MEDIA, PA — Student-athletes from Delaware County Community College (DCCC) delivered remarkable performances at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Meet, held May 8-10, 2025, in Utica, N.Y. Competing without the benefit of a dedicated track, the team proved their mettle on a national stage.
Fatumata Kaba of Sharon Hill led the team’s success, securing second place nationally in the women’s triple jump and third in the women’s long jump. Her standout achievements also earned her the title of USTFCCCA Central Region Women’s Field Athlete of the Year.
Fred “Tre” McCray from Upper Darby sprinted to sixth place in the 100 meters and contributed to a fifth-place finish in the 4×100-meter relay. Daniel McLaughlin of Rutledge took fourth in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles, also earning a fifth-place finish as part of the relay team.
Other notable performances included Aidan Heppard of Swarthmore, who achieved eighth in the 200 meters and participated in the fifth-place relay finish, and Jimmy Love of Ridley, who ran in his first Nationals. Daishon Billops of Darby Township also made his debut, making it to the finals in the 110-meter high hurdles. Relay alternate Dennis Omane-Nketia of Collingdale supported the team’s efforts at the meet.
Coach Cara Fordenbacher praised the team for their historic season. “From Penn Relays to weekly regional and national accolades to top eight Nationals performances, this season has truly been historic. Our athletes have risen to the occasion, competing against the best in the country.”
McCray, who ends his DCCC career with a school-record 10.74 in the 100 meters, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishments. “I’m so proud of our team and everything we’ve achieved this season,” he said.
Practicing under challenging conditions, including early mornings at Interboro High School and training in parking lots and fields, the DCCC track and field team showcased resilience and determination, setting a high bar for future athletes.
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