Nationals Treasure: DCCC Makes History at Track and Field Championships

Utica, NY—The Phantoms finished their season in historic fashion at the 2025 NJCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships hosted by Mohawk Valley Community College May 8-10, running through the tape and onto the podium in record numbers as medalists and USTFCCCA All-Americans. 

 

Seven track and field student-athletes traveled to Utica with head coach Cara Fordenbacher and assistant coach Elisa Ford to represent Delaware County Community College. The Phantoms delivered six All-American performances, three personal records, and one new school record. The DCCC men's and women's teams finished in 11th and 16th place overall, respectively, each scoring 14 points.

 

As the lone female Phantom competing, Fatumata Kaba scored all 14 women's points with a second-place finish in the triple jump (10.88m) along with a third-place finish (5.03m) in the long jump, and left Utica as a 2x U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association All-American. Kaba was also named USTFCCCA Central Region Women's Field Athlete of the Year, capping an incredible first collegiate season. "It was a good experience as a freshman regardless of my performance and the weather," said Kaba. "I now know how I should prepare and what to expect for my jumps at next year's Nationals."

 

The men's relay team—(Tre) Fred McCray, Aidan Heppard, Daniel McLaughlin, and James Love—ran 44.02 seconds to finish second in their heat in the 4x100m trials on Thursday and raced to a fifth-place performance (44.21) in Saturday's finals, securing their spot on the dais. "I'm happy we did what nobody thought we could and placed fifth in the nation," Love said. Sophomore Dennis Omane-Nketia, part of DCCC's 4x100m relay at 2024 Nationals, served as the team alternate for the event.

 

In Friday's preliminaries, amid rain and chilly temperatures, the Phantoms contested in five track (sprint and hurdle) events. Kaba placed 11th in the women's 100m dash (13.23). Sophomores McCray and Heppard as well as first-year Love represented the Phantoms in the men's 100m and 200m dash. In the 100m trials, McCray finished seventh to punch his ticket to the finals, while Heppard just missed the cut at ninth place (11.15). Love's time of 11.13 for 13th tied his personal best. In the 200m, Heppard was the Phantom on top, placing seventh with his fastest performance of the season (22.46) to secure his finals spot. McCray placed 11th (22.75) and Love 18th (23.18), another personal best.

 

Daishon Billops made his Nationals debut in the 110m high hurdles, qualifying for finals with an eighth-place preliminary performance (16.66). After placing 13th (17.60) in the 110m HH, McLaughlin finished sixth (59.31) in the 400m intermediate hurdles to secure his own finals berth. Both hurdlers are first-year athletes.

 

Under sunny skies in Saturday's finals, McCray blazed to a sixth-place finish in the 100m. His time of 10.74 seconds bested his previous school record of 10.84 run at the Miller Sports Construction Blue Jay Tune-Up earlier this season. The 2x USTFCCCA All-American left an indelible legacy at DCCC in his last race as a Phantom.

 

"Two years ago, I left this meet empty handed and I didn't touch the track at all last year, so to not only be able to return to this stage with this team but also leave as a two-time national medalist and run my last school record in my final 100m race of the season is a great way to go out," said McCray. "I'm so proud of our team and everything we've achieved this season!"

 

McLaughlin secured the highest men's podium placement, finishing fourth (59.04) in the 400m IH, cementing him as a 2x All-American for the 2025 season. "Being with all of my teammates and coaches was truly a surreal experience," he said. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to compete in the hurdles nationwide while competing with my team and opponents to end the season on a good note."

 

Rounding out the day, Heppard finished his career as a DCCC Phantom with an eighth-place finish (22.67) in the 200m and 2x All-American status. "Nationals was a great experience," he said. "We showed up for a championship meet and we've established ourselves as a part of the best in the nation. The competition made us better and the team bonded well during the long weekend. It's an honor to be part of the best season in DCCC track history and the program will continue to make noise at Nationals for seasons to come."

 

Coach Cara couldn't say enough about her team. "It is impossible to put into words what this season has meant to our program," Fordenbacher said. "We have re-written record books, improved our standings in the region and nation, and had many firsts in school history. From Penn Relays to All-American standings to weekly regional and national accolades, this season has truly been historic. Our athletes have risen to the occasion, competing against the best in the country and coming out with top eight performances across the board. It is even more than I could have hoped for as a coach."

 

Fordenbacher had a special send-off message for her sophomores. "I cannot express how grateful I am for your hard work, dedication, and leadership for our team this year," she said. "Tre and Aidan: To see you both get onto the podium not once but twice at Nationals was monumental and a picture-perfect way to end your DCCC career. DCCC Track and Field made their mark this season and we cannot wait to keep up the momentum!"