What's New

Highland Men's Track Relay Wins Jayhawk

Highland Men’s Track Relay Wins Jayhawk

This past fall, the Highland Community College men’s distance program established itself as one of the top programs in the Jayhawk Conference and the nation with record-breaking performances throughout the cross country season. That success from the cross country season has flowed into the track season as the distance program has made a big track statement.  

The men’s track and field team competed at the NJCAA Region VI/Jayhawk Conference Championship on Sunday at Kansas State University.  The meet was highlighted by the championship performance of Highland’s distance medley relay.  The relay consisted of Derrick Zaldivar (Topeka), Deandre Jobe (Baytown, TX), Ronnie Carroll (Smyrna, DE), and Fernando Lucero (Rio Rancho, NM).  The group earned All-Conference and All Region honors for their performance. 

Zaldivar continued his outstanding season with a runner-up performance in the 1,000 meter run, a race where Lucero also hit the National qualifying standard.  Brian Martinez (Pasadena, TX) had a strong 3rd place finish in the 5000.  The 4x400 meter relay of Eric Mellenbruch (Soldier), Jobe, Chris Essman (Topeka), and Tyus Jacob (Topeka) cut 8 seconds off their season’s best time to move up in the scoring for the men as well.

The Scotties fought hard in the meet and nearly 90 percent of the team that travelled scored Conference points. Team members named All-Region for their performances were Derrick Zaldivar, Deandre Jobe, Ronnie Carrol, and Fernando Lucero.  All-Conference selections were Zaldivar, Jobe, Lucero, and Brian Martinez. 

Members of Coach Chad Clevenger’s team will compete March 6-7 in Albuquerque, NM, for the National Championship.  Team members travelling to compete are Derrick Zaldivar (distance medley, 1,000, and mile), Deandre Jobe (distance medley), Ronnie Carroll (distance medley, 800, and 1,000), and Fernando Lucero (distance medley, and 1,000). 

Back to News »