Here's how the conditions allowed Byrd’s Jenna Key to set a school, Caddo Parish record i
Byrd senior Jenna Key set a school and Caddo Parish record over the weekend when she won the Catholic High Invitational in 17:26 over three miles.
That time is the second best in the state this cross country season and is No. 6 all-time in Caddo Parish. Key recently returned from injury.
“It’s been a blessing to see her return to this kind of form,” Byrd coach Juan Plaza said. “I am super proud of Jenna’s effort given what she went through all of last year with a series of injuries. But as we always knew, she is a special talent since she has now placed her name among the best to ever do it.”
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Key said that the everything that makes a perfect race fell into place that day including cool weather, the sun being covered, a light wind and short grass.
“The course was made to be a fast with rolling hills and shaded areas and plenty of places to see the crowd, which always helps motivate me to run faster,” Key told The Times. “I had never run that course before, so I was hesitant to take the lead, but after I went through mile one feeling great, I knew I was capable of getting a new PR.
“The end was brutal. With around a 400 to go you could see the finish line, which looked so close, but felt so far. It was a straight shot to the finish. Ava Hartman (Newman), stayed close behind me and pushed me to finish fast. Once I crossed the finish line with a new best time, it made every second of pain during the race worth it.”
The Byrd girls finished third overall behind St. Joseph’s Academy and Episcopal of Baton Rouge behind senior Spencer Frierson (19.03), junior Mallory Swint (19:40), senior Laila Wells (19:42) and freshman Pressley Lockey (21:01). The Lady Jackets set a school record and Caddo Parish record for total time 1:36.53 and 1-5 average of 19:22. Plaza was pleased with the effort and hopes Key can continue lowering her personal record.
“However, there is still more work ahead with four meets left in her senior season,” Plaza said. “We are aiming for the stars and will waiting to see what happens next.”
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
Louisiana All-Time XC
Malia Cali, St. Thomas Aquinas (16.44.33) 2010
Katlin Flattman, Benton (17:20) 2011
Emma Bourg, Houma Christian (17:21.45) 2023
Gabrielle Jennings, FBC Christian (17:22.57) 2016
Catalina Reichard, Mt. Carmel (17:23.70) 2015
Jenna Key, C.E. Byrd (17:26) 2023
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LHSAA cross country: Byrd's Key makes top 10 all-time in winning
