Grizzlies Place 3rd at NAIA/JUCO Challenge, See 8 National Qualifying Performances
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Butler Community College men’s track and field team competed at the NAIA/JUCO Challenge at Pittsburg State University's Robert Plaster Center on Saturday afternoon.
PITTSBURG, Kan. – The Butler Community College men's track and field team competed at the NAIA/JUCO Challenge at Pittsburg State University's Robert Plaster Center on Saturday afternoon.
Butler's men's squad finished third out of 30 competing teams, totaling 48 points. They were narrowly behind first place Hutchinson (58.5 points) and second place Coffeyville (48.2 points). The Grizzlies saw seven athletes qualify for eight slots in the NJCAA Nationals in an impressive showing.
Emmanuel Otim made his mark on the meet, winning the 3000m (8:29.11) as well as a fourth-place finish in the mile (4:11.62). Both marks earned him a spot at the NJCAA Indoor Nationals later this season.
Itumeleng Ngxabazi finished ahead of Otim in the mile, finishing second running 4:11.00 for a national qualifying performance. Ngxabazi has also qualified in the 1000m (2:29.98), a feat he achieved in Butler's first action of the spring at KSU last week.
Ishmael Acheampong qualified in two separate events as he placed sixth in the mile (4:12.90) and third in the 800m (1:53.73).
Kamohelo Ramatsebe finished second behind Otim in the 3000m (8:31.88) and seventh in the mile (4:13.36), qualifying for nationals in both events.
Ainsley Campbell turned in a fifth-place finish in the 800m with a time of 1:54.25 to qualify him for nationals.
Clifford Joyce III jumped 22' 7" in the long jump for a seventh-place finish.
Amos Oruamabo ran a 22.11 200m dash and finished 15th.
Butler is back in action on Friday traveling to Topeka for the Washburn Open. They turn around on Saturday to compete in the Herm Wilson Invite at Wichita State.