(Westfield, MA) This is the weekend we have all been waiting for. The NJCAA Division III National Championships brought together over 500 athletes from around the country. The cream of the crop was all in one place for a weekend to match up, and see who was the best overall in the 2016 track and field season. Each athlete knew that if everything wasn't left on the track in Westfield, MA this weekend, then there was no going back.

The FIT Tigers arrived in Massachusetts on Friday afternoon. They shook out their legs, and let their nerves wash away in the days rain as they tested out the track that in a few short hours they would be competing for National Titles on. Later that evening they attended the annual banquet with all other NJCAA schools. It was early to bed for these kittens, as it was time to get serious about the big weekend.
 
Saturday brought overcast skies and a slow drizzle throughout the day. The rain didn't slow down these Tigers for a second. Each and every athlete was hot on the trail for a personal best and NJCAA records. Libby Mostoller really got Saturday started with the Women's Javelin. On her fourth throw Mostoller landed a personal best of 25.59 to capture 9th in the Nation!
 
Next up in the field events was triple threat Rebecca Phillips. Phillips had a standout performance in the Long Jump as she jumped her farthest on her second attempt of the day.  She leaped to a distance of 4.99m to take 4th overall. Way to go Rebecca!
 
Rachel Storer competed hard in the 100 Meter Dash. She took 20th overall in a time of 13.94. Patrick Quick was the other Tiger who competed in the 100 Meter Dash on Saturday. He took 22nd overall with a time of 12.70. Although this wasn't a personal best for Quick, in the last 3 meets he has consistently sprinted within .3 of each race.
 
Sara Lucas and Kesha Gorajia took on the trails of the 800 Meter Run. The top 3 in each heat made it to finals. Lucas ran a time of 2:24, giving her the golden ticket to move on to Sunday and a new school record.  Gorajia fought a tough race and finished in 2:41. She dropped 3 seconds recording her personal best, and snagging 13th overall in the prelims. Way to finish out a solid season Kesha! Top ranked Max Hamilton also made it on to Sunday finals with a time of 2:00.89.
 
In the 400 Hurdles, Bryan Chao ran a smart race. He got out of the blocks and cruised down the back 100 meters. He left everything he had on the track and crossed the finish line in a time of 1:06.99 to take 24th place overall.
 
Championship Sunday started off with a steady rain, but as the day went on the rain cleared and became the perfect day for Track & Field. There were no distractions now – only focused and hungry Tigers on the prowl.
Holly Bjalme-Evans had one of the best performances of Championship Sunday. She started off the competition with a tremendous show in the Discus. On her second attempt she threw her farthest of the day with a heave of 26.08. She took 2nd place overall recording a new personal best and new school record! Bjalme-Evans also competed in the Shot Put snagging 14th overall with a toss of 8.89m.
 
Rebecca Phillips got heated up in her second event of the weekend - the High Jump. It was a tough competition back and forth with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Phillips jumped to a height of 1.56m finishing 3rd in the Nation!

The 1500 Meter Run was arguably the most exciting event of the weekend. Max Hamilton battled back and forth with Martin Maldonado from RC – Gloucester the entire 4 laps. He ran the race of his life and out kicked Maldonado in the last 100 meters to take 1st place! He came across the line in a time of 4:09, which will be a new personal and school record. There you go, Max!
 
Sara Lucas competed in the 1500 for the Women. She went out aggressive in the first lap and held on to take 5thoverall in a time of 5:04, which is also a new personal and school record! She was squeezed out of 4th place by .05 by Kayla Clements of Suffolk Community College. Lucas left everything on the track, and had an amazing performance.
 
Hamilton & Lucas also competed in the finals of the 800 Meter Run. They dished out incredible performances which was highly impressive after both having breakout performances in the 1500. Hamilton went out hard and took the lead. He looked extremely within himself going into the second lap. He was beaten by a nose by Michael Warchol from Mohawk Valley, placing him 2nd overall in a time of 2:00.12. In the Women's race, Lucas set out in the lead group, and hung on until the end taking 6th overall in 2:31.  What a weekend!

The 4x4 team consisting of Rebecca Phillips, Kesha Gorajia, Rachel Storer, and Sara Lucas ran their second 4x4 race of the season, and had a really solid finish. Phillips got them off to a great start while Gorajia and Storer kept solid placement in the middle of the race. Lucas brought them home crossing the line in a time of 4:34, good for 9th place overall.

Overall, FIT the Woman placed 9th out of 19 teams with a solid 26 points. They were only shy 2 point of 8th place. The Men's team placed 14th out of 21 teams. They racked up 18 points and were only 5 points out of cracking the top 10 teams.
 
"This has been one of the most enjoyable teams I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Every athlete was dedicated and hungry to compete all season long, even when the workouts were tough and they were tired. As a coach you honestly can't ask for more than that," stated Head Coach Joe Plutz. "We are sad to see a few of our Seniors go, but are looking forward to those returning next year, and having another stand out season."
 
Coach Howard Lindsay commented "We had a special group this year. They all wanted to learn and become excellent at their craft, yet they were willing to jump in the last minute and trying something new. For example our 4x4 team, made the National qualifying standard the first time they raced. And it's all because of the drive these individuals have. We have had an incredible season."
 
The Tigers are hanging up their spikes for now, but the memories that were made over the 2016 season will certainly last them a lifetime. Congratulations to all of the graduating Seniors! You will be sincerely missed, but your legend stays with FIT Track & Field forever. Until next season, stay updated on all FIT sports at fittigers.com!