Weather or Not, DCCC Shines at Rowan’s Oscar Moore Invitational

Glassboro, NJ—Braving wind, rain, and cold at the Oscar Moore Invitational this past weekend at Rowan University—and facing a deep field representing NCAA DI-DIII and fellow NJCAA schools—the Phantoms showed up ready to compete. 

Whether or not you agree with track and field coaching icon and Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman that "there's no such thing as bad weather, just soft people," Delaware County Community College athletes hung tough in raw conditions. At the end of the day, DCCC scored points, notched a couple of top three finishes, set personal and school records, and marked an event debut.

"Overall, we are pleased with how our athletes overcame adversity and bitterly cold temperatures," said Head Coach Cara Fordenbacher. "[Their performances] on a day like today are a testament to our athletes' mental fortitude and physical fitness. We are exactly where we want to be at this time of the season!"

Fatumata Kaba placed second overall in the triple jump at 10.89m. This outing by the first-year Phantom scored the women's team eight points, landing them 16th place overall in the meet. "Despite a cold and rainy meet, I'm happy with how I performed," Kaba said.

On the men's side, first-year James Love ran to a personal best in the 100m with a time of 11.53 seconds, placing 27th overall. "It was so great to see Jimmy hit his stride today," said Fordenbacher. "He has been putting in tremendous work and we are thrilled to see his time begin to drop." 

Love also ran the anchor leg of the Men's 4x100m Relay, which placed third in the event with a time of 45.00. "I'm happy to see all the hard work I've put in is finally starting to shine," he said.

First-year athletes delivered a number of notable performances. Daniel McLaughlin's eighth place finish in the 400m IH (59.65) earned seven points that helped to boost the men's team overall ranking to 18th in the meet. Dominic Copper ran a personal best in the 200m with a time of 25.15, placing 43rd, and Alex Rendon PR'd in the 100m with a 12.40 finish for 56th place.

Natalie Torres tried out a new event for the Phantoms this week, becoming the first female Phantom to compete in the javelin throw. Her debut performance of 14.97m and a 14th place finish now stands as the inaugural school record.

DCCC Track and Field hits the road again next week, traveling to Millersville University to participate in the Millersville Invitational.