Phantoms in Place for Success at Delaware Invitational
Newark, DE—The Phantoms crossed state borders to compete across the gamut of events over two days at the 2026 Delaware Invitational at the University of Delaware. Among a field including NCAA DIII, DII, and DI programs, DCCC delivered four top 10 performances and two school records.
Day one of competition began on Thursday evening with two Phantoms contesting the javelin throw. First-year Noah Gallagher, who already holds the Delaware County Community College record in the event, improved his distance to 45.34m, placing fifth overall and boosting his NJCAA DIII national ranking to ninth.
"Noah came to compete and walked away with a new personal best," said Head Coach Cara Fordenbacher. "He has been working hard, and I am thrilled with his performance against such great competition."
"I was happy to PR," Gallagher said. "It was definitely a step in the right direction and shows that I can continue to improve."
Sophomore Natalie Torres also competed in the javelin, placing 23rd with a mark of 17.44m.
The second day of action saw six Phantoms performing in various track and field events. Sophomore Daniel McLaughlin made a significant showing in his 400m career debut, running 53.95 to finish 30th overall. McLaughlin's time sets a new school record, overtaking the previous record set by Fred McCray in 2023 (54.42). Fellow second-year Jimmy Love ran to two top 20 finishes in his sprinting events, placing 12th in the 100m dash (11.61) and 16th in the 200m (23.48).
First-year Phantoms Mason Falk and Nathan Jeffers competed in both the discus throw and shot put. Falk tied his personal best in discus, his mark of 36.72m landing him eighth place overall. He placed 10th in the shot put with a mark of 11.12m to cap a strong day of throws. Jeffers placed 22nd in shot put (6.45m) and 20th in discus (13.75m).
"The throws squad showed up and showed out this weekend," Fordenbacher said. "Noah and Mason continue to make the mark in their respective events, maintaining their competitive edge against talent at the NCAA DI, DII, and DIII level."
On the women's side, Sophomore Fatumata Kaba competed in the triple jump, placing second overall in the field of competition (10.95m), again the highest Phantoms finisher. Sophomore Cheyenne McCarthy ran the middle-distance double of 800m/1500m. She placed within the top 20 in both events, 19th in the 800m (2:48.09) and 15th in the 1500m (5:43.45).
"I am happy with how all of the athletes went out and competed against such strong competition," said Fordenbacher. "Coming away with two new school records in the middle of the season is a testament to their hard work."
The Phantoms head to Millersville University on Saturday, April 18, with action beginning at 9:30am.