T-Bird Women's Track Rank #1 in Week 1 2022 NJCAA DI Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Rating Index
NEW ORLEANS – Spring has sprung, and so has the outdoor version of the NJCAA Women's National Track & Field Rating Index, which was released Wednesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). The first edition finds a virtual tie at the top. No marks from previous seasons have been used as this objective list is compiled solely of current marks from the 2022 indoor and outdoor track & field seasons. New Mexico JC starts off the outdoor season at No. 1, as the T-Birds have a nation-leading 23 performances in the top-10. One of those is from Kimeone McLeod, who tops the 100-meter hurdles at 13.89, just ahead of teammate Ese Awusa (13.93). Also No. 2 for NMJC is Damaris Chewon in the 1500 meters (4:50.61).
Less than one point behind in the TFRI is No. 2 Barton (Kan.) CC. The Cougars own 20 marks in the top-10, with two national leaders – Lashanna Graham in the 400-meter hurdles at 60.92 and Kelsie Murrell-Ross in shot put at 15.54m (51-0). Nia Robinson is No. 2 in both the long jump (6.19m/20-3¾) and triple jump (12.60m/41-4¼).
The remaining top-5 rated teams are all close to the leaders.
No. 3 Iowa Western CC, champions from the NJCAA Indoor Championships, lead the nation in five events, with Hilda Chebet contributing a pair of No. 1s (1500 at 4:30.19, 5000 at 17:08.71). Also leading their respective events are Nickisha Pryce (400 at 53.68), Miracle Ailes (high jump at 1.80m/5-10¾) and Victory George (triple jump at 12.86m/42-2¼). The Reivers, who have 16 top-10 marks, also have a two at No. 2 – Pryce in the 200 (23.94) and Alliyah McNeil in high jump (1.78m/5-10).
Cloud County (Kan.) CC is No. 4 and has 17 top-10 marks with five of them first or second. The T-Birds have national leads in the steeplechase (Ludjenie Mondesir, 11:43.00), javelin (Hollie Stewart, 39.71m/130-4) and 4×800 relay (9:22.84). Cloud County has No. 2 marks in the 400 (Vimbayi Maisvorewa, 53.86) and steeple (Melody Ochanna, 11:46.64).
Defending team champion South Plains (Texas) is No. 5, also with 17 top-10 marks with three leaders and three at No. 2. Joniar Thomas leads the long jump at 6.32m/20-9, and the Texans pace the 4×100 (45.74) and 4×400 (3:41.67) relays. Adding No. 2 marks in the ratings are Success Umukoro in the 100 (11.79w), Shenell Tucker in the 400 hurdles (61.14) and Kimola Hines in discus (46.33m/152-0).
Completing the top-10 teams in the national TFRI are No. 6 Central Arizona, No. 7 Mesa (Ariz.) CC, No. 8 Indian Hills (Iowa) CC, No. 9 Fort Scott (Kan.) CC and No. 10 Highland (Kan.) CC. All teams have the target dates of May 19-21, which is when the 2022 NJCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships are scheduled at Hutchinson (Kan.) CC's Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson, Kansas.