Coach Jacob’s team races home with win
Justin Caligari
The track and field season started with a win for the Thunderbirds at an outdoor meet on Feb. 20 against Pima, Paradise Valley and Gateway Community Colleges.Both the men’s and women’s track teams were able to sweep the competition with ease as the MCC athletes finished in top spots in nearly every event.
“I am happy with not only my results, but also my teams overall success. A lot of freshmen did well and a strong team that has good talent with great coaches,” said Wais Admadi, a freshman who runs the 800 and the 400 meter races.
“As a team, we did what was supposed to be done in order to win,” he added.
The MCC track and field team is starting the new year with high expectations.
“Yes, I am happy about the track and field event Feb. 20 against Pima, Paradise Valley and Gateway. We swept everyone 3-0,” Jacobs said.
Last year the women’s team placed seventh overall at the national competition, and returns many players that placed as finalists in last year’s championship competition at nationals.
Coach Jacobs hopes to take about 25 athletes to the indoor scoring at nationals.
The team also qualified in 10 different outdoor events for the outdoor national championship.
“I ran well in this first competition, that makes me happy. The teamwork is always very encouraging. Everyone tried real hard and that makes a big difference,” said Brandon Cole, a freshmen player who runs the four by 100 relay.
The Mesa track and field team will be on the road at meets all over the Valley until they return home for the Mesa Classic on April 10.
Mesa’s John D. Riggs Stadium will also play host to this years National Junior College Athletic Association Decathlon and Heptathlon Championship.
The NJCAA Region I Championship will also be held at the John D. Riggs stadium in May.
