T-Bird (M-T&F) Adds 7 New Qualifiers at SPC Elite, James Sits No. 1 in Javelin

The T-Bird men's track & field team competed at the SPC Alumni Elite Invite in Levelland, Texas on Friday, April 3.

The Thunderbirds had seven new individual national qualifiers, two improved qualifiers, and one relay national qualifier.  

LeBron James nearly surpassed his school record in the javelin throw this week at South Plains. The sophomore threw 73.21m to improve on his national mark by 1.81m. James is No. 1 in the NJCAA for the event. 

Samuel Puustinen was the other improved qualifier in Levelland. The freshman notched a 57.77m throw in the hammer. The throw was 1.76m further than his last national mark and is ranked No. 3 in the NJCAA. 

Freshman high jumper Aaron McKenzie leapt to 2.02m to qualify for outdoor nationals. He is ranked No. 15 in JUCO based on his indoor best.

Carlos Brown Jr. was the top sprinter for the T-Birds at the SPC Alumni Elite Invite running a 10.32 in the 100m. The time is No. 10 in the NJCAA. David Nyamufarira qualified for the outdoor 200m running a 21.09. The sophomore is ranked No. 12 in the event based on his indoor best. 

Romain Toth and Adolf Kauba both qualified for outdoor nationals in the 800m. Toth ran a 1:51.84 to rank No. 19 and Kauba ran a 1:52.89 to rank No. 36.

Mid distance runners Elmehdi Bouchouata and Rayen Chiha were national qualifiers in the 1500m. Bouchouata posted a great time of 3:52.06 to come in at No. 7 in the NJCAA. Chiha finished in 4:00.45 to rank No. 43. 

The 4x100m relay squad of Johnny Bai, Benjamin Nsiah, David Nyamufarira, and Carlos Brown Jr. slid into the No. 2 spot in the NJCAA after qualifying for nationals with a time of 39.82.        

The Thunderbirds are ranked No. 2 in the second checkpoint of the USTFCCCA Track & Field Men's Outdoor Rating Index.     

The T-Birds next meet is April 9-11 in Canyon, Texas at the Jo Meaker Classic & Multi.