Kupka breaks school record as Lady Tigers place 11th, Tiger men 18th at indoor nationals
The Cowley College women's and men's track and field teams wrapped up a successful indoor season by placing 11th and 18th, respectively, at the NJCAA Division I Indoor National Championships held Friday and Saturday in Topeka, KS.
The Lady Tigers were led by freshman Isabella Kupka breaking the school record in the 400-meter run with a time of 57.02.
"Isabella Kupka ran her sixth personal best in a row and knocked our 400-meter school record down a little more," Cowley head coach Cameron Rieth said. "I cannot think of the last time Cowley has had a runner in the 400 and below in the finals. Isabella is a workhorse and is just now seeing what she is capable of. Major kudos to her."
Sophomore Arantxa Cortez, the defending national champion in the pole vault, finished as the national runner-up, while freshman Carla Santos also earned All-American honors by finishing eighth in the event.
Sophomore Abigail Pinnock also garnered All-American honors by placing eighth in the 600-meter run, while the Lady Tigers 4x800-meter relay team consisting of Delicia Boothe, Dhennifer Vaz, Andrea Garcia-Gonzalez, and Pinnock finished as the national runner-up.
"Abbi really stepped up big with how she navigated four championship races over two days," Rieth said. "She ran very well on tired legs."
Sophomore Kayla McClellan, who entered the meet ranked first in the weight throw, finished as the national runner-up and earned All-American honors.
"I feel like Kayla was a little disappointed not winning, but she still had a heck of a year, and I know she will use it as fuel for outdoor," Rieth said.
The Tiger men were led by sophomore Jaden Schneeberger, who placed fourth in the weight throw, while Abner Johnson finished eighth in the shot put, earning All-American honors. Sophomore Luke Faulkner and freshman Riley Hunter were named All-Americans after placing sixth and seventh in the pole vault.
"I am very proud of our efforts," Rieth said. "Anytime we go to the national meet, we know it's going to be tough in all events. We fought like crazy for every single point that we got. If you are able to score at this meet, it says a lot."
New Mexico Junior College took home the team title on the women's side, while South Plains Junior College and New Mexico Junior College tied for the indoor title on the men's side.
Cowley will now turn its attention to the outdoor season, which will begin Saturday when the Tigers take part in the Coffeyville Early Bird Invitational at 12 p.m.
"For a lot of our kids, it was great seeing them just get to this national meet and hold their own," Rieth said. "Whether they scored or not, it was good for them to have this experience."