March 19, 2022

The Men's and Women's Track and Field teams competed at the Willie Williams/Dave Murray Invitational, held at the University of Arizona.  The meet, which comprises mostly of 4 year institutions, capped off the first competition for the track and field teams in almost a year.  The Vaqueros and Vaqueras did not disappoint, placing in the top 10 in nearly every event with a handful of athletes not only setting personal records but hitting National qualifying marks in their respective events. 

Here are some of the outstanding performances from Willie Williams

• Bryce Holdridge
• • Personal best in the 200m 21.89
  • Personal best in the 100m 10.64
  • Personal best in the long jump 6.97m
  • Personal best in the javelin 52.32 (NJCAA qualifier)
• Princess Kara
• • Personal best in the shot put 14.99m (NJCAA qualifier) #2 in the country
  • Personal best in the discus 53.32m (NJCAA qualifier), leading the country
• Kaise Ugeh
• • javelin 39.33 (NJCAA qualifier) #1 in the country
  • Shotput 40.5m (NJCAA qualifier) #3 in the country
• Godwin Charles
• • Triple jump 15.48m (NJCAA qualifier) #2 in the country

In addition to the aforementioned, Juvonna Cornette (200 meters in 24.57), Abdul Razak (400 meters in 47.94), Christian Franklin (800 meter in 1:54.44 and 3rd in the NJCAA), Beatrice Keditukei (5000 meter in 18:32.43 and 1st in NJCAA), and Raphael Kitur (5000 meter in 14:35.86 and 3rd in the NJCAA) all qualified for the National Championships in May.

Raphael Kitur was the lone winner for all events for Central Arizona on Friday, finishing first among all NJCAA and University competitors in the 5000 meter race, respectively.  Raphael's time also places him as the 15th fastest time ever run in the 5000 meter at CAC. 

Beatrice Keditukei also cracked the top 20 all-time list, running the 20th fastest time at CAC. 

When asked about the performances from the meet, Head Coach Andrew Wood stated "Central had great performances to start the 2022 outdoor track and field season. We had several athletes that achieved their personal best times. In addition, several Central athletes also qualified for the NJCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The team has been working hard since the fall. This great start is a just reward for the athlete's dedication and commitment to excellence."

CAC Track and Field resumes action at the Distance in the Dark/Cody McBride Invitational held on March 24th and the 26th.  Results from the Willie Williams/Dave Murray Invitational can be found here.