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Monroe's team of 17 men and nine women includes track athletes Shanice Cameron of Mount Vernon and Elmsford's Jessica Barrera, who will join the 630 competitors from 71 teams from 14 states who will compete at the first NJCAA national track and field competition to be held within the five boroughs.
Barrera, who runs 400 meters, and Cameron, a 100- and 200-meter sprinter, are members of the Mustangs tenth-ranked 4x400m relay along with teammates Jaydean Joseph, Ashley Mandat, Sarah Atcho and Teena Mobley.
"This is a great experience for Monroe and our track program," said Barrera, who ran track for Alexander Hamilton High School in Elmsford before moving to Monroe last year. "I feel as though our team is prepared to compete. I know Monroe has offered me a great opportunity to run close to home and to grow as an athlete and student."
Cameron, who graduated Mount Vernon High School, said having her family and friends be able to see her compete in a national championship adds to the challenge.
"As an athlete, I know I have had the opportunity to improve at Monroe," Cameron said. "The facilities, coaching, my teammates are all at a high level. This national exposure hosting the meet is special."
In the 2013 indoor nationals, held in Lubbock, Texas, Monroe's men's team finished sixth overall, the women's 4 x 400 relay ran fourth, and they had a number of outstanding individual performances including a national champion in the triple jump, second place finishes in the pole vault and long jump, and medal winners in the shot put, pole vault, and men's 55-meter hurdles. MONROE NATIONAL QUALIFIERS AND PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Women's Pentahlon (Friday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.) Rashema Briscoe Distance Medley (Friday, March 7, 4:15 p.m.) (6) Ronaldo Ball, Walter Penate, Alexshandro Rodriguez, Katleho Dyoyl Women's Long Jump (Friday, March 7, 4:30 p.m.) Teena Mobley Men's Shot Put (Friday, March 7, 5:15 p.m.) Mark Ramsey (7) Men's 600 meters (Friday, March 7, 6:05 p.m.) (Final - Saturday, March 8, 1:55 p.m.) Joel Johnson, Rashad Ramsey, Damon Daniels Women's 60 meters (Friday, March 7, 6:30 p.m.) (Final - Saturday, March 8, 1:25 p.m.) Sarah Atcho Men's 60 meters (Friday, March 7, 6:40 p.m.) (Final - Saturday, March 8, 1:35 p.m.) Christopher Belcher, Tikuan Johnson Women's 400 meters (Friday 6:55 p.m.) (Final - Saturday, March 8, 2:35 p.m.) Jessica Barrera (24)
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