Photo by Iowa Central Athletics: The Iowa Central track teams stand together after NJCAA indoor nationals in Topeka, Kan.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Iowa Central claimed two top team finishes and numerous USTFCCCA All-Americans at the NJCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships hosted by Washburn University.

The Triton men entered ranked third and finished in that same position, while the women placed seventh overall. This marked the first podium finish for the ICCC men since placing second in 2021.

“The end results weren’t what we were hoping for, but we could not be prouder of how all our athletes competed,” Iowa Central head coach Anne Cleary said. “We needed a lot of things to go our way to win a title on the men’s side and bring home a trophy on the women’s side. Our athletes did everything thing that was asked of them and more.

“They worked for this and wanted this; they all have so much to be proud of. This team is ready for the outdoor season, they aren’t done yet.”

Haydn Stockdale was the lone individual national champion for the Tritons, capturing the weight throw event. Chadrak Belinda Bula Bula (600), Alan Lefevre (Heptathlon) and Akram Mouaki (shot put) were all individual runner-ups, as was the men’s distance medley relay of Soufyane Laaziz, Taha Ouchene, Saad Rifi Loutfi and Said Rifi Loutfi claimed silver.

Janae Dawes (long jump), Robert Cooley (Heptathlon) and Laaziz (mile, 1,000) all placed third.

Bula Bula set a new school record in the 600 in 1:30.09 while Iowa Central recorded 12 other indoor school Top-10s.

“Our men fought very hard and did absolutely everything they could,” Iowa Central Director of Track Dee Brown said. “We are extremely proud of them and their accomplishments, and very thrilled to have a national champion in Haydn.

“The women’s team knew it was going to be a very close race. We did everything right, but a few things didn’t go our way and the other teams definitely had some great performances.”