shines brightly on his performances and a new day of promise has risen.
This past week “Peanut”, as he is affectionately called by family and friends, pole vaulted 13′ 6″ to break a Jackson Parish Track and Field record that has stood for 60 years. As result Lay is the Jackson Parish Journal Spring Sports Standout of the Week for March 26th – April 1st.
Lay’s ascension to unrivaled heights actually began last year when as a Sophomore he burst onto the state scene by vaulting 12′ 0″ to win the Class B state championship. On March 16, Lay cleared 13″ 0″ to tie break the QHS school record and equal the Jackson Parish record in the pole vault set by Alden Reeves of Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1963.
At his home track two weeks later (March 31st), Lay sprinted down the runway, planted his pole and soared skyward just like he has done hundreds of times. To the delight of the home fans he cleared the cross bar set at 13’6″ to claim his second victory of the year and etch his name into the all time parish track and field annals.
Honorable Mention:
Savantez Phillips (JHHS): Duel winner at the Quitman Relays by sweeping both the 110 and 300 Hurdles.
Ciara Gray (JHHS) Claimed a spot on all three podium places at the Quitman Relays by winning the Long Jump, 2nd in 100 Hurdles, 3rd in Triple Jump
Zoie Anderson (JHHS) Hit for the cycle over two games and won both games on the mound to lead the Lady Tiger softball team to a their first district victories in four years.
Colton Blundell (WHS) Hit three doubles, a home run, drove in five and scored four runs, while also gaining his first career victory on the mound.
Cooper Delaney (WHS) Hit .500 over 3 games, including hitting a clutch “walk-off” single against district rival Quitman.
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