The NCMC Track and Field team delivered an impressive weekend of competition, splitting squads across two meets and showcasing both elite-level experience and outstanding team success.
On April 24th, three Pirate athletes traveled to the University of Arkansas to compete in the highly competitive John McDonnell Invite, an NCAA Division I meet. Facing some of the top talent in the country, each athlete rose to the occasion. On the men's side, Genesis Bethea competed in the high jump, securing a 7th place finish against a strong field. Nate Giffin continued his strong season by clocking a personal record in the 400m with a time of 49.17. Representing the women, Jamari Ervin competed in the 100m, crossing the line in 12.47. Despite the high level of competition, all three athletes demonstrated tremendous effort and composure on a big stage.
The following day, April 25th, the rest of the team competed at the ZK Invite hosted by Baker University, where NCMC turned in one of its most successful meets of the season. The Pirates recorded numerous personal bests and podium finishes, highlighting the team's growth and momentum late in the year.
In the field events, Nate Giffin stood out once again, clearing a lifetime personal record of 4.90m in the pole vault to place 2nd. That mark now ranks him 5th nationally in the NJCAA. Genesis Bethea continued his dominance in the high jump, earning a 1st place finish, while Allise Perkins added to the success with a 3rd place finish. Both high jumpers have been models of consistency throughout the season. Daimond delivered a strong performance in the long jump, hitting a personal record of 6.49m to place 5th, while Kate Jones secured 4th place in the same event.
On the track, the Pirates saw continued success across multiple events. Abby Jones placed 2nd in the 5000m with a strong distance performance. Cierra Stigger had an outstanding day, setting personal records in both the 100m (12.58) and 200m (26.51), placing 4th in each. Jamari Ervin returned to action with a dominant win in the 100m (12.44) and followed it up with a personal best in the 200m, running 26.33 to place 3rd. Don-Divin Ngumbo also had a breakthrough meet, recording personal records in both the 400m (53.59) and 200m (23.12). Daimond added to the team's sprint success with a personal record of 11.08 in the 100m and a season-best 22.77 in the 200m. Nate Giffin capped off his weekend with yet another personal record, running 10.91 in the 100m to place 8th.
With strong performances across both meets, the Pirates are finding their stride at the perfect time.
"I'm incredibly proud of each and every one of these athletes," said Coach Francis. "They are putting in the work, trusting the process, and it's showing when it matters most. We are peaking at the right time with only one meet left in the regular season before nationals, and I'm excited to see what's ahead for this group."