4/16/21

The Central Arizona College Men's and Women's team closed out their regular season at Mesa Community College Invitational on Friday, and needless to say the teams did not disappoint.  Both the Vaqueros and Vaqueras had multiple athletes not only qualify for the national meet, which is held at South Plains College, but also plenty of personal records. 

The Vaqueros were led by national qualifying performances from Thomas Soriano (1:53.73 800m), Kyle Partin (15:24.54 5k), Joel Nyatusah (14.51 110H), Kamijah Carter (52.88 400H), Joshua Bowen (52.65m Jav), Kwanda Knight (14.78 100H, 1:04.25 400H), Rachel Rose (1:05.86 400H), Anette Carrasco Cota (12:14.36 3k SC), Princess Kara (50.25m Disc, 13.11m Shot) and the Men's 4x100 Relay.

The following athletes missed qualifying but continued to show continued development by setting season and/or all time PR's: Nathaniel Mark (10.85 100m, 21.84 200m), Joshua Bowen (11.57 100m),  Joel Nyatusah (21.86 200m), Joseph Carlson (1:55.40 800m), Davin Soto (15:49.44 5k), James Fincher (16:13.59 5k), Salat Ibrahim (16:47.78 5k), Kamijah Carter (14.67 110H), Obinna Nwankwo (16.83 110H, 1:00.37 400H), Jaelan Stewart (6.67m LJ, 11.83m TJ), Jamal Cash (6.52m LJ), Bella Gallo (19:43.50 5k), Cameron Nelson (21:27.09 5k), Aaliyah Bartholomew (16.02 100H, 5.33m LJ), and Zamaree Blevins (37.60 disc).

"Fantastic performances all around, when most of the team hits season PR's or lifetime PR's it typically signifies we are hitting our stride at exactly the right time.  We understand that we are not finished yet and as a whole there is still plenty of improvements to be made" Stated Distance Coach Jon Harmon.  "I am extremely proud of the Women's and Men's team performances leading up the Region 1 Championship meet, especially Rachel and Kwanda who both ran PR's today.  Despite the adversity created by the COVID-19 pandemic, several of the athletes have qualified for next month's NJCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.  The athletes are peaking at the right time and are ready to compete for the NJCAA Region 1 Championsips" Stated Head Coach Andrew Wood.

Next up for the CAC Track and Field Teams is the ACCAC Region Championships held at Mesa Community College.  On the 20th and 22nd is the Decathlon and Hep, concluding with all remaining events on 4/27 and 4/29.  Results for the Mesa Invitational can be found here.