Puma Track & Field competed in their first outdoor meet of the 2023 season at the Grand Canyon University Invite on March 17.   The Pumas came out roaring as they notched nine NJCAA national meet qualifying marks in their season opener.

The Pumas, again, flexed their strength in the throwing events. They started out by earning three qualifying marks and three personal bests in the hammer throw. On his first throw of the evening, Bryce Myers-Haeussler threw 56.56m. On her second-to-last throw, Karsten Deakin threw 46.45m. And, finally, on her last throw of the night, Audrey Armstrong launched the hammer 54.17m, not only earning a personal best but also a school record!

Deakin also earned two more qualifying marks in both the discus and shot put. She threw 41.37m for the discus and threw 13.39m for the shot put.

In the women's javelin, Ariana Luera threw a personal best 37.47m to earn another Puma national qualifying mark.

In the distance races, Gilbert Olivas and Jazmin Estrada both earned national qualifying marks in the 1500m. Olivas ran 3:54.04 and Estrada ran 4:50.81. Estrada's 1500m mark ranked her #1 in the NJCAA after the first week of outdoor was said and done.

Last but not least, Chaz Miller was able to snatch a qualifying mark in the 5000m running 14:58. After the race he said, "It was fun…a good way to start off outdoor"

With the first week of outdoor complete the Pumas look forward to seeing more national qualifying marks as the season progresses.