By: Eric Pratt

Messenger Sports Editor 

Iowa Central athletes will be spread across the country this week in pursuit of NJCAA national championships.

The Triton swim teams compete Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Buffalo, N.Y. The bowling squads are in Cheektowaga, N.Y. for tournament competition on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Iowa Central's indoor track and field program heads to Topeka, Kan. this Friday and Saturday.

The bowling teams are bringing lofty expectations into the national meet. Sophomores Jacob Kraft, Ian Ackerson, Braedon Gehrke, Justin Graves and Mason Will will be flanked by freshmen Lucas Campbell, Easton Lee and Steven Stone on the men's side for Iowa Central. The Triton women will be represented by sophomore Madisyn Gerdts, Lexie Hauber, Cassadey Lee and Victoria Potter, as well as freshmen Ashley Lacey and Brynne Mickelson.

"The women have lost the services of three varsity starters from the first semester, but our depth will keep us in the Top-5 and perhaps an outside chance of a championship," ICCC bowling coach Gregg Haden said. "On the men's side, it will come down to which team is more mentally prepared and makes their spares. We could have a Top-3 finish, with a great chance at a championship."

Kraft has been a mult-time ICCAC bowler of the week this season, and carries the highest game average for the men at 209. Gerdts (179) has the top game average for the women, but three different Tritons have garnered ICCAC honors this year.

"They just need to remember to relax, have fun and be mentally prepared for each and every shot, as well as communicating with their teammates about the lane conditions," Haden said.

The Triton men have placed second nationally in three consecutive championship events. The women were second in 2022 as well.