MCC Track Posts Top Finishes At NJCAA Indoor National Championships

From School Reports

Albuquerque, NM - MCC saw its first National Champion crowned in the program's return Saturday and a 13th place finish as a team at the NJCAA Indoor National Championships

"We really came out today and executed and had a great amount of focus," said Head Coach Chip Gayden. "I can't be more proud of this group. They knew what they had to do and came in prepared and focused and ready to perform."

Kendrick Smith was crowned the National Champion in the 200 meters with a personal best time of 21.11. Smith came in to the finals with the top time in prelims with a time of 21.23.

"It's great to see Kendrick win. He knew it was going to be tough and he fought extremely hard for that win," said Gayden.

MCC also saw success in the 60 meters with Chris Lewis and Kendrick Smith placing second and third with personal best times of 6.61 and 6.62.

"The 60 was great for us," said Gayden. "We came out and ran real well. You can't complain with personal bests and a guy beating you with a 6.58."

In the 600 meters, Josh Austin barely missed scoring placing ninth with a time of 1:22.09.

"Josh fought hard and gave it everything he had," said Gayden.

In the 4x400 meter relay, MCC's team of Bryson Penton, Eric Durham, K'lan Harris and Devontre Young ran a huge personal best time of 3:16.41 placing tenth overall.

"It was great to see us run that time," said Gayden. "We knew we could do it and hats off to those guys for giving it all they got."

MCC will now start their outdoor season after spring break with the Alabama Relays March 20-21