Eight Tritons Earn ICCAC Athlete of the Week Honors
Eric Zuniga – Iowa Central – Sophomore
Iowa Central sophomore Eric Zuniga turned in one of the most impressive rounds of the week at the NIACC Spring Invite, firing a bogey-free 66 (-6) to finish tied for first place. Zuniga caught fire on the front nine with three consecutive birdies on holes six through eight, then continued his momentum on the back nine with an eagle on No. 12 and a birdie on No. 15. His clean card and consistent ball-striking marked his first under-par finish of the season and showcased his ability to score in bunches.
Francis Lockwood – Iowa Central – Freshman
Iowa Central freshman Francis Lockwood matched Zuniga atop the leaderboard with a 66 (-6), putting together an equally impressive — but very different — round. Lockwood came out aggressive with three straight birdies to open his round, later adding an eagle on the front nine. Despite a bogey and a double bogey, he continued to attack, collecting birdies on holes 10, 15 and 17 to close strong. The tied finish highlights Lockwood's consistency this season, as he currently ranks No. 6 on Scoreboard and has now recorded six under-par rounds this year.
Carl Givens – Iowa Central – Freshman – Discus, Shot Put
Iowa Central freshman thrower Carl Givens turned in a strong performance at the Kip Janvrin Open, highlighted by a first-place finish in the Discus Throw. Givens recorded a personal-best mark of 52.68 meters to claim the win, hitting the NJCAA qualifying standard while also moving into fifth place in Iowa Central program history. His mark currently ranks fourth in the NJCAA this season. In addition to his discus performance, Givens also competed in the Shot Put, where he placed ninth with a throw of 14.46 meters, continuing to show versatility across throwing events.
Paola Behile – Iowa Central – Freshman – Triple Jump
Iowa Central freshman Paola Behile delivered a standout performance at the Drake Relays, capturing first place in the collegiate division of the Triple Jump. Behile recorded a mark of 12.17 meters to secure the win, hitting the national qualifying standard while also moving into seventh in the NJCAA this season. Her jump ranks as the eighth-best in Iowa Central program history, adding another milestone to a strong freshman campaign on one of the biggest stages of the outdoor season.
Iowa Central Distance Medley Relay – Sophomore
(Alivia Edens, Janae Dawes, Chadrak Belinda Bula Bula, Abbigail Hutchinson)
Iowa Central's Distance Medley Relay team delivered one of the most exciting races of the week at the Drake Relays, winning the event while setting a new school record. The quartet of Alivia Edens, Janae Dawes, Chadrak Belinda Bula Bula and Abbigail Hutchinson combined for a time of 11:49.37, edging out rival Iowa Western in a tightly contested race that came down to the final leg. The victory not only secured a Drake Relays title, but also established a new program benchmark as the Tritons continue to build momentum heading deeper into the outdoor season.
*Article courtesy of ICCAC.