Delaware County Community College (DCCC) student athletes put on stellar performances at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Meet, held May 8-10, in Utica, N.Y.
There were multiple Nationals podium finishes for the tough little team that does not have a track of its own. They practice at 6:30 AM two mornings a week at Interboro High School in Prospect Park and train the rest of the time in parking lots and fields.
Fatumata Kaba of Sharon Hill placed second in the nation in the women’s triple jump and leapt to third in the women’s long jump. She was also named USTFCCCA Central Region Women’s Field Athlete of the Year.
Fred “Tre” McCray of Upper Darby blazed to sixth place nationally in the 100 meters and fifth in the 4 x 100-meter relay.
Daniel McLaughlin of Rutledge took fourth in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles and fifth in the 4 x 100-meter relay.
Aidan Heppard of Swarthmore sprinted to eighth in the 200 meters and fifth in the 4 x 100-meter relay. Heppard plans to continue his academic and athletic career at Ursinus College.
Jimmy Love of Ridley placed fifth in the 4 x 100-meter relay at his first Nationals.
Daishon Billops of Darby Township made his Nationals debut in the 110-meter high hurdles, qualifying for the finals.
Dennis Omane-Nketia of Collingdale traveled to Nationals as the 4 x 100-meter relay alternate.
“From Penn Relays to weekly regional and national accolades to top eight Nationals performances, this season has truly been historic,” said Coach Cara Fordenbacher. “Our athletes have risen to the occasion, competing against the best in the country.”
“I’m so proud of our team and everything we’ve achieved this season,” said McCray, who posted a school record of 10.74 in the 100 meters in his last race as a DCCC Phantom.
DCCC competes in the NJCAA Division III in a host of sports. Learn how you can support DCCC Athletics here.
Learn more at DCCC and how it facilitates learning by providing quality educational programs and services that are student-focused, accessible, comprehensive, and flexible to meet the educational needs of the diverse communities it serves. In doing so, the College enables its students to develop themselves to the limit of their desires and capabilities and to be successful.
