Western Colorado University played host to the final meet of the season for the Trinidad State track and field programs. Both the men's and women's squads seized the final opportunity to run qualifying times to the National Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas. The men's 1,000 meters saw two Trojans, Conner Dosmann and Brian Rotich, grab national qualifying marks as they finished in first and second place in the race. Ethan Coyhis just missed a qualifying mark, but finished in third place to give the Trojans a sweep of the top three spots. Rotich returned a few hours later to win the men's mile in a blazing finish over a runner from Western Colorado. A few spots back, Adrian Villareal scored his first national qualifying mark in the event after knocking on the door of qualifying for several races. Villareal made it twice as nice when he ran a fantastic race a few hours later in the 800 meters to steal another national qualifying spot. In the women's 3,000 meters Ashley Lagat set her sights on booking her ticket to National's in a second event, having already qualified in the 5,000 meters. Lagat did just that and will represent the Trojans in both events at Nationals. Freshman Jarred Baca finished the meet off with another qualifying mark in his second event, the 3,000 meters.
The National Championships begin this Friday on the 300 meter oval in Pittsburg, Kansas at the host school Pittsburg State. Trinidad State will be taking eleven athletes between both the men's and women's teams. This is the most athletes Trinidad State has ever qualified to an Indoor NJCAA Track and Field Championship. Coach Lauren Masterson expects big things from both squads. "We are taking a our largest contingent we've ever taken to the NJCAA Indoor Championships. Our goal is to finish higher than we have before on both the men's and women's sides," said Coach Masterson. The men's previous highest finish at Indoor Nationals is 6th in 2018. The women's previous highest finish is 11th last year. Coach Masterson added, "We have well-prepared athletes. They've trained well all season, and competed at a high level. I know they're ready to put on the TSC jersey and represent our institution at the highest level."
Below is a list of athletes and the events they have qualified to Nationals in:
Sharon Jesang: Mile, 3000 meters, 5000 meters
Ashley Lagat: 3000 meters, 5000 meters
Vanessa Dominguez: 5000 meters
Brian Rotich: 1000 meters, Mile, 3000 meters, 5000 meters
Conner Dosmann: 1000 meters, Mile
Ethan Coyhis: 800 meters
Adrian Villarreal: 800 meters, Mile
Jarred Baca: 3000 meters, 5000 meters
Distance Medley Relay: Tamsin Stewart, Kianna Quintana, Holly Tsosie, Sharon Jesang
Follow the Trojans March 4th & 5th as they compete at the NJCAA Indoor Championships.