ALEXANDRIA, La. (UrbanCast: 8/12/2026) — Joseph “Carter” Rivet is taking his talents from Central Louisiana to one of track and field’s national stages.
The 16-year-old Alexandria Senior High standout has been selected for the Nike Elite Program.
The national athlete development program operates through a partnership between Nike and the National Scholastic Athletics Foundation.
Rivet becomes the first Louisiana thrower selected for the program. He is also only the second Louisiana athlete ever selected.
For the rising ASH junior, the opportunity adds another national achievement to an already impressive high school career.
Building a National Résumé
Rivet competes in the discus and shot put and has already earned five All-American honors.
His résumé includes All-American recognition through Nike, AAU and USA Track & Field competition.
Additionally, Rivet has collected state and national championships while establishing himself among the nation’s ranked throwers.
However, his athletic schedule does not begin with track.
Rivet is also a two-sport athlete at Alexandria Senior High. He has spent two years as a starter on the Trojans’ football team.
Once football season ends, Rivet shifts his attention to the throwing circle and his track season.
Getting It Done in the Classroom
Rivet’s success also extends beyond athletics.
He currently ranks No. 1 in his class at Alexandria Senior High. Rivet carries a 4.32 weighted GPA and scored a 29 on the ACT.
He also earned a 31 on the mathematics section.
Still, those closest to Rivet point to his character as one of his strongest qualities.
They describe him as humble, competitive and willing to help other athletes.
That includes answering questions, offering encouragement and helping fellow throwers improve. He extends that support to competitors as well.
Following His Brother’s Example
Rivet also credits older brother Hunter Rivet as a major influence on his development.
Hunter earned All-American honors during his own throwing career at Alexandria Senior High.
He also captured the 2024 Louisiana Class 5A state championship in the discus.
Hunter now competes collegiately for the University of Texas at Tyler.
Carter continues building on that family tradition while creating a path of his own.
Representing Cenla on a National Stage
Selection to the Nike Elite Program gives Rivet another opportunity to develop while representing Alexandria Senior High nationally.
It also puts another Central Louisiana athlete in the spotlight beyond the state.
For Cenla, Rivet’s selection carries additional significance. Louisiana had never sent a thrower into the program before him.
Now, an Alexandria Senior High athlete holds that distinction.
And with two high school seasons still ahead, Rivet’s story is far from finished.
Photo courtesy: Nike Elite / Nike Headquarters, Oregon
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