BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
When she wasn’t measuring a grass outline to create a simulated high jumping pit, Rheagan Butler was handling time management issues with two-sport preparations that eventually led to a pair of state championships.
It wasn’t unusual to see the two-sport Opelousas Catholic senior practice her jumping techniques in the grass during a morning athletic physical hour, returning to classes and then spending her afternoons working out with the Vikings’ softball team.
The arduous two-sport balancing act however didn’t prevent Butler from earning a pair of state championship performances in both outdoor track and on the diamond during her final month competing for OCS.
Butler was particularly recognized for those pair of accomplishments on Monday afternoon during a school-hosted pep rally in the OCS gymnasium packed with students and parents.
In softball Butler was a starting left fielder and key offensive weapon for the Vikings who won a Division IV-select championship.
Just two days before that 11-inning championship win over Catholic Pointe-Coupee, Butler was in Baton Rouge where she captured a second consecutive state Class 1A state long jump and placed second in the 100-meters.
Her days of dashing between academics and practicing two sports have concluded, but Butler admitted that although there were rewards, experiencing the hectic workout schedule wasn’t easy.
“Everyday I would go to my fourth hour and work on my (jumping technique). What I did for a jumping pit was measure one out with a string and chalk using the correct dimensions of a real long jumping pit.
“We don’t have a track here at school, so I worked out on the grass on my approach and speed that way,” Butler said.
The lack of an appropriate track facility apparently wasn’t a hindrance.
Butler measured 5.3 meters for a first place jump in the state meet. Last year Butler landed with a 5.2 meters jump which also claimed a first.
In the 100 meters Butler finished closely behind two-time state champion Kali Magana of Louise McGehee. Butler crossed the line in 12.18 seconds, while Magana was timed at 12.12.
At the 2023 Class 1A meet, Butler finished fifth in the 100 meters (12.72) and fifth in the 200 (26.66).
OCS track coach Mark Roberts said even the state track meet scheduling made it difficult for Butler to compete successfully in both events.
Butler barely had time to exhale and stretch between both of her state competitions, said Roberts.
Roberts said that not many athletes could handle the stress of competing at a high level in two sports.
“Rheagan was able to handle a difficult situation. We don’t have a track facility here, yet she’s a two-time champion. Then she had such an outstanding year in softball. That shows what a competitor she is,” Roberts said.
In softball Butler was a starter, whose track speed was highlighted both in the field and offensively.
Normally batting seventh in the Vikings’ lineup, Butler expertly moved runners around the basepaths with her slap hitting and bunting.
That batting method also enabled Butler to reach first base easily as she used her speed to outrun infield throws to first base.
OCS head softball coach Cullen Matherne said Butler didn’t play softball in 2023, but her athleticism was a factor this season.
“Her skills both offensively and defensively were noticeable and she was a great weapon for us all year,” Matherne said.