3 T-Birds Qualify for Nationals in the Mile

The T-Bird men's track & field team met six additional national qualifying standards at the MLK Invite in Albuquerque, NM on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Kimarlie Stewart led the Thunderbirds in the 200m with a national qualifying time of 21.12. The Texas Tech signee's time is ranked No. 2 overall in the NJCAA and only trails teammate Tapiwanashe (Carlie) Makarawu. 

TK Pahuwa met the national standard in the 400m with an impressive finish of 47.65. 

The Thunderbirds had a trio of national qualifiers in the men's mile. German Vega was the man up front for the T-Birds posting a 4:14.57 time in the mile. Tomas Vega registered a 4:15.48 in the race and Alex Keter was slightly behind the pace posting a 4:20.51 in the mile. German and Tomas's time is ranked No. 3 and No. 4 in the NJCAA for the event.  

The final national qualifier was freshman thrower Joao Dalandrea. He reached the national mark in the weight throw with a toss of 15.83m.  

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