The East Ascension High School chapter of the National FFA Organization welcomed spring with a greenhouse full of herb, fruit and vegetable plants during its annual plant sale and farmers market.
The popular sale also included woodworking projects built by students such as swings, chairs and picnic tables. A half-dozen craft and food vendors also participated during the March 22. Proceeds from the event will cover the cost of bringing students on educational and competition trips, as well as the state convention and Ag Leadership camp. The student-run event is an opportunity for students in all grades to work on farming, entrepreneurial and communication skills.
Elijah Attaway, 10, of Cutoff, holds Willow, a 2-year-old Cornish rex. Willow and her owner, Daedra Marshall of Dreamsong Cats traveled from Georgia to compete in the 51st annual Greater Baton Rouge Cat Show in Gonzales.
Felines show off personalities, furry coats
BY WENDY LOUP
writer
Frisky felines took over the LamarDixon Expo Center over the weekend during the 51st annual Greater Baton Rouge Cat Show More than 200 cats showcased their fur coats and endearing personalities for judges during the two-day competition. The Greater Baton Rouge
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“From there, Agriscience III students learn how to properly care for plants and fertilize them. They keep data on our plants, such as axillary buds produced, blooms before the sale and pH of the soil. They use that information to help adjust the plant care to make them more ‘marketable’ to consumers.”
PAIDON GRAVOIS agriculture teacher at East Ascension High School
“Our students have had multiple experiential learning opportunities to plan for this plant sale,” said Paidon Gravois, agriculture teacher at East Ascension High School. “A couple of
weeks before, our Agriscience I, II and III classes work together to transplant plugs into the containers we sell the plants in.
“From there, Agriscience III students learn how to properly care for plants and fertilize them. They keep data on our plants, such as axillary buds produced, blooms before the sale and pH of the soil. They use that information to help adjust the plant care to make them more ‘marketable’ to consumers.”
Gravois said the agriscience classes also learn about food science safety and the benefits preserving foods to prolong shelf life. Some of the preserved products sold at the farmers’ market were pepper jelly, strawberry jam and dulce de leche.
Communication with the public is
GOOD EATS
Rotary Food Fest raises money for local nonprofits
BY WENDY LOUP Contributing writer
More than 30 food vendors and restaurants offered their popular dishes Thursday during the Gonzales Rotary Food Fest Extravaganza.
The event, held at the PACE Center in Gonzales, was a fundraiser for various Ascension Parish organizations including the St. Theresa Food Pantry, Bobby Webre Community Outreach Initiative and Volunteer Ascension. Artwork and crafted pieces were offered for raffles and auctions.
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and
sauce Thursday
Ascension Parish organizations
Mammography coach stopping in Gonzales
Woman’s Hospital is providing breast imaging to Ascension Parish with its mobile mammography coach A physician’s order is required, and appointments are strongly encouraged. Call (225) 924-8268 to schedule.
coach stops April 7 behind Bertrand’s Pharmacy, 1943 South Burnside, Gonzales. For more information including the full mammography coach schedule, visit Womans.org.
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
Matthew Burton, left,
Reagan Prejean, of Premier Bowling Lanes, prepare alligator balls and slammin’
during the Gonzales Rotary Food Fest Extravaganza. The annual event is a fundraiser for various
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
East Ascension senior Joseph Torres waters Dukat dill plants March 22 during the school’s National FFA Organization plant sale and farmers market.
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Contributing
PHOTO BY WENDY LOUP
MARKET
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key for students before and on the day of the plant sale, Gravois added FFA students learn marketing techniques as they create flyers, promote the plant sale on social media, and assist at the plant sale and farmers’ market.
“Students that help out on the day of the plant sale learn communication skills while working with our customers and help assist our customers in caring for their plants, serving as a positive promotion for our program,” Gravois said.
Another big attraction for the public is the FFA’s reasonablypriced woodworking projects including beach chairs, picnic tables, dog feeders and swings.
“At our sale, we are offering carpentry projects that our Carpentry I and II students have completed over the school year,” Gravois said.
“We will also be selling the swing bench that our carpentry team, Xavier Copper, Hayden Daigle, Gregory Richard, and Willis Waggenspack, built and placed third at the FFA Area IV Career Development event competition.”
The East Ascension High School’s FFA chapter has around 330 members. The student-led club focuses developing leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
EA senior Joseph Torres has participated in the FFA for three years.
“One of our goals is to do the best we can to help the community, provide service and to get the community together to have a good time and enjoy their day,” Torres said. Krislyn Countee, a junior at EA who serves as an FFA reporter, said the club allows the students more time with each other
“My favorite thing about FFA is to watch all of our members get together and be with one another at activities,” Countee said.
“A lot of people think FFA is only about farming, and that’s not all there is to it. It’s nice to see people attending the plant sale, whether they attend our school or not. They are coming to the school, buying plants and helping support our FFA.”
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featuring food, petting farm and vendors. For children’s vendors, visit Baton Rouge@childrenentrepreneurmarket.com and for other vendors, contact info.colonialstables@ gmail.com. Jeep Invasion Saturday
The second Ascension Jeep Invasion, Jeepin 4 Vets, is set from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the VFW Post 3693, 42430 Churchpoint Road, Gonzales.
The event will include a vendor village, silent action, raffle, jambalaya, bands and cash bar Admission is free.
For information, visit the Ascension Jeep Invasion Facebook page.
Farmers Market in Donaldsonville
The Donaldsonville’s Farmers Market is from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Louisiana Square.
Donaldsonville’s Gospel Fest planned
The Lemann Memorial Center is hosting Gospelfest at 2 p.m. Saturday featuring Elder Timothy Britten and Shabach Praise Company, Shandrika J. and
Chris Christ Child.
Egg hunt at Tee-Joe Park Join Gonzales City Council member Tyler Turner for his inaugural Easter Egg Hunt from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 6 at Tee-Joe Park, 524 W. Orice Roth Road. For more information, call Turner at (225) 603-3159, Jade Tyler at (225) 290-8399 or Joy Nicholas at (225) 290-2176. Egg Your House fundraiser Cara’s House volunteers are hosting a fun Egg Your House fundraiser in which stuffed plastic eggs are left in someone’s yard on Easter morning. April 11 is the deadline to register for the April 20 “egging.” Packages are from $20 for 25 eggs to $85 for 150 eggs. Visit Cara’s House Facebook page for registration information. Trip to Greece planned The Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a trip to Greece June 1-9. The nine-day trip includes stops in Athens, Santorini, Peloponnese, Poros, Hydra and Aegina. The cost is $3,799. For information, call (225) 473-4814. Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@theadvocate. com or ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com.
The following people were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail on March 13-20: MARCH 13 DAY, DANIEL ERIC: 10303 Magnolia Blossom Ave., Greenwell Springs; 30; hate crimes, extortion, three counts telephone communications/improper language/harassment JACKSON IV, DARYL WAYNE: 38479 La. 74, Gonzales; 36; criminal trespass/all other, theft of a motor vehicle $5,000 to $25,000 NORRIS, MATTHEW WADE: 40510 Thais Road, Prairieville; 49; domestic abuse aggravated assault, battery of a dating partner DEES, PHIL ANTHONY: 41063 Cannon Road 2201, Gonzales; 39; domestic abuse battery, telephone communications/improper language/ harassment, domestic abuse battery ASCENSION PARISH BOOKINGS
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THE ASCENSION ADVOCATE 40444 Cannon Road, Gonzales, LA 70737 (225) 388-0215
PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY Online at theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/communities/ascension/ COMMUNITY SECTION EDITOR
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Send your news, photos or letters by 4 p.m Friday EMAIL: ascension@theadvocate.com MAIL: use address above THEASCENSION THEA ADVOCATEADVOCATEADVOCATE ASCENSION RIVER PARISHES WRITER Christopher Cartwright christopher.cartwright@theadvocate.com (225) 388-0125
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Picnic tables, beach chairs and swings made by East Ascension High School’s woodworking students were sold March 22 during an FFA plant sale and farmers market.
Sophomore Franklin Ayaoa and junior Irene Morales pose with flat paper doll Luke March 22 during East Ascension High School’s plant sale. Luke was sent to EA’s FFA club by another FFA chapter in Illinois. Students exchange pictures of Luke in various poses at school events.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
East Ascension High School’s FFA club held its annual plant sale and farmers market. Flowers and plants grown by students were sold to the public.
East Ascension High School students sold herbs, flowers, vegetable plants and woodworking projects March 22 during its annual plant sale and farmers market.
MARCH 14
COVINGTON JR., VICTOR
ALONZA: 36263 Belle Crique Ave., Geismar; 36; domestic abuse battery
MORRIS, NEO TRENEL: 41237 Zeola Lane 24, Gonzales; 41; parole violation, possession of Schedule II controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine), resisting an officer
MACKIE, RODNEY ANTOINE: 14333 Mossystone Drive, Prairieville; 55; four counts failure to appear-bench warrant
SHARPER, ERIC SHAEVON
DONZJA: 1232 W. Sidney St., Gonzales; 31; failure to appear-bench w
BUTLER, DERRICK JOS 39274 Majestic Gonzales; 37; fai pear-bench warr ited acts-drug p fugitive-other L diction, entry on or ing in places or on land aft being forbidden, poss of Schedule II contr gerous substance (me phetamine)
MARCH 15
COVINGTON, JAMES GRE 41133 Clearwater Gonzales; 41; distribution/ possession with the inten distribute Schedule I trolled dangerous subs (alprazolam), distribution possession with the inten distribute marijuana o thetic cannabinoids, s assault
BATISTE, LATASHA RENE: 54860 Marque S Castle; 39; two to appear-bench w disturbing the peace assault
BROWN, TERRY D Water Oak Ave., P 32; breach of bail condition failure to appear rant, two counts theft less than $1,000, simple damage to prope $1,000, illegal ca weapons
ROBINSON, THE La. 42, Prairievill bution/possessi intent to distribute S ule II controlled danger substance (amphetamine), distribution/poss the intent to distribute Sc ule IV controlled dang substance (alpr possession of Schedule II controlled dang stance (cocaine), prohibited acts-drug paraphernalia
COUSIN, THOMAS MARTIN: 4216 Haydel Road, Darrow; 44; unlawful disruption of the operation of a healthcare facility, criminal trespass/all other offenses, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
HEBERT, NEIL J.: 16288 La. 431, Prairieville; 42; fugitive-other Louisiana jurisdiction, failure to appear-bench warrant
LUNDY, JAMARI JEVANTE: 39004 Bayou View Ave Gonzales; 22; state probation violation, contraband defined-certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited, failure to appear-bench warrant
MARCH 19
LUMAR, KENTRALL M.: 402 Central Ave., Edgard; 45; sexual battery FORREST, JORDAN MICHAEL:
9224 La. 22, St. Amant; 18; criminal trespass/trespassing of real property, aggravated flight from an officer
JACKSON, LEROYAL: 43498
Jackson Road, Prairieville; 59; failure to appear-bench warrant, criminal trespass/ all other, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
MORGAN, TANISHA MICHELLE: 1015 Onion Ave., Apt. 22, Bougalusa; 47; unauthorized use of access card as theft-
definitions CANO-CRUZ, CARLOS ENRIQUE: 142 Salbador St., Opelousas; 39; driver must be licensed, bank fraud
RUSSELL, DONALD W.: 1514 W Fairview Road, Baton Rouge; 44; three counts failure to appear-bench warrant
GREEN, AMANDA CRAVEN: 15526 Crystal Lane, Prairieville; 43; theft less than $1,000, two counts failure to appear-bench warrant
LANDRUM JR., JACOB D.: 8150 Main St., Sorrento; 36; domestic abuse batterystrangulation
MARCH 20
RAMOS, QUEVIN: 15417 Roy Rogers Road, Prairieville; 25; failure to appear-bench warrant, domestic abuse batterystrangulation, domestic abuse battery with weapon and injury
CURRY, GERALD T.: 40506 Fox Run Drive, Gonzales; 53; resisting an officer, entry on or remaining in places or on land after being forbidden theft less than $1,000
BUCHANAN, JARVIS: 56387 Hano Road, Independence; 21; operating vehicle while license is suspended, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, reckless operation, aggravated flight from an officer
MARTIN, VICTORIA RAVEN: 49180 Frank Dillon Road, Franklinton; 29; operating a vehicle while intoxicatedchild endangerment law
CASTELLON, GUSTAVO ADOLFO: 12365 Samuel Babin Road, Gonzales; 39; possession of marijuana less than 14 grams, operating while intoxicated-first, flight from an officer, obstruction of justice/all others, contraband defined-certain activities regarding contraband in penal institutions prohibited
MARCH 17
GAUTREAU, SHANE PAUL: 170 N. Arlington Drive, Lafayette; 54; failure to appear-bench warrant
MCMANUS, JAMIE: 3484 J H Conney St., Baton Rouge; 30; monetary instrument abuse, bank fraud, theft $1,000 but less than $5,000
If you’ve visitedthe ExxonMobil facilities in the BatonRouge area recently,you mayhave noticed that more womenthaneverare in leadership positions. Thesewomen have hadmeaningful careersat ExxonMobil,advancing throughthe ranksthanks to theirtalent, ambition,and thementorshipthey have received from both male andfemaleleaders
We spoketothese womentolearn abouttheir motivations, theirpassion fortheir work,and theadvice that hasguidedthemalong theway
Patrice Aron,Mid-Atlantic/SoutheastArea Manager, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company Aron graduatedfromIstroumaHighSchooland earnedadegreeinsecondaryeducationmathematics from Southern University.She taught in theEast BatonRouge Parish School System forseveral years priortojoining ExxonMobil
“In2001, Iwas in aconversationwitha colleague whowasinterestedinchangingcareersandmentioned ExxonMobilwashiringinOperations.Shementioned sheheard themathportion of thetestwas hard,and suggestedItakethe test so Icould tutorher,since Iwas amathteacher,” Aron said.“Itookthe test, passed it,was hired, and23years laterI am here with no regrets.”
Throughout herprofessionaljourney,Aronhas oftenreliedon theadviceofher grandfather,who always encouraged her to be thebestshe couldbe andhelpothersalong theway
“WhenIstartedworkingasamathteacher,Istrived forexcellence, notfor myself but formystudents.I carriedthatsamemindset with me when Istarted with thecompany in 2002,” shesaid. “Therefore, I attributemysuccess to believinginGod,takingmy grandfather’sadviceand helping others.
Aron said herworkatExxonMobilisespecially meaningful,since shegrewupabout 12 milesfrom therefinery
“WhenI am at events,I seelotsoffamiliarfaces, from councilmembers andcommunity leadersto teachers andjudges,”she said.“KnowingthatIwork foracompany that trulycares aboutthe community andthe environmentisamazing.”
Ashleigh Celedonia, Port AllenLubricants PlantManager Fromayoungage,mathwasapassionforCeledonia Ahighschoolteacher recognized that strength and pushedhertotakemoreadvancedmathclasses.That rigorousacademicbackgroundinfluencedCeledonia’s collegeand majorchoices,ultimatelyleading herto become adualmajor in actuarialmathematics and management engineering.
NowatExxonMobilfor 15 years, Celedoniahas worked in numerous departments, includingsales planning, logistics, supply chainand operations
“The varietyofexperiences I’ve hadduringmy career hashelpedwithmyindividual growth and developmentandallowedmetocontinuechallenging myself,” shesaid. “Wespend an incredible amount of time at ExxonMobil in developing people,and as
an individual exhibits strengths, newopportunities presentthemselves.” Celedoniasaidher mentorsatExxonMobilhave also helped herfind thebalance betweenhomelife andher professional goals.
“It’sperfectly finetostrivefor somethinginyour career andalsocreatespace to celebratethose importantmilestoneswithyourchildren,”she said “IalsorememberwhenIwasplanningmymaternity leave andwantedtotakeabout fivemonths, my boss askedmeifthatwas enough. It waswonderfulto have that encouragementand know that Icould step back into my career when thetimewas right.” Regina Davis, BatonRouge ComplexRefinery Manager Davis’ trajectory startedinher earlyyears with encouragementfromher mother, “a wise, God-fearingwoman,” Davissaid. Recognizingthat educationwould help herchildrenbreak thecycle of generational poverty, shemadesuretheyattended asummerprogram each year.Itwas during one of those programs in hermiddleschoolyears,that Davismet afemaleengineer. That encounter was thespark forwhatwas to come “Itjustresonated with me,” shesaid. “I wasfortunatetohavemymom’sforesighttomakesurethatwe were exposedtothe possibilities, andthatexposure piqued my curiosity.”Davis carries this experience forwardinher ownpassion forvolunteeringand mentoringother youngladiestoget them excited aboutcareers in STEM fields.
Davisended up majoring in chemical engineering andstaying an additional semester at Louisiana Tech,choosingtotakeonaninternshiptogain more real-worldexperience. Shegraduated in the earlydaysofa recession,but stoodout to potential employers with hersmartsand skills
Sincebeing namedthe first Blackwoman to lead theBatonRougerefinery,Davissaidshehasreflected oftenonher experiences andhow shecan usethose to “pay it forward” to help developthe next generationofleaders. Shecredits herfaith,hardwork, andhavingateamofsupportersincluding family friends andamazing mentorsaskeystoher success today. WhileDavis is proudofbeing an exampleto otheryoung women, shealsofeels that shehas a responsibility to help shiftthe narrative. “I do wear with pridethe fact that Ihavebeenthe first in many arenas.Mydiverse perspectives,the skills Ihave developedovermycareerand my commitment to excellence have enabledmetodeliver resultsand continue paving theway forothers,”saidDavis Laura Eiklor,Baton RougePlasticsand Resin PlantManager GrowingupinPennsylvania,Eiklorhadhereyeon pursuingmusic professionally.But,two high school teachers recognized hertalents in math andscience andurged hertoconsider acareerasanengineer. “Myparents both have biologybackgrounds,and they encouraged me to find my way,”she said.“I
enteredPennStateasamusicmajor,butIchangedto chemicalengineeringbytheendofmyfirstsemester.” At ExxonMobil,Eiklorsaidshe is gratified to be apartofteamthatsolvesproblemsinrealtimethat impact theproductsthatmillionsofpeopleuse each day. Sheadded that shecontinues to be inspired by hercolleagues’ passion, dedication to qualityand commitment to unlockingone another’spotential “Someofthe bestadviceI’vereceivedatExxonMobilistoliftwhere youstand.Ifyou candoyour best in your currentjob,peoplewillhelpyou getto thenextlevel,” shesaid. “The other oneistodream big. When Ihad beenwiththe companythree or four years, someoneasked me aboutmycareergoals, andmyanswerwas small. They encouraged me to dreambiggerand picturemyselfgoing further. That changedmymindset andmademewilling to trymorenew things.”
Lightfootmadehistory in 2018 as thefirstfemale sitemanagerattheChemicalPlantinBaytown,Texas Ifeltblessed to have an opportunitytobean exampletoother womenthattheycan be wives, moms andleaders whilestill taking care of their physical,mentalandemotionalhealth,”sherecalled Inadditiontoherwork,Lightfootandherhusband have threechildren, andshe is oftenactiveinlocal civicorganizations andprofessionalassociations. It’s quitethe balancingact,but onethatLightfoot says is possible thanks to “lotsand lots of planning.”
“Ithinkahead,Imakeaplan,andevenwhenIdon’t feellikeit,Iexecutemyplan.Myplanincludestesting that balanceofthese rolesoverthe course of weeks andmonths. Idon’t stress toomuchifa givenday or week feelsweightedone wayoranother,” shesaid. No matter what each daymight bring, Lightfoot startseachmorningthesameway–bynamingthree blessingsfor whichshe is grateful,decidingher intentionfor theday anddeterminingwhatshe will accept each day. Shealsomakes time forself-care planningout howshe will fuel andmoveher body plus getenoughrest, to be thebestversion of herself. Lightfootsaidshe is heartenedtosee more girls andyoung womeninterestedinSTEMcareers. Her advice is simple–gofor it!
“Getinthereandlearnanddeveloptoyourgreatest potential,andthenfollowthe path that Godprovides for youtoserve your purposeinthisworld,” shesaid. Thesewomen leadersare notonlybreakingbarriersinthe energy sector butare also giving back to theircommunitiesthroughmentorshipandsupport. Theircommitmenttonurturing thenextgeneration of female engineersisevident in theirinvolvement withinitiativeslikeExxonMobil’s“IntroduceaGirlto EngineeringDay.” By sharingtheir experiencesand providingguidance,theseleadersarepavingtheway fora more innovative future in theenergyindustry
By Amanda McElfresh| amcelfresh@theadvocate.com This articleisbrought to youbyExxonMobil.
FELINES
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Cat Club hosted the popular event in conjunction with the Ragamuffin Cat Society Cat Fanciers Association sponsored the show Judging took place on five stages each day and included a special category for household pets.
Dozens of breeds of cats participated including sphynx, Siamese, Oriental shorthairs, ragdolls and Bengals.
The weekend also included children’s activities, a cat costume contest and vendors selling cat-related merchandise.
Cats and kittens from Cat Haven and other rescue groups were available for adoption For breeders and owners, the event was a chance to see where their feline breeds stacked up.
“The whole point of showing purebreds is to recognize there are distinctive features about particular breeds,” Daedra Marshall, of Dreamsong Cats, said.
“Shows are a gauge of how you are doing, how the breed is doing compared to other breeds.”
Marshall, a longtime Greater Baton Rouge Cat Show participant, traveled from Georgia to show multiple cats, including her 2-year-old Cornish rex, Willow “I brought Willow to be an example of the Cornish Rex breed,” Marshall said. “She’s such a sweetie and Cornish rex are really cool.”
Marshall’s cats have placed high in competitions, but several factors can affect a cat’s performance such as traveling and the cat’s mood on that day
“Competitions with cats are kind of all over the place,” Marshall laughed.
“Some shows you do well, and others you may not.”
In cat shows, judges evaluate cats based on physical attributes of the breed such as head shape, coat patterns and temperament
An American wirehair and a copper-eyed Persian were a couple of the felines all-breed judge Kenny Currie viewed.
One of Currie’s top awards went to a double-coated orange and white Persian.
“When I was handed this one, I knew it would be
tough to beat,” Currie announced. “It is a magnificent representation of its breed. This one has beautiful markings on the face and bull’s-eye fur ”
Double-coat Persians have a short, thick undercoat close to the skin and a longer, thinner topcoat “Bull’s-eye fur” refers to the swirls on a cat’s side resembling a bull’s-eye.
Show attendee Jessica Smith traveled from Houma with her family
“We wanted to see all of the cats,” Smith said. “I love cats and have four at home It is amazing to see all the different breeds. It has been a lot of fun.”
For more information about the Greater Baton Rouge Cat Club, visit batonrougecatclub.wixsite. com/gbrcc.
PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
The Gonzales Rotary Club held its annual Food Fest Extravaganza Thursday at the PACE Center The event is a fundraiser for multiple Ascension Parish organizations and included raffles and auctions.
Lemon blueberry and pecan amaretto cupcakes from Bakin Ya’ Crazy were some of the desserts offered Thursday.
Ben Jie, left, and Brenda Marchand, of Mike Anderson’s Restaurant, serve attendees of the Gonzales Rotary Food Fest Tee’s pasta salad.
Greater Baton Rouge Cat Show Judge Kenny Currie holds one of his top choices for all-breed during Saturday’s competitions at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center This double coat Persian was one of 200 cats showcased during the weekend.
Greater Baton Rouge Cat Show Judge Laura Gregory plays with a Siamese while judging Saturday’s competitions at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center Gregory was a judge for ‘specialty’ breeds PHOTOS BY WENDY LOUP
Ascension Christian’s Wyatt Buratt leads veteran group
The Ascension Christian Lions baseball team is ranked third in Division 4 Select and is 17-6 overall.
The Lions are coming off a 20-win season and a No. 9 ranking last year, they lost a close game to St. Fredericks in the second round
Returning several players from last season, mostly seniors, has coach Jarred Kleinpeter excited.
Charles, East Ascension, Parkview and rival, Ascension Catholic,” Kleinpeter said.
The Lions recently beat Ascension Catholic 8-6 in district play, they trailed 6-5 heading into their last at bat and rallied for the win. That win was significant as it was the first time the Lions beat their rival since 2017.
“This is my sixth season as Ascension Christian, we have mostly a senior laden group. Our focus is concentrating on the game we are playing and not looking ahead. Our goal is to go 1-0 each day and be playing the best baseball as the playoffs get closer,” Kleinpeter said One of those seniors is catcher Wyatt Buratt, a Belhaven baseball commitment, that has a strong arm and a big bat.
“Wyatt Buratt has been starting since the eighth grade for us. He is the ultimate utility guy; he can play any position on the field. He has signed to play catcher at Belhaven,” Kleinpeter said. Buratt leads the team with a perfect 6-0 record as a pitcher with two saves. He also swings a big bat with a .364 average, three homeruns and seventeen runs batted in.
With several seniors in the lineup, the Lions are confident going into every game they play
“Our game experience has helped us beat some quality teams like Prairieville, St
Other players to watch include senior pitchers Jacob Brignac (42) and David Flynn (2-1). Brignac has committed to play at LSUAlexandria.
The Lions come at you with a strong offense led by outfielder and leadoff hitter senior Carson Sulfsted, he has a .377 average and sets the table for the big boppers. Senior first baseman Mason LeBlanc (.320 average) is a Baton Rouge Community College commitment.
Infielder/pitcher Wyatt Stafford has committed to LSU-Alexandria, he leads the team with a .400 average, four homeruns and 33 runs batted in. Flynn plays shortstop when not pitching has a .371 average.
Senior Keegan Bourgeois can catch and is the designated hitter, he has a .381 average. Senior Cade Dowden is an outfielder and pitcher with a .293 average. Brignac plays outfield when not pitching and has a .290 average.
The only underclassman in the lineup are junior Baylor Guidry (outfield/pitcher) and sophomore Luke Brignac (3B/pitcher).
Buratt has had a stellar fiveyear career his career numbers are strong with 35 doubles, 11 triples, 19 homeruns and 136 runs batted in. Those numbers should surprise his coach, but the truth is that Kleinpeter is not really surprised.
“Wyatt is probably the hardest working kid I have ever coached. He consistently puts in the work before and after practice. I am not surprised by his success, all our kids put the work in,” Klein-
peter said. The Lions will have another district test this week playing St. John as well as the district tournament that will be hosted by Ascension Catholic on April 1112. Division 4 select has several strong teams including Covenant Christian (23-0), Opelousas Catholic (defending champs), Ouachita Christian, Riverside, Central Private, Ascension Episcopal, Vermillion Catholic, St. Fredericks and rival, Ascension Catholic.
Kleinpeter knows there is plenty work left to do.
“Trusting this team with our leadership, however, we have several tests coming up, we have to take it one day at a time,” Kleinpeter said.
With seniors like Buratt leading the way, the Lions should be mentioned with the contenders, all can win a state championship.
Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. He can be reached at troyleboeuf@ hotmail.com or ascension@ theadvocate.com or on Twitter @Troyleboeuf.
“Shell's RootsRun Deep in St.Charles Parish. To us,beingagood neighbor means morethan safely clocking in and out;itmeans actively supporting theplacesand communitiesthathavebeen thefoundation of our business fornearly acentury.”
TAMMYLITTLE | General Manager,ShellNorco
In honor of ShellNorco's 95thanniversary,ninety-fiveemployees partnered with thePontchartrain Conservancytoplant1,000 treesat Wetland Watchers Park in St.CharlesParish.
Thesetrees will help fortifythe Lake Pontchartrain shoreline,createnew wildlife habitat, and supportlocalair quality.Atthe event,Shell NorcoGeneral Manager Tammy Little announced a$175,000 donation to theSt. Charles Parish Parksand Recreation Department to helprebuild thepark’spier,which wasdamaged in Hurricane Ida.
PROVIDED PHOTOS BY ASCENSION CHRISTIAN BASEBALL Ascension Christian baseball coach Jarred Kleinpeter
PROVIDED PHOTO BY ASCENSION CHRISTIAN BASEBALL
Wyatt Buratt with Ascension Christian High baseball
