Phantoms Off to Fast Start at Track and Field Opener

West Chester, PA—The Phantoms started the 2025 outdoor season with a crisp starter's bang at the Purple and Gold Open at West Chester University on Saturday. Seven men and three women represented Delaware County Community College, eight of those athletes debuting in their first collegiate track-and-field competition. DCCC showed up and showed out, making a statement with stellar times and a strong team performance.

Marking the first time the men's team has competed in hurdle events, first-year Phantoms Daniel McLaughlin and Daishon Billops each scored points at both distances. McLaughlin set the inaugural school record in the 110m HH (17.51) and 400m IH (1:00.50), placing sixth and fourth respectively in the field. Daishon ran 17.74 in the 110m HH and 1:06.67 in the 400m IH, placing seventh in both events. Collectively, the two hurdlers scored 14 points for the men, leading the team to an 11th place overall finish.

On the women's side, Fatumata Kaba delivered a standout performance in the long jump, recording 4.80m for third place in her college debut. Her six points earned gave the women's team an overall 17th place finish. Kaba also competed in the 100m, with Natalie Torres and Shannalecia Edwards running the 100m and 200m.

In his first meet, Dominic Copper set a new school record in the 800m run with a time of 2:26.96. The previous school record was set in 2024 by Thiernod (Joseph) Faye at 2:30.64.

Sophomore Aidan Heppard had the standout race of the day, blazing his previous personal best time in the 200m by ~.3 seconds, with a time of 23.49 and placing first in his heat. "It felt good to be back on the track and competing," said Heppard. "We have been training since October and now we're finally able to see all that hard work pay off."

"I'm really proud of all my teammates, but we still have work to do to reach our preseason goals," he added. "I'm super excited to see how we do as a team this season."

Head Coach Cara Fordenbacher is thrilled by the team's performance and show of strength. "We have depth that we have not had before, with sprints, hurdles, and jumps on the women's side that put up excellent marks yesterday, especially for a season opener," she said. "This is just the beginning, as we have high hopes for even better performances as the season progresses."

"Goals are directed energies bottled up waiting to be released," said Assistant Coach Elisa Ford. "DCCC cracked the bottle at West Chester and the best is yet to come."

The Phantoms hit the track again Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, in the Danny Curran Invitational at Widener University, Chester, PA. Kaba will be competing in the triple jump, contested on Friday around 5:00 PM. All other events will be Saturday starting at 10:00 AM.