Puma Track & Field continued their assault on the record books at the Mesa Invitational on March 6. The Pumas came home with nine first-place finishes, five outdoor track and field national qualifying marks, and three Paradise Valley Track & Field records. 

William Ryan-Johnson started the day off for the Pumas with a win, and national qualifying mark, in the 5000m.  His time of 15:17.82 was good enough to top the 2021 NJCAA DI Outdoor rankings list.  "Will ran great! This is a good start to our outdoor season," commented Coach David Barney.  

As the day progressed, it was obvious it would be a strong day for the Pumas as they continued to rack up one win after another.  PV student-athletes bringing home first place finishes included: Corde Long in the 100m (10.76), 110m high hurdles (14.57), and 400m intermediate hurdles (52.05); Joel Goulbourne in the 200m (21.93) and 400m (47.72); Tyler Carreon in the 800m (1:54.90); Jared Nation in the Javelin (58.22 meters/ 191'0"), and Ellissa Lucas in the 1500m (5:07.23).  

PV's sprint/hurdle squad continued to impress with Long and Goulbourne breaking three school records.  Long's triple win included school records in the 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles, while Goulbourne's 200m/400m double broke the school record in the 400m with a blazing time of 47.72.  "Coach Lathan's group is getting the job done," stated Coach Barney, "Add Tyler Carreon's big personal best/win in the 800m, and you could say the sprinters had a pretty good day."

Not wanting to be left out, the Puma throwers also jumped into the fray with Jared Nation and Jesse Avina throwing the second and third best javelin throws ever by a student-athlete wearing the PV bluE & white. They not only jumped into the record book, but they also jumped to the top of the national rankings in the javelin. "The throwers meant business today," mused Barney, "These guys have been working hard, and the results today show it!"

Full Results from the Mesa Invitational can be found HERE