MEDIA, PA — The Delaware County Community College (DCCC) Phantoms Men’s and Women’s Track and Field team has earned a spot on the national stage as six student-athletes qualified for the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Meet. The event will take place from May 8-10 in Utica, New York.
Despite not having their own track, the Phantoms have demonstrated exceptional dedication, practicing early mornings at Interboro High School and the school’s Marple Campus. The athletes will compete in eight events, with several qualifying in multiple categories.
The qualifiers include:
- Fatumata Kaba (Women’s 100m, Long Jump, Triple Jump),
- Daishon Billops (Men’s 110m High Hurdles),
- Aidan Heppard (Men’s 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay),
- Fred “Tre” McCray (Men’s 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay),
- Daniel McLaughlin (Men’s 110m High Hurdles, 400m Intermediate Hurdles, 4x100m Relay), and
- Jimmy Love (Men’s 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay).
Head coach Cara Fordenbacher praised the unique opportunities athletics provide for student-athletes at community colleges. “Being a part of a Varsity Athletics program at a community college affords students with a robust collegiate experience. Athletes can take college classes at an affordable price, while also representing their school as an athlete.”
Assistant coach Elisa Ford and Athletic Director Dwayne Saunders also expressed their excitement and pride in what the team has achieved this season. “This provides a great opportunity for Delaware County Community College athletics, and DCCC as a whole,” Saunders said.
The Phantoms’ outstanding performances this spring not only highlight their grit but also set the stage for another memorable milestone at the national competition next month.
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