Junior track star dominates national competition

Alden “Steek” Dupree is the 10-year-old son of Alda and Qunonna Dupree of Maringouin, La.  He is a student at North Iberville Elementary and he has proven his love for track is real.

The name Dupree should ring familiar with some as he is the younger brother of star Plaquemine High track and field standout Aldrianna Dupree, who placed first in the 100-meter and 200-meter dash at the 4A state championship meet in 2015.

While most kids are enjoying their summers, Alden is a true workaholic when it comes to the track. According to his mother, Qunonna, Alden practices every day when he is not at competitions.

Alden is a member of the South Baton Rouge Jaguars track and field team led by head coach Terry Boyd of Baton Rouge, La.

Prior to winning first place in national competitions, Alden placed first in the 400-meter, 800-meter and 4x100 meter relays at the Area 11 Championship Qualifiers held in Covington, La.

Alden also took home the gold in the 400-meter, 800-meter and 4x100 meter relay at the USATF District Qualifier held in Zachary and first in the 400-meter and 800-meter at the USATF Regional Qualifiers at LSU.

Alden and his family then traveled to Orlando, Fl. where he ran at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the AAU Club Championship.  He placed first in the 400 and 800 and fourth in the 200, which he had not yet run this season.  Alden brought home two golds and a copper along with two All-American patches.  He also received a first place trophy for the top 10-year-old at the competition.

Two weeks later, Alden traveled to Humble, Tx. to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics.  He received two gold medals, each in the 400-meter dash and 800-meter run, and two All-American patches.  He ranked number one in the nation in the 400-meter with a time of 59.36 and the 800-meter with a time of 2:22.05 for 10-year-old boys.

Shortly after winning, Alden gave credit to his parents, Alda and Qunonna Dupree, because they always make sure he’s at practice on time and at every running event.  He also thanked God for giving him amazing talent and enabling him to finish each race.

Alden is the older brother to a 7-year-old sister, Aldany Dupree, who qualified to compete at the Junior Olympics in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter competitions.

Alden also thanked his older sister, Aldrianna Dupree, for inspiring him when she won first place at the 4A State Championships for Plaquemine High in 2015.

Alden then said it would not be appropriate for him not to mention his older brother, Alda Dupree, Jr., who will be playing football at Plaquemine High this season.  Alden’s only regret is he cannot  run home and share his medals with his late grandfather, Aldrich “Tudy” Dupree, who passed two years ago.

“I know he is smiling down on me,” Alden said.  “That’s why when I cross the finish line I always blow him a kiss because I can hear him say ‘Run, Steek, Run!’.”

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, Alden.