WINSTON-SALEM, NC (March 12,2022) - Joshua Jeffes made history today at the NCAA Division III Indoor National Track and Field Championships. He became the first ever NCAA All-American in SUNY Delhi's history. The Broncos Cross Country and Track and Field program has had a storied history that included All-Americans at the NJCAA, NAIA and USCAA, but in the programs first year of eligibility as a full NCAA member, Jeffes brings home the first such honor at that level.
In his preliminary heat yesterday, Jeffes was cut off at the end of the first lap and lost a great deal of momentum as well as position in the race. Following a protest, officials determined that Jeffes was in fact impeded and advanced him to today's final. He made the most of his opportunity. Jeffes ran from lane 2 in the final and followed three athletes in his heat across the line, finishing with his best performance of the year running 49.18 seconds. The time ended up placing him eighth overall, which is exactly the number of athletes that earn All-American.
Coach Zach Brown, in his first year as a head coach, led two athletes to qualification in the meet. Sprinter Naquille Harris finished 16th in the 60 meter dash on day one of the Championships. Brown has also seen new school records from Jeffes as well as in the women's 60 meter dash and 200 meter dash. Brown could hardly contain his excitement for Josh. "The first day was a whirlwind. I knew as soon as I saw the infraction that I had to protest the race. One official told me I couldn't protest, but coaches said I could so I was a little nervous but I knew I had to try. Through all of the emotional rollercoaster, Josh never flinched. He kept his compossure and was ready to go when he had the chance. Instead of getting upset, he just capitalized on the opportunity with his best performance in the biggest moment."
Jeffes who won the AARTFC Championships in the 400 meters last spring also set school records this year in the 200, 300 and 400 meter distances. He will now look forward to the outdoor season where he will look to repeat the accomplishment at the Outdoor Championships to be held in Ohio on May 26-28.
