The NCMC Pirates Track and Field team made history by competing in its first-ever program track meet at Washburn University. A total of nine athletes represented the Pirates, marking an exciting milestone for the young program and setting the tone for the season ahead.

On the men's side, two Pirates competed in both the 60-meter and 200-meter dashes. Daimond Kangiela highlighted the sprints with a new indoor personal best in the 200m, clocking an impressive 23.77 seconds.

Nate Giffin opened his season in the pole vault and came close to qualifying for nationals in the very first meet of the year, showing strong early-season form.

Rounding out the men's performances was Genesis Bethea, who placed third overall in the high jump with a leap of 2.04 meters. That jump automatically qualified Bethea for the NJCAA Indoor Nationals and met the NJCAA Outdoor National qualifying standard.

Coach Taylor Francis praised Bethea's work ethic and composure following the meet. "Genesis is one of the hardest workers on the team."

Last year at Highland CC his best jump was 2.00m and he was white carded for outdoor nationals. This already proves how much better he has already gotten.

 "He knows how to keep his head on straight even when one jump doesn't go his way," commented Francis. "He can bounce back and get it on the next attempt. It is all about execution, and that is what Genesis did."

The women's side also showed promise in the program's debut. Three Pirates competed in the 60-meter dash, led by Cierra Stigger, who was the team's top finisher and ran a new personal best of 8.12 seconds. Her time was nearly tied by teammate Jamari Ervin who was 3 thousandths of a second behind.

Adeline Dickerson competed in the 400 meters and delivered an impressive season-opening personal best of 1:03.89, a very impressive mark for Dickerson, despite some early season setbacks.

In a show of compassion for their fellow Pirate (Sarai Clark, Flag Football), the lady Pirates dawned blue ribbons to honor her memory

The Pirates will be returning to the action on the track Jan 24th as they travel to Pittsburgh KS, for the NAIA/ JUCO Challenge!

Full NCMC Results

Men:

60m: 71^st Kagelia (7.30), 72^nd Ngumbo (7.31)

200m: 65^th Ngumbo (23.76), 67^th Kagelia (23.77)

3000m: - Muselman (DNF)

Pole Vault: 19^th Giffin (4.15m)

High Jump: 3^rd Bethea (2.04m)

Women:

60m: 34^th Stigger (8.12), 35^th Ervin (8.12), 54^th Dickerson (8.42)

200m: 51^st Ervin (28.51), 57^th Stigger (29.02)

400m: 13^th Dickerson (1:03.89)

High Jump: - Perkins (NH)