Eagles claim first place in SLAMT

Traveling trophy returns to Natchitoches
More than 200 scholar athletes representing three schools gathered in Natchitoches March 2-4 to compete and have fun during the 24th annual SLAMT event hosted by LSMSA.

“The final outcome of the tournament came down to the very last contests of the day,” said Michael Sumner, coordinator of enrollment services. “The win in boys’ basketball locked the Eagles into first place, and the traveling trophy has, for the first time in three years, come home to nest.

“The Eagle coaches want to congratulate the athletes, whose hard work throughout the year led to this championship, and to thank the students, parents, teachers and administrators who came to cheer on the student athletes. Thank you all for a great year.”

LSMSA competed against sister schools Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science and the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts.

Events included billiards, table tennis, chess, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, tennis, girls’ basketball, flag football, boys’ basketball and soccer. Competitors also enjoyed a pep rally, dance and campfire.

The traveling trophy remained in Natchitoches with LSMSA claiming first place. ASMSA finished second, and TAMS placed third.

Daniel Metzger, a junior from Slidell, participated in ultimate Frisbee, flag football and basketball.

“The best part of SLAMT is the good spirited competition between the schools,” he said. “It was exciting to get that trophy back.”

Although Austin Souphanthalop, a junior from New Iberia, did not compete in any of the events, he did attend many of the competitions and cheered on the Eagles.

“I wanted to show support and encourage our team that we are capable of bringing back the traveling trophy,” he said. “My favorite part of SLAMT is meeting fellow competitors from our sister schools.”

Kiara Padilla, a senior from Fort Polk, played flag football, volleyball, soccer and basketball. She chose to participate in as many sports as possible because she wanted to do everything in her power to make sure LSMSA brought the trophy back home.

“There aren’t words that can express the excitement I felt hearing our name called out for first place,” she said. “I got giddy after every event we won because I knew we were one step closer to reaching our goal – something we have worked so hard to accomplish.

“I am very thankful that the trophy is home because all of the coaches deserve it, and I feel like it will make next year’s teams work 10 times harder to keep it here.”

In his first year at LSMSA, Orlando Edwards, a junior from Baton Rouge, felt good bringing home the trophy for all of his friends who are seniors.

“I participated in flag football and soccer,” he said. “I participated because, first off, I love soccer, and second, I am a very competitive person.”
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