Sherice Robinson
January 20, 2019
Arrangements TBA
SABINE PARISH:
William “Bill” Ralph Ross
November 9, 1943 – January 19, 2019
Service: Wednesday, January 23 at 10 am at Lewing Chapel
Interment: Lewing Chapel Cemetery
RAPIDES PARISH:
Rose T Welch
February 9, 1946 – January 20, 2019
Service: Wednesday, January 23 from 2-3 pm in the Kramer Funeral Home Chapel
WINN PARISH:
Paul Wesley Garner
June 24, 1957 – January 21, 2019
Service: Thursday, January 24 at 11 am at Jordan Hill United Pentecostal Church
Interment: Jordan Hill Cemetery
Joe D. Hughen
October 30, 1934 – January 20, 2019
Visitation: Wednesday, January 23 from 9:30-11 am at Antioch Community Church in Brewton’s Mill
Service: Wednesday, January 23 at 11 am at Antioch Community Church
Interment: Yankee Springs Cemetery in Goldonna
The Natchitoches Young Professionals (NYP), an initiative of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, has named its 4 Under 40 Award recipients for 2019: Micah Foshee, Rodrick McIntosh, Randee Knapp, & Ryan Todtenbier.
The 4U40 Awards are given to four NYP members who excel in community leadership and professional achievements while maintaining a consistent level of involvement with the NYP. 4U40 Nominations are accepted through an anonymous survey open to anyone in the organization. From there, a committee consisting of former winners, current NYP Board Members, and Chamber Board Members votes until the 4 winners are chosen.
Micah Foshee works at BOM Bank as their Marketing Assistant, where she wears many hats in the Marketing arena. “Community Service and giving back to the wonderful city of Natchitoches has always been a passion and priority of mine,” Foshee stated. Through Les Amies Service Organization, Foshee has volunteered with numerous organizations and events including: Cane River Children’s Home, Kasey’s Heart & Soul Run, local nursing homes, Relay for Life and many more. She was voted “New Member of the Year” in 2012 and “Board Member of the Year” in 2013. As an NYP Board Member since 2017, she has spearheaded all philanthropic initiatives including organizing coat & tie drives for students, collected items for the Women’s Resource Center, collected art supplies for local schools, and more.
After being a volunteer coach at Natchitoches Flipping Athletics for 3 years, Foshee purchased the business in 2018. At NFA, she offers tumbling, competitive cheer, show team cheer, Ninja classes, co-ed stunting, private lessons, birthday parties and field trips to our local youth. Her goal at NFA is, “to provide a safe and fun place for all children of our community. Through NFA, we donated to local athletic departments, collected items for Ronald McDonald House, hosted Open Gym and Kid Care days for NSU Cheer to attend the National Championship in Florida, and collected coats for students in our community.”
Roderick McIntosh has spent the last 15 years learning the world of real estate. With that knowledge, he became the CEO of Rhodes Realty in January 2018. As the Company’s licensed real estate broker, he is in charge of growth and management of the company’s agents. Rhodes Realty achieved over $30 million dollars in sales in their first year and has expanded to 5 offices and 16 agents throughout the state of Louisiana since the company’s inception.
In addition to success in real estate, McIntosh gives back to the Natchitoches community by serving as President of Kappa Alpha Psi Natchitoches Alumni Chapter, an advisor to Theta Lambda Chapter at Northwestern State University, a member of Northwestern State University’s Athletic Council, a member of Natchitoches Jaycees and a former NYP Board Member.
Randee Knapp works in the Human Resources department at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) as the organization’s Professional Recruiter since March 2018. She spent the previous four years working in the Rehabilitation Department at NRMC as a Speech-Language Pathologist. At NRMC Knapp serves on the Wellness Quality Impact Team, and is also a current member of the Natchitoches Service League.
After completing her Masters of Health Administration degree in 2018, Knapp and her husband Wayne decided to become entrepreneurs and purchase Cane River Bar & Grill here in Natchitoches. “This past year my family decided to take a big leap in becoming local business owners, and I truly believe I would not have had the courage to do so without all the amazing support of my fellow NYP Members. My goal is to continue to advance in my career at NRMC to help provide quality care for our community and the surrounding areas and to own a fun, local restaurant where people enjoy dining with friends and family. I hope to encourage others to chase their dreams right here in Natchitoches and support one another to improve the business opportunities and growth necessary to keep moving us forward,” stated Knapp.
Ryan Todtenbier, CPA is a partner at THOMAS, CUNNINGHAM, BROADWAY & TODTENBIER, CPA’S here in Natchitoches and has over 14 years of Accounting & Finance experience. Todtenbier has served on the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Committee since 2011 and held the positions of Treasurer, Vice-Chairman, Chairman and is currently the Past-Chairman. He also serves as Chairman of the Natchitoches Community Alliance Foundation and is an active member in Natchitoches Jaycees as well as a former President.
Todtenbier has been a member of NYP since 2014 and loves being a part of a group of young professionals so engaged in the Natchitoches community. “Community leadership is very important to me, and the NYP is a great way to harvest and grow young leaders in our community,” stated Todtenbier.
These four recipients will be honored at the upcoming Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet Thursday, Jan. 24 at 5:30 pm in the Natchitoches Events Center. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, and we look forward to seeing everyone there!
Northwestern State University’s School of Creative and Performing Arts hosted Double Reed Day Sunday, Jan. 20. The event, now in its 8th year, is a fun filled opportunity for Oboists and Bassoonists to learn new skills and develop their musical abilities. Eighteen musicians from Louisiana and Texas learned from CAPA Faculty members and guest clinician Dr. David Wells, a renowned oboist and professor at Sacramento State University in California. The students were mainly high school musicians, but were also joined by a few junior high music students and some adult musicians from the community. The day’s name comes from the unique double reed used by the oboe and bassoon featuring two reeds back to back as opposed to the single reed found in other instruments.
Ms. Leah Forsyth, Instructor of Oboe, taught the students how to make their own reeds, a practical skill that comes in handy for anyone who plays a reed instrument. Dr. Doug Bakenhus, Director of Orchestral Studies at NSU, and Dr. David Wells taught master classes in bassoon and oboe. The event culminated with a concert by the students and then by the faculty and Dr. Wells.
The Natchitoches Parish Journal wishes to commend the faculty members and NSU music majors who put on Double Reed Day. Events such as this assist music educators throughout our region in bringing quality instruction to the students in their programs. We are looking forward to seeing some of the day’s young musicians at NSU’s CAPA in the near future.
Campti has no mayor. That actually comes as a surprise to many residents of the tiny hamlet. What happened? Basically, District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington is taking action to remove newly elected Campti Mayor Mozella Bell, because he says there is proof that she is not a resident of Campti. Residency is a requirement for the job. Harrington is quoted in a statement that ran the Natchitoches Parish Journal on January 16, 2019 as saying, “It is my opinion that Mozella Jeanetter Bell does not qualify to hold office of Mayor of the Town of Campti. It is my duty in accordance with Louisiana Revised Statute 18, to file suit in the 10th District Court within (10) days of this report to declare the Office of Mayor in the Town of Campti vacant.”
I went out on the streets of Campti to find out what people think about this odd situation. Not many were neutral. Opinions were strong as you’ll see from their comments. Each respondent was asked four questions: What do you think of the removal of Mozella Bell? Do you agree that she gave false information as alleged? Ms. Bell ran against Roland Smith. What do you think of about the claim that neither candidate in the mayor’s race is a resident? What do you think of Ms. Bell’s cleanup plan in which as one of her first acts, she attempted to enforce a 2015 ordinance requiring residents to clean up their properties or face fines? Speaking of residency, like the D.A. I did all I could to ensure all polled are residents of Campti. Ruth Grimsey, Campti: ”I hate her removal. She was going to clean up this place. I believe it’s a lie to say she filed a false report. She’s a church going woman. Yes, it’s bad that the other candidate was not a resident.”
Shaniqua Triggs, Campti: “If she is not a resident, she does not have a right to the job. Her residence wasn’t too far from town so maybe they should have given her a break. It’s crazy that neither candidate was a resident of Campti. I did agree with her cleanup plan for Campti though.”
Ronnie Williams, Campti: “It was bad to take her out of office. I don’t know much about the other candidate not being a resident. In politics they lie. She had a good cleanup plan.”
Anonymous Female Campti: (Would not give name) “I disagree with removing the mayor. I don’t believe she gave false information. I believe the other candidate not being a resident is irrelevant. But Mayor Smith was in office for years and they say he was not a resident. So why did he stay in office? That cleanup plan was good because people can pull you in some place and (harm you).”
Shell Thompson, Campti: “I disagree with the removal. I believe she is a resident and did not lie on the application. I don’t see a problem. Big deal about the other candidate. That cleanup plan would have made Campti beautiful.”
Anonymous Woman, Campti: “I disagree with the decision to remove her. I have no opinion on the other candidate. I like her cleanup plan. But I do wonder if the fines would be too high.”
Frank, Campti: “I disagree with the decision. (Laughs) You could spit from the residence she had and hit Campti. I agree with part of her cleanup plan. But torn up cars are responsible for torn up roads. If a house and yard looks like a salvage yard or landfill, it needs to be cleaned up!”
Lynn, Campti: I disagree with removing her. He, Smith, didn’t do anything for (Campti). I think if an abandoned car is in the yard, no problem. But some yards need cleaning up.”
Robert Robinson, Campti: “If it’s not right, I am not going to support it. So based on what I hear, if you are not in the city, you can’t have (the job). Same for the other candidate. If she (Bell) did do the application wrong, then she was wrong. Campti does need cleaning up. The thing is, people today don’t want to do right. And God is tired of it!”
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” —Matthew 23:11
The Northwestern State women’s basketball team found itself in an early hole Saturday afternoon against Southland Conference foe Abilene Christian.
Once the Lady Demons fought back to slice a double-digit deficit to a two-possession game in the third quarter, some of its season-long issues cropped up again.
After Northwestern State pushed its way back into the game, the visiting Wildcats swung momentum and the game back their way with a key run, setting the tone for a 72-63 victory at Prather Coliseum.
“We never could break through the wall,” third-year head coach Jordan Dupuy said. “We were down nine, got an offensive rebound and executed a play. We got in the paint, Nautica (Grant) did a great job relocating and knocked down a big three to get it to six.
“We were right where we needed to be, and then they hit us with an 8-0 run, and it goes from 46-40 to 54-40. That’s the step we’ve got to make. Do what got you into that position consistently.”
Northwestern State (6-10, 1-4) had its opportunities to stave off a quick start from Abilene Christian (12-5, 5-1), which built a 13-3 lead less than five minutes into the game. The Wildcats took advantage of a slow start offensively by the Lady Demons, who hit just three of 11 first-quarter shots.
That was before Grant began to heat up en route to another strong shooting performance inside Prather Coliseum.
Two weeks ago, Grant set a career high with 34 points in a 19-point win against McNeese in Northwestern State’s most recent home game. She established another career high Saturday, sinking 7 of 9 3-pointers to finish with a game-high 24 points.
One of those 3s came as a second-chance bucket off a missed free throw. Kira Bonner collected the offensive rebound and found Grant for a left-wing 3 that pulled Northwestern State within six at the 4:28 mark of the third quarter.
Grant’s shot was part of a 12-4 run across 4:23 of the third quarter, bringing Northwestern State as close as it had been since the 7:47 mark of the opening quarter.
“Thank goodness she showed up,” Dupuy said of Grant, who was 7-of-10 from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 from the line. “She played within herself, played within rhythm. She took some really deep 3s and made them. She did some good things off the bounce. We’ve been waiting for her to hit her stride. She’s been our most consistent starter the past four or five games, and we need that from her.”
After Northwestern State could not convert on a chance to cut further into the lead, Abilene Christian got a second-chance layup from Alyssa Adams before Dominique Golightly (team-high 19 points) and Breanna Wright sank 3-pointers on consecutive possessions to rebuild the double-figure lead.
Adams’ layup to start the run came off one of Abilene Christian’s 12 offensive rebounds. ACU came into the game as the Southland’s top team in rebound margin (plus-8.5), and the Wildcats lived up to that reputation, snagging 12 more rebounds than the Lady Demons.
Additionally, ACU outscored Northwestern State 40-24 in the paint, thanks to a tough shooting game inside from the Lady Demons.
“We had nine missed layups in the first half, 13 for the game,” Dupuy said. “We had 10 turnovers, which is good. You never want to have more than 10. That’s our goal every game. What I told them in the locker room is we missed 13 layups. That’s like having another turnovers. We also were 14 of 22 from the line.
“If we make 50 percent more of those layups and a few more at the line, we win easily. We made our run. They buffered it and continued to make shots. You have to give Abilene credit. They’re a very well-coached team.”
The Lady Demons return to action Wednesday when they travel to Sam Houston State. Tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
Brayden Arnold and Jaci DeLaCruz, students at Natchitoches Central High School, recently realized they have more than a passion for soccer in common.
A sophomore, Braden starts for the NCHS varsity team. A freshman, Jaci is a start for the girls varsity team. But more than these commonalities, they are both former patients at the Shriners Hospital in Shreveport.
Braden was diagnosed with osteoporosis at 6 months old. Doctors discovered an abscess, which demanded immediate surgery on his right hip. During the surgery, doctors discovered the abscess had burst, so Braden had an IV line inserted into his heart which fed him Rocephin to get rid of the Septic. This line stayed in place for 12 long weeks.
At this time, he started physical therapy and went to the Shriners Hospital for further treatment. Braden’s prognosis was that he’d walk with a 85% limp because the femur of his right hip had already started deteriorating. He was ordered straight line shoes with a 1.5 inch lift to wear.
After an amazing recovery Braden was released from Shriners in May of 2005, at the age of 23 months, when he was no longer co-dependent on the straight line shoes, and no longer walking with a limp.
NCHS Boys Coach Rusty Stultz said, “Braden is a great kid who has the potential to play at the next level.”
After overcoming incredible odds stacked against him, Braden stays active with basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis, track and cross country. He plans to attend LSU and study medicine.
Jaci’s first surgery was December 2009 when she was 5-years-old. She was diagnosed with Legg-Perthes disease, a rare childhood condition that affects the hip. The surgery she underwent cut the femoral head of her thigh bone, shortening her right leg and placing hardware. Her last surgery was March 2014 to remove the hardware and do a bone graft.
Jaci’s mother remembers when Jaci stepped off the school bus and her femur shattered. “Normally after something like this, you’d have a limp for the rest of your life,” said Carey Hamblin. “It’s truly amazing. She’s in the Chiefettes and she tumbles and she’s about to start running track.”
Both Jaci and Braden also play competitive soccer with the Natchitoches Youth Soccer League and have for a couple of years. The league has recreational play from ages 4-14 and, sometimes, have competitive teams that start around age 12 and go through high school. The team that they play for is in the 15 and under boys age group.
“Braden is the leading scorer on the team this year and one of the standout athletes on the field,” said Coach David Chesal. “Even with the significant physical differences between boys and girls at this age, Jaci more than holds her own on the field.”
Competitive soccer in Louisiana is a state wide league. They will play teams from New Orleans to Shreveport in a league that lasts from August to April.
The St. Augustine Historical Society will holds its annual meeting on Saturday, Jan. 26 beginning with a mass at 5 pm at the St. Augustine Catholic Church, located at 2250 Hwy. 484 in Isle Brevelle. The meeting will begin at 6:30 pm with a presentation, special recognitions, election of board members, and a membership drive. Gumbo will be served and attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish.
For the past several months, Natchitoches Parish 4-H’er Joel Garcie collected new Hot Wheels car sets in anticipation of donating them for use at the Shreveport Shriners Hospital. As a longtime patient receiving care for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Joel combined his own love of the venerable toy cars with a desire to help boost the spirits of his fellow patients. With the help of friends and family, he plans on making his toy drive a continuing initiative.
Would you like to host a toy drive or other Shriners Hospital benefit? You can! Learn more at https://bit.ly/2FHxv6M.
Campti resident took these photos of the aftermath of a structure fire in Campti on Jan. 20. Firefighters arrived at the location to find a structure fully involved with fire that had extended into a adjoining commercial structure (M&M Grocery). Firefighters immediately started a defensive attack on the structure that was fully involved with fire. Fire units remained on scene Monday morning extinguishing hot spots.
The Black Heritage Committee organized a Celebration Day for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 22. The day started with a program at the MLK Recreation Center themed around “The Power of a Dream.”
Rev. Brad Holden presided over the event. Inspirational singing was performed by the Asbury UMC Youth Choir and Bishop Lee Hall led the invocation. The “Polly” Choir of the First Baptist Church on Amulet Street performed a selection and Carolyn Sawyer greeted attendees on behalf of the event organizer: The Black Heritage Committee and the event chairperson: City Council member Sylvia Morrow.
The brother of the NSU Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Rivers of Joy Praise Team and the Christian Outreach Center all performed tributes in praise.
Dr. Doris Small presented Dr. King and MLK Service Awards Maina Mohammed, Trini Willis, Jamar Benjamin, and William Allen. The speaker: Dr. Gloria Smith-Gandy spoke to the audience and then Dr. Linda King performed a vocal solo. Bishop Kelvin Stewart then performed a spoken word piece.
The day ended at the MLK Triangle to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with presentations by the Dawn of Light Lodge No. 22 F&AM Prince Hall Masons, the NSU Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Pastor Brian Small and other community members.
“It’s a great day to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, who has been a hero to African Americans across the world,” said Small. “My mother drug me down here as a child even when I didn’t understand it and I’m honored to stand here today. I have my son with me today and we have to continue to educate our children. We need more young black men, like the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, who are willing to take a stand for something they believe in.”
Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
“Dr. King answered the call,” said Small. “The call was that blacks all over the nation were being treated unfairly. There was a cultural divide. He knew there was a problem and he had the guts to step up.”
Small said the African American community still has a long way to go, but thanks to the sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others like him, they have a choice.
“Dr. King had a dream but we can’t live in the dream anymore,” said Small. “We have regressed. We need to realize that we are all one thing and that is God’s people. We can do better as a people but if Dr. King were here today I think he’d tell you the dream is failing. It’s time for us to have some dreams. To get busy in our community.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – When we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
Sherice Robinson
January 20, 2019
Arrangements TBA
Patricia Lynn Duraso
October 12, 1962 – January 20, 2019
Service: Tuesday, January 22 at 10 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Ann’s Cemetery on Old River
SABINE PARISH:
William “Bill” Ralph Ross
November 9, 1943 – January 19, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, January 22 from 5-10 pm at Lewing Chapel, located at 982 W.B. Lewing Road in Many
Service: Wednesday, January 23 at 10 am at Lewing Chapel
Interment: Lewing Chapel Cemetery
WINN PARISH:
Joe D. Hughen
October 30, 1934 – January 20, 2019
Visitation: Tuesday, January 22 from 5-8 pm at Southern Funeral Home and Wednesday, January 23 from 9:30-11 am at Antioch Community Church in Brewton’s Mill
Service: Wednesday, January 23 at 11 am at Antioch Community Church
Interment: Yankee Springs Cemetery in Goldonna
RED RIVER PARISH:
Charles Edward Cox
April 13, 1947 – January 19, 2019
Service: Tuesday, January 22 at 11 am at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel
Interment: Union Hall Cemetery
The Legacy Cafe held its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Jan. 18 with the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce.
“I’m absolutely filled with joy to see this project come to fruition,” said Dallas Russell, executive director for the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center. “Our turnout and support were overwhelming.”
Mark your calendars for our first Annual Legacy Lunch on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Jan. 21 from 12-3 PM. The $10 lunch will include: Red Beans and Rice, Crack’lin Cornbread, Dessert and Drink.
The Legacy Cafe will be open to the public Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch offering made-from-scratch menu items. Breakfast will include muffins, scones and quiche and don’t forget coffee. Lunch will comprise of soups, salads and sandwiches.
“Our cafe will also serve as the hands-on training environment for our Youth Workforce Development participants,” said Founder Claire Prymus.
Beginning in March, the Legacy Youth Development program will serve young people between the ages of 16-24 who are out of work and out of school by teaching them life and occupational skills and help them to overcome social barriers to employment.
Claire founded the Ben D. Johnson Educational Center in honor of her late uncle. It’s a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to build community in Natchitoches and give access to social and economic success for all of its residents.
The Natchitoches Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated presents its inaugural REDy Fitness event on Feb. 2 at 2:30 pm at the Ben Johnson Auditorium. The event will focus on Physical and Mental Health awareness. Different trainers, camps, and groups will be available to ask any questions as well as demonstrate some physical fitness activity. This event is free and open to the public.
Attachments area
If you, your business or a member of your non-profit organization would like to appear on The Magnolia Minute, then contact us at the email or number below!
The Magnolia Minute Natchitoches Parish Journal magnoliaminute.npj@gmail.com 318-354-4000 #6
Patricia Lynn Duraso
October 12, 1962 – January 20, 2019
Visitation: Monday, January 21 from 5-9 pm at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home
Service: Tuesday, January 22 at 10 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Natchitoches
Interment: St. Ann’s Cemetery on Old River
WINN PARISH:
Thomas Warren
July 7, 1927 – January 18, 2019
Visitation: Monday, January 21 from 9-11 am at Southern Funeral Home, located at 202 E. Lafayette St. in Winnfield
Service: Monday, January 21 at 11 am at at Southern Funeral Home
Interment: Garden of Memories cemetery in Winnfield
AxsomAir and Plumbing is very proud to announce their partnership with Southwestern Electric Power Company or SWEPCO! AxsomAir has been selected for the second year to join the SWEPCO Louisiana 2018 Residential Solutions program. When you buy your new high efficiency Heat Pump or Air Conditioner from AxsomAir, SWEPCO incentive program will pay up to $2000!
“SWEPCO cares about our customers and wants their home to be comfortable and their energy bills to be affordable,” said Jeff Thigpen, SWEPCO’s energy efficiency and consumer program coordinator. “We partner with HVAC contractors like Josh Axsom of AxsomAir to offer incentives as high as $2,000 to our customers toward the purchase of high efficiency heat pumps and air conditioners. That makes a big impact on such a large purchase.”
“The major energy users in most homes are the heating and cooling systems. With an expected life span of 15 to 20 years, it’s important to purchase the most efficient unit you can afford. This program is designed to help SWEPCO customers offset a portion of the cost to purchase these more efficient heat pumps and HVAC units. This improves the comfort level in the customer’s home, and helps save them money through reduced energy bills over the life of the unit.”
We are really excited about this continued partnership with SWEPCO, says Josh Axsom with AxsomAir. The incentive funds are limited and when they are gone, they are gone. Also for a limited time Trane is offering a rebate of up to $2000 off of a new high efficiency Trane Heat Pump. Josh Axsom explained, “now is the best time of the year to go ahead and change out your old system with the incentives from Trane and SWEPCO making it the best price of the year!”
If you are a SWEPCO customer call us today at 352-7777 to schedule your free estimate and find out how big your incentive check will be!
(Pictured is the 3 generations of Axsom’s, Josh Axsom, Ethan Axsom, and Matthew Axsom)
The 2019 Chief Invitational Powerlifting Meet was held Jan. 12. There were 215 total lifters at the meet from schools all over the state. The Natchitoches Central girls team won 2nd place and the boys team finished 3rd.
The Chiefs brought home a good amount of hardware with the following lifters taking home medals:
Boys
Rodney Robinson -1st place with 1145 total pounds (165#) and Outstanding Male Lifter – Lightweight Platform
John Waskom – 3rd place (181#)
Tucker Henderson – 2nd place (198#)
Jacoby Timms – 3rd place (220#)
David Dumars – 1st place – 1300 total pounds (currently 1st in the state in the 242# weight class)
Patrick Dessources – 2nd place (242#)
Girls
Courtney Edmonson – 2nd place (97#)
Ladiamond Kelly – 2nd place (114#)
Talasia Miller – 1st place, with 580 total pounds (123#)
Kaylie Delacerda – 2nd place (132#)
Justys Wiley – 1st place (165#) with 785 total pounds (2018 3rd place finisher in 165# weight class)
Mali Simmons – 2nd place (165#)
Sharissa Johnson – 2nd place (Super Heavyweight)
Sara DeMattie – 1st place (181#) with 920 total pounds and Outstanding Female Lifter – Heavyweight Platform (Sr returning State Champion 181# weight class – currently ranked 1st in the state in the 181# weight class).
Regionals will be held in Marksville on Feb. 23. The State Meet will be in Alexandria, at the Rapides Parish Coliseum, on April 15.
