Lady Leopards racing to glory

TEXARKANA, Ark. — The Liberty-Eylau Lady Leopards track program is racing towards the record books each week as it proceeds through the state competition.

The Leopards have 12 student-athletes competing in the regional track meet beginning on Friday at Memorial Stadium on the campus of Texas A&MCommerce.

Tamara Norris qualified for the high, long and triple jumps, while Ja’Quoye Williams qualified for the shot put for L-E.

“I’m just continuing a legacy that we started 15 years ago with Coach Bob Carter,” Liberty-Eylau girls head track coach Carlos Simmons said. “There’s been three state titles and we’ve been the runner-up six times.

“I’m just driving the train and keeping the tradition alive.”

Myah Hurd and Fallon Parker qualified for the 4x400 relay for the Leopards.

Chelsea Simmons, Laqukeisha Jeffery, Indiyah Aldridge, Ja’Niya Sanders qualified for the 4x100 meter relay and the 4x200 meter relay for Liberty-Eylau.

Simmons also qualified for the 300 meter hurdles, Jeffery the 100 meter dash, Aldridge the 4x400 meter relays and Sanders in the long jump.

“We try not to take any days off,” Simmons said. “That’s not by our design as coaches, but that’s on the girl’s work ethic. They want a state title. They want to be able to go to Austin and bring home another state championship L-E.

“We work twice a day and that’s a testament to our kids. It shows their commitment to what we’re doing.”

Makenzie Kvarda qualified for the 4x400 meter relay and 800 meters.

“It’s all about tradition, on the boys and girls side,” Simmons said. “About two years ago, the boys and the girls had the No. 1 and No. 2 times in all three relays in the state.

“Track is embedded in Liberty-Eylau. Track will make also make your football and basketball players faster.” Khalia Cleghorn, Iyan Henson and Neveah Hilll, each qualified for he 4x100 meter relay and the 4x200 meter relay.

“We’ve been having fun all week, I don’t like pressure,” Simmons said. “I like for everyone to be relaxed. There’s enough pressure already on them because they know the task at hand.

“We just want to do what L-E does. Show up, walk around and run fast.”

Preliminary races begin Friday with the finals on Saturday in Commerce.