Classic showcases nation’s top track and field athletes
Dominic DeCono
Its spring time at MCC, which means the weather is good and the Mesa Classic is around the corner.
Every year MCC’s Men’s and Women’s Track and Field teams host this annual meet as their inaugural home meet to kick off their Outdoor season.
The programs see not just competition from Arizona, but from schools all across the country.
Steve Jacobs, Head coach of both the Men’s and Women’s programs, said the event is one of the programs most anticipated of the year.
“It’s a huge event. The best thing about it is it gives the kids a chance to compete against some of the best athletes in the country,” he said.
The Mesa Classic, always run at during the late afternoon and the night, is one of the biggest meets on MCC’s schedule throughout the year and runs in conjunction with the Sun Angel Classic held at Arizona State the following day.
Not only do Division 1 schools such as Iowa State, Oklahoma and Arizona State compete at this event, professional athletes also compete at this event for training.
“We have had former world champions compete at this event and it’s so amazing to see some of these guys come out like they’re one of us,” he said.
As far as exposure, Jacobs said the school definitely gets a lot it at this meet.
“Our athletes definitely get the chance to talk to Division 1 coaches and other schools about potential futures and that’s always a positive thing about this meet.
For some MCC athletes, it’s an opportunity to flex their muscles.
Pau Tonneson, an MCC decathlete, said the event is great competition for him and his teammates.
“It’s a lot of fun and always a well ran meet. It’s great not just for the program but the school as well,” he said.
Tonneson, now in his second and final year with the program, recently broke the NJCAA record in the heptathlon and won his 2nd National Championship in the event during the Indoor season.
“I want to come out at this meet and compete hard to go into the rest of the season on a strong note,” he said.
The Mesa Classic will be held on April 5 at MCC starting at 5 p.m.
