Simpson Breaks NJCAA Record at MLK Invite

The T-Bird women's track & field team set six new national qualifying marks, two school records, and had one improved qualifier at the MLK Invite in Albuquerque, NM on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Sprinter Dejona Simpson stole the show in the second meet of the indoor season. The sophomore came across the line in 38.46 to set an NJCAA national record in the 300m. The event is not run at the indoor national championship, but still is on the slate at certain collegiate meets. 

Thrower Tania Millena Ancelmo Da Silva broke the NMJC school record in the weight throw at her first collegiate meet in Albuquerque with a toss of 19.23m. The throw qualifies her for nationals and is No. 1 in the NJCAA for the event. The previous weight throw record was set in 2020 by Mathilda Bjorklund with a throw of 17.98m.

Lacarthea Cooper earned a national qualifying distinction in the 200m with her time of 23.90. The finish is No. 1 in the NJCAA for the event.

High jumper Achol Maywin was the only improved qualifier for NMJC this weekend. Maywin leapt a personal-best 1.72m. Maywin's jump ranks No. 2 in the NJCAA for the high jump.

Nandy Kihuyu finished as a national qualifier in the 400m after posting a time of 56.67.

Jody Ann Mitchell recorded a 1:35.57 in the 600m to nationally qualify in the event. The time is No. 2 in the NJCAA for the event. Lisanne Schapendonk logged a national qualifying finish of 2:18.78 in the 800m.

Thrower Yosiris Cordoba was able to qualify for nationals in the shot put with a throw of 12.42m. 

The Thunderbirds next meet will be in Albuquerque, NM at the New Mexico Open inside the Albuquerque Convention Center Jan. 26-27.