Lakers Shine at NJCAA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships

Utica, N.Y. - Finger Lakes Community College turned in an impressive showing at the NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, highlighted by school records, personal bests, and multiple top-10 national finishes.

Leading the way was Hanna Grace Check (Victor, N.Y./Victor), who placed sixth nationally in the hammer throw while setting a new school record with a throw of 35.94 meters. It marked the third time this season that Check broke the program record in the event. She also added a fifth-place finish in the discus throw to cap off a standout national meet.

Jadah McCarthy (Rochester, N.Y. / Early College) delivered two personal-best performances on the national stage, running 12.92 seconds in the 100-meter dash and 27.03 seconds in the 200-meter dash. She finished ninth nationally in both events.

Ella Simson (Brighton, N.Y. / Brighton High School) qualified for the finals in the long jump and placed ninth overall, while also contributing to two nationally placing relay teams. Ruairi Steverson (Manchester, N.Y. / Manchester-Shortsville) recorded a personal best in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, finishing 10th nationally, and William Andrew (Honeoye, N.Y. / Honeoye) battled through an injury in the 10,000 meters to place 15th.

The Lakers also had strong showings in relay competition. The men's 4x100-meter relay team of Kyle Brooks (Miami, FL. / Palm Bay), Xxavier Benjamin (Donaldsonville, LA. / Donaldsonville), Edwin DelAngel (Wayland, N.Y. / Wayland-Cohocton), and Tim Trost (Canandaigua, N.Y. / Canandaigua Academy) placed 17th. On the women's side, the 4x100-meter relay team of Isabella Murabito (Marcy, N.Y. / Whitesboro High School), Hester Van Der Lek (Groningen, Netherlands/CSG Augustinus), Ella Simson, and Jadah McCarthy finished fifth after entering the meet seeded eighth. The women's 4x400-meter relay team of Hester Van Der Lek , Ella Simson, Jadah McCarthy, and Hanna Grace Check added another top-10 finish, placing seventh.

"These performances are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and growth of our student-athletes throughout the season," said Coach Rae. "Competing at the national level and producing personal bests and school records is something our entire program can be proud of."

The championship meet capped an impressive first season for Head Coach Knopp, whose leadership helped guide the Lakers to multiple national qualifiers, school records, and top-10 finishes on the national stage. The Lakers conclude the season with strong momentum for the future of the program.