BROOKINGS, S.D. - A total of 19 new national qualifiers were earned for the Iowa Central men's and women's track and field teams during the Jim Emmerich/Alumni Invitational hosted by South Dakota State University this past weekend.
The Triton men, who placed second overall to the host Jackrabbits, had 13 new qualifiers, while the women - who were fifth overall - had six. The ICCC men also set nine new AT marks and the women had seven.
Kelvin Bungei and Awet Yohannes recorded the first and second fastest times in the nation this year in the 5km on Friday, with Yohannes and Bungei posting the second and third quickest NJCAA times in the mile on Saturday.
Florance Uwajeneza and Eleonora Curtabbi now have the second and third fastest times in the NJCAA in the 5km, with Curtabbi and Uwajeneza recording the second and third fastest mile times as well.
Ronniel Johnson's personal record in the high jump has him ranked second in the country and Elijah Barnes improved upon his best throw in the shot put - which ranks him third. Triecee Beelen is also third in the women's weight throw.
"Our teams competed pretty well this weekend. We had 19 additional national qualifying performances and several students improved their current ranking," ICCC head coach Jordan Burkholder said. "There are still several event areas with room for growth, and I'm excited to see who steps up over the next two weeks to fill those roles."
Here's the list of national qualifiers from the meet for the Tritons:
Courtney Lindsey – 200m
Pur Biel – 800M
Awet Yohannes (#2 AT), Kelvin Bungei (#4 AT), Milos Pendic – 1 Mile
Kelvin Bungei (#4 AT), Awet Yohannes (#7 AT), Milos Pendic (#9 AT), Noah Bundrock, Chris Levario – 5k
Ronniel Johnson – High Jump (#7 AT)
DonDreon Conklin – Pole Vault (#4 AT)
Jacob Wedig – Shot Put
Hannah Connell – 200M (10th AT) & 60 Hurdles (#7 AT)
Florance Uwajeneza (3rd AT), Eleonora Curtabbi (5th AT), Rosalie Fish, Lilia Alvarez – 5km