Armand Duplantis Goes Out Over The Top in Louisiana

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

The final state meet for Armand "Mondo" Duplantis was, of course, record-breaking.

Saturday at the Louisiana State Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Louisiana State University's Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge, the Lafayette High senior capped off his high school career by clearing 19 feet, 5.50 inches (5.93m) to reset his own World U-20 record in the pole vault and win the Class 5A crown.

"It was really special, especially since it was the highest I've jumped, and what's really great about it and what I'll think about for years to come is that I ended on a make," Dupantis said. "So to be able to end on a world junior record, a new PR (personal record) and end on that make, and to be able to wear my high school uniform for the last time, is something I'll cherish for a long time." 

Duplantis popped up onto his feet after his final jump and proudly displayed his Lafayette singlet to the crowd.

The winning height, which is a new state and national record, giving Duplantis his fourth straight Louisiana state title in the event, is also No. 26 all-time in the world. Only 25 men in the history of the event have made higher clearances in competition.

Next up for Duplantis will be the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore., May 25-26.

"It's all shaping up to be great," Duplantis said.

He followed his pole vault competition with an eighth-place finish in the 100-meter dash final, running 10.74.

Duplantis' younger sister, Johanna, added her own 5A pole vault title, winning with 11-6.

While Duplantis' accomplishment was easily the highlight of the three-day meet, others stepped up to make it possibly one of the best meets in state history.

Sean Burrell of Zachary led his team to a 5A state title as he clocked an impressive 45.77 in the 400 to win in record fashion. That tied the all-time state best by Desmond Johnson from 1994. The sophomore sensation also claimed the 200 (21.18) and ran on the winning 4x100 relay.

Zechariah Blake of John Curtis won the 5A javelin title (208-6). 

Dutchtown's Leah Scott jumped 40-1.25 to win the 5A triple jump.

Indya Jackson of  Zachary won the 400 5A title in 55.71 and also ran on the winning 4x4 relay that clocked 3:56.59. The victory helped seal the team title for Zachary with 73 points, while Lafayette finished runner-up with 67 points.

Carnell Alexander Jr. of Jehovah-Jireh won the 3,200, 1,600 and placed second in the 800 to guide his team to a third straight Class C title.

Kameron Aime of Mauerpas won the Class B pole vault title in 15 feet. 

Reagann LeLeux of Catholic-New Iberia set a 2A meet record in the vault, clearing 12-8, for her 12th state vaulting title. LeLeux added 100-and 200-meter state titles as well.  

Team Champions

5A - Zachary boys 64 points; Zachary girls 73  

4A- Carencro boys 84 points; Edna Karr girls 60 

3A - West Feliciana boys 89 ; Academy Sacred Heart NO girls 80

2A - Episcopal boys 137; St. Katharine Drexel girls 74

1A - Haynesville boys 82; Lafayette Christian girls 72

Class B - J.S. Clark Leadership Academy boys 76; Episcopal of Acadiana girls 128

Class C - Jehovah-Jireh boys 160, CE girls 154