Delco Community College Athletes Shine At National Competition

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — A handful of student athletes from Delaware County Community College shined at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Outdoor Track and Field National Meet last month.

The event — held Mayb8 to May 10 in Utica, New York — saw seven local student athletes competing.

Fatumata Kaba, of Sharon Hill, placed second in the nation in the women’s triple jump and leapt to third in the women’s long jump. She was also named USTFCCCA Central Region Women's Field Athlete of the Year.

Fred “Tre” McCray, of Upper Darby, blazed to sixth place nationally in the 100 meters and fifth in the 4x100-meter relay.

Daniel McLaughlin, of Rutledge, took fourth in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles and fifth in the 4x100-meter relay.

Aidan Heppard, of Swarthmore, sprinted to eighth in the 200 meters and fifth in the 4x100-meter relay. Heppard plans to continue his academic and athletic career at Ursinus College.

Jimmy Love, of Ridley, placed fifth in the 4x100-meter relay at his first nationals meet.

Daishon Billops, of Darby Township, made his nationals debut in the 110-meter high hurdles, qualifying for finals.

Dennis Omane-Nketia, of Collingdale, traveled to nationals as the 4x100-meter relay alternate.

"From Penn Relays to weekly regional and national accolades to top eight Nationals performances, this season has truly been historic," Coach Cara Fordenbacher said. "Our athletes have risen to the occasion, competing against the best in the country."

"I'm so proud of our team and everything we've achieved this season,” McCray, who posted a school record of 10.74 in the 100 meters in his last race as a DCCC Phantom," said.

DCCC competes in the NJCAA Division III in a host of sports.

They practice at 6:30 a.m. two mornings a week at Interboro High School in Prospect Park and train the rest of the time in parking lots and fields.