Byrd seniors Wyatt Ditt and Markeith Niblett became history makers at the recent LHSAA Track and Field championships in Baton Rouge. Their stunning effort in the 4×400 relay parlayed their future into a track scholarship to Northwestern State.
Both speedsters signed with the school Wednesday, May 28 in a small ceremony at the school. Byrd coach Juan Plaza talked extensively about his two standouts who won the LHSAA Class 5A state title in the event at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium, setting a school record with a 3:17.25 run. Bereket Raines and Jordan Blakes were also members of the title run.
“This signing happened late because a couple of months ago, we really didn’t know what was going to happen,” Plaza said. “It really happened around state when there were a couple of schools really coming after these guys, and it was due to the work they were producing out there on the track. They had individual goals, and team goals, and it was through their effort that they captured the attention of these coaches.”
Ditt posted an area best time of 48.32 in the 400-meter, while Niblett, who had been competing in track for about a year, turned in a 49.26, the region’s third best run.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to run the 4×4 with this great group of guys and breaking the school record,” Ditt said. “We were the first Byrd team to win the 4×4 state championship since 1966. It’s amazing to be a part of that history.”
Niblett was a quick learner under the tutelage of Plaza, who watched the rangy senior blossom into a force on the track.
“My favorite race was the championship when I ran the second leg and ran the best I ever ran,” Niblett said. “And I was sick, so there’s more to come.”
Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at jwatson@shreveporttimes.com and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Wyatt Ditt, Markeith Niblett make Byrd High School track history
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