Pepe on the Verge of Record-Breaking Performance as Pima Track Adds 3 More National Qualifiers

The Pima Community College men’s and women’s track & field teams concluded their regular season with the Pima Outdoor Invitational at the West Campus Aztec Track on Friday. This event showcased impressive performances from both teams as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

The women’s team, currently ranked No. 7, achieved 14 national qualifying times and marks. Sophomore Morgan Pepe, representing Ironwood Ridge High School, narrowly missed breaking her own school record in the pole vault, finishing with a season-best mark of 3.81 meters (12 feet, 6 inches). Her previous record stood at 3.82 meters (12 feet, 6.25 inches).

In the high jump, sophomore April Necaise excelled by tying for first place with a season-high jump of 1.63 meters (5 feet, 4.25 inches), earning a qualifying mark for the NJCAA national championship.

The men’s track & field team, also ranked No. 7, recorded 16 national qualifying times and marks. Sophomore Benjamin Morgan demonstrated his prowess in the hammer throw, setting a career-high of 50.00 meters (164 feet, 0 inches), which secured him a tie for first place and surpassed his previous best of 48.83 meters (160 feet, 2 inches).

Additionally, sophomore Nasir Tucker achieved first place in the long jump with a career-best leap of 7.61 meters (24 feet, 11.75 inches), qualifying for national competition after surpassing his former best of 7.59 meters (24 feet, 11 inches).

Sophomore Carter Huntsman also improved his mark in the pole vault, achieving a new personal record of 4.74 meters (15 feet, 6.50 inches), besting his previous height of 4.72 meters (15 feet, 5.75 inches).

The Aztecs are set to begin playoff competition in the Region I Multi Championships at Mesa Community College on Monday and Tuesday.