Eight YC Athletes Qualify for National Indoor Track & Field Competition

Repeat Performance for Three Student Athletes

Track and Field Athletes Danny Cunningham of Liberty Missouri, Shaylee Carlock of Turney, Missouri, and Aaron Beadle of Anamosa, Iowa, have once again qualified for the NCCAA National Indoor Meet in Marion, Indiana. These athletes competed well last year and are expected to improve at this year’s nationals.

“Danny Cunningham is a natural leader built for speed and power,” said Justin Carver, assistant track and field coach. “After cutting 2/10’s of a second off his 60 meter time, and more than half a second off in his indoor 200 time, Danny has proven he is ready to excel.”

Sophomore Shaylee Carlock has bounced back after an injury and is ready to compete. “Her tenacity and power in the ring make this athlete one dangerous shot putter,” Carver said. “She has an intense personality and she attacks the shot put in the same way.”

Also making a second appearance at nationals is senior Aaron Beadle. “Beadle is looking to explode to new distances this weekend and no one deserves it more,” stated Carver.

Five additional athletes have qualified for nationals this year and will be joining the veterans. They are Kawiki Pedrina of Waimanalo, Hawaii, Darreon Collins of Kansas City, Kansas, Sam Mwago of Nairobi, Kenya, Jordan Mestas of Casper, Wyoming, and Karissa Austin of Morrill, Nebraska.

“Kawika attacks the track with a warrior spirit,” said Carver. “Kawika displays his amazing talents each time he explodes out of the blocks. This young man is always ready to attack a challenge and this weekend he is going to show the NCCAA competition this freshman is here to compete.”

Battling back from an injury, Darreon Collins is ready to compete. “This athlete's drive for success and competition couldn't keep him down for long,” stated Carver. 

The Swahili name for winner is “Mshindi.” At York College “Mshindi” means Sam Mwago. “A great athlete, but an even better person,” states Carver. “A quiet leader with the heart of a lion – Sam is amazing.” 

“Jordan will be running the 800 meter on Saturday,” said head coach Derek Kite. “She has already competed in last year's outdoor track championships, and the NAIA cross country national championships. She has speed and power which can lead to great finishes for the future.”

Freshman Karissa Austin, a distance runner who led YC cross country team in the fall, will also be competing in the 800 meter on Saturday. “Karissa is from Morrill, a small town in western Nebraska,” said Kite. “She is a very hard worker and a joy to coach, and we look forward to a great future from Karissa at all distances.”   

Good luck to the Panthers as they compete this weekend in Indiana.