Forbes Repeats As National Champion

Leander Forbes has accomplished quite a bit over his time at Meridian Community College. Forbes, a sophomore from Tallahassee, Florida, has broken many records and been a leader of the Track and Field program for the last two years. As the defending national champion in the 600m Forbes went into the event with a lot of expectations. That’s why his accomplishments over the weekend at the NJCAA Indoor National Championship might be his most impressive yet. Forbes broke the national record in the 600m, running it in 1:17.03, during qualifying on Friday. He then broke that record again on Saturday, by running it in 1:16.86, to win another national title.

“I was happy to see Leander successfully defend his national title in the 600m. We knew the chances of breaking the national record would be there, but to break it twice speaks volumes of his talent and ability and I couldn’t be happier for him” said Head Coach Chip Gayden

Forbes was not the only Eagle to be successful at the NJCAA Indoor National Championship. Marquania Rowell finished runner up in the high jump event with a jump of 1.71 (5’7.25). The 4x400m Relay team ran a 3:11.81 and finished 3rd overall. The Eagle Men finished 16th overall, while the Women finished at 18th overall.

“I was pleased with how both teams competed. We did what we were expecting to do and anytime you are able to do it at the national meet, when it matters, good results come with it,” said Gayden.

The Eagles will return to the track to start the outdoor season in the coming weeks. The Eagles first outdoor event will take place on March 22. The Eagles are scheduled to participate in the MSU Bulldog Relays.