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David Figueroa, right, and Jose Retana, second from left, compete at the Mesa Classic (Photo by Jayme Giles)
David Figueroa, right, and Jose Retana, second from left, compete at the Mesa Classic (Photo by Jayme Giles)
David Figueroa, right, and Jose Retana, second from left, compete at the Mesa Classic (Photo by Jayme Giles)
Posted: Apr 13, 2015

Mesa athletes improve national marks at MCC, ASU track and field events

  MESA, AZ - Several Mesa track and field athletes took advantage of the opportunity to compete against high-level opponents and improved on their qualifying marks for the NJCAA Outdoor national championships over the weekend.

  Competing in the Mesa Classic Friday and the Arizona State Sun Angel Classic Saturday gave MCC athletes a chance to test themselves against strong competition. The Mesa Classic annually draws numerous NCAA Division I schools as well as many talented competitors from clubs and unattached.

  David Figueroa (So., Mesa, AZ/Nogales H.S.) ran a 1:50.38 800 meters at ASU, currently the second best time in the nation.

  Two 3,000-meter steeplechase runners fared well at the Mesa meet. Blake Fischer (Fr., Chandler, AZ/Corona del Sol H.S.) posted a 9:42.28 and Jose Retana (Fr., Mesa, AZ/Skyline H.S.) clocked in at 9:55.22.

  Treston Slater cleared 14-11 in the pole vault at Mesa.

  Two MCC hammer throwers positioned themselves high on the national list at the Mesa Classic. Matt Garcia (So., Phoenix, AZ/Sunnyslope H.S.) is third at 189-6 and Austin Atkins is fourth at 173-4.

  Beatriz Martinez (So., Chandler, AZ/Chandler H.S.) is now sixth in the 800 after her 2:15.98 performance at the Sun Angel Classic.

  The T-Birds will now begin preparing for the Region I championships which will be held at Mesa beginning April 27.