SANTA ROSA, Calif. – The Warriors got on the track Friday, competing in the Pat Ryan Invitational in Santa Rosa. On a day filled with season and career-best times, one student-athlete stole the show by punching his ticket to the National Championship.
 
Kamil Jones will return to the NAIA National Championship this season after posting a time of 54.31 in the 400m Hurdles. Jones qualified for the event last season, making this his second nationals appearance.
 
The 2023 national championship will take place in Indiana, a switch from previous years in Alabama.
 
"We had a big highlight in the 400M hurdles," said Jeff Magley. "It was an extremely competitive men's 400M hurdles. To have his ticket to nationals already punched this early in the season is a huge highlight."
 
Jessica Pedretti also had a highlight performance, placing first in both the shot put and discus. Both marks are new season bests for Pedretti, who hopes to be joining Jones at nationals for the second season in a row.
 
"She had two season bests in both the shot put and discus, but more importantly, she won both of those events," added Magley. "It's always awesome to come away with an event, and this puts her on track for where she needs to be from a performance standpoint."
 
The shot put also saw new PRs from Alexandria Banducci and Jaylee Hameister. Hameister, joined by Jayden Jackson and Eleanor Kania, also set PRs in the long jump.
 
Distance running saw success for the Warriors. Johnathon Conklin posted new PRs on Friday in the 1500m and 5000m. Travis Brown and Zachary Heberlein also continued their careers, running the 3000m steeplechase.
 
Full results from the day can be viewed HERE.
 
Jessup will continue their season on March 30 as they compete in a pair of meets. The Warriors will compete in the West Coast Relays, hosted by Fresno State, along with the Mike Fanelli Track Classic in San Francisco.
   
Jessup University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). For additional information regarding Jessup Athletics, visit www.jessupathletics.com; visit www.jessup.edu for more information on Jessup University. Follow Jessup Athletics on social media: Jessup University Athletics (Facebook) and @JessupAthletics (Twitter & Instagram).