Last Friday, February 20th, NCMC Track & Field traveled to the University of Iowa to compete in the Iowa Open, and the team delivered one of its strongest performances of the indoor season. With Nationals right around the corner, our athletes are hitting peak form at exactly the right time.
Women's Sprints on Fire
The women's 60m squad led the way with outstanding performances. Jamari Ervin clocked a season-best 7.94, showing she is rounding into top form when it matters most. Close behind her was Cierra Stigger, who ran a personal best of 8.02. Both sprinters continue to drop time week after week, proving their preparation and focus are paying off.
Jamari wasn't done there. She returned in the 200m to run a new personal best of 27.48. Cierra followed right behind with her own personal best of 27.50, and Adeline Dickerson added another strong performance with a 27.63.
These women are hitting great times as we roll into the meet that counts the most — Nationals. Jamari and Cierra will represent NCMC in the 60m at Indoor Nationals on March 6th, and their current trajectory shows they are ready to compete on the national stage.
Strong Debut in the Mile
Abby Jones stepped outside her comfort zone and competed in her first-ever mile, finishing in 5:39.77. This debut performance sets her up extremely well heading into outdoor season, where the added strength and experience from the mile will translate to even stronger performances across her events.
Progress in the High Jump
Allise Perkins cleared 1.45m in the high jump and is finally starting to put the technical pieces together. With indoor consistency building, this momentum will allow her to continue developing and make major strides as we transition into outdoor season.
National Contenders Leading the Way
On the men's side, our top two athletes continue to make national noise.
Genesis Bethea won the meet in the high jump with a clearance of 2.05m, which currently ranks him 7th in the nation. His consistency, competitiveness, and championship mindset continue to set the standard for our program.
Nate Giffin recorded an indoor personal best of 4.60m in the pole vault, moving him to 17th in the national rankings. Nate continues to raise the bar — literally and figuratively — and has proven he knows what it takes to compete at an All-American level.
Building a Championship Program
With four athletes set to represent NCMC Track & Field at Indoor Nationals on March 6th, this marks a huge milestone for a first-year program. To have this level of national representation so early speaks volumes about the work ethic, culture, and potential of this team.
The Iowa Open showed exactly where this program is headed. Momentum is building, confidence is rising, and NCMC Track & Field is proving that it belongs on the national stage.