Triton Track & Field National Championships Preview

The Triton College Track & Field team looks to have another big showing at the NJCAA Division III Outdoor Championships May 7-9 at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY. Last year, the Trojans had eight individuals earn NJCAA All-American status in at least one event. This year Triton has 14 athletes that met the qualifying standard to compete at the national championship with dreams of becoming All-American or National Champion.

"The athletes have put in a lot of work throughout the season. We have had a lot of great performances from both the men and women, especially the last few meets of the regular season." Triton head coach Jason Guevarra said. "Having the goal of competing at nationals and wanting to perform better each meet has helped push each other, and as a coach you want the athletes to perform their best at the right times."

On the women's side, the Trojans will have five athletes participating in several events at nationals highlighted by the 4 X 100-meter and 4 x 400-meter relay teams. The group will consist of the qualifiers: sophomores and team captain Joaliz Rodriguez, Jayla Gardner and Megan Bolda accompanied by freshman duo Mariana Borini and Genesis Santiago. Along with the relays the Trojans will have athletes competing in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter and 800-meter runs.

For the Triton men, they will be running the 4 X 100-meter and 4 x 800-meter relays as well. The 4 X 100-meter relay will consist of sophomore and team captain, Josiah Alexander accompanied with the freshman trio of Isaac Depalakibo, Amari Johnson and Landon Rives.

Just like the women, they will be competing in their individual events with the goal of making finals in the 100 and 200-meter sprints. Alexander is currently ranked 12^th nationally in the 100-meter with aspirations of making the finals.

The men's 4 X 800-meter relay consist of all sophomores: Gabriel Arreola, Israel Rodriguez, Philip Roche and Jamie Favela. All four are looking to push the pace in order to finish in one of the top spots.

Individually, Favela has had an outstanding season and is looking to set another Triton school record at in New York in the 5,000-meter run. On the field, sophomore, Donald Davis qualified in the shot put, where he is currently ranked 8^th in NJCAA DIII standings. Davis, has had a productive season and is looking to throw big and climb to the top for finals.

"It is always an honor to coach the student athletes from the Triton College region, it means a lot to all of us to be able to represent Triton College and give our athletes the opportunity to reach the highest level of athletics." Guevarra added. "We are appreciative of all the support this season from the college community and fellow athletes and coaches. I know the athletes are going to give it their best this weekend."

For live results of the NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships: Click here.

Below is the full listing of the all the Triton Track & Field national qualifiers and the events they will participate in.

Women
Joaliz Rodriguez – 100m, 200m, 400m, 4 X 100m, 4 X 400m
Mariana Borini – 100m, 200m, 400m, 4 X 100m, 4 X 400m
Jayla Gardner – 4 X 100m, 4 X 400m
Megan Bolda – 4 X100m, 4 X 400m
Genesis Santiago – 4 X 400m

Men
Josiah Alexander – 100m, 200m, 4 X 100m
Landon Rives – 200m, 4 X100M
Amari Johnson – 200m, 4 X 100M
Isaac Depalakibo – 4 x 100m
Donald Davis – Shot put
Gabriel Arreola – 4 X 800m
Jamie Favela – 5,000m, 4 X 800m
Philip Roche – 4 X 800m
Israel Rodriguez – 4 X 800M

Follow Triton Athletics on Twitter @TritonTrojans1 or on Instagram @Triton_College_Athletics