Ventura Claims NJCAA Region III Championship

HERKIMER, N.Y. - The Finger Lakes Community College men's track and field team traveled to Herkimer College Saturday, April 30th to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region III championship and earn a chance to represent the Lakers on the national stage.

Student-athlete Giovanni Ventura would take advantage of the opportunity, headlining Laker's performers. Ventura would compete in the 10,000 meter, finishing with a time of 34:57.74. Ventura's mark would claim a 1st-place position and ultimately, the NJCAA Region III championship in the 10k.

Teammate John "JT" Zimmerman would follow with a 4th place finish, and a time of 37:19, a qualifying mark to earn him a spot in the NJCAA Division III outdoor track and field national championship. Teammate Jacob DiGiovanni would claim a 9th place position, and finish the 10k course in 39:57 to round out Laker's performers.

Now, the Lakers await the final day of the NJCAA Region III championship at Herkimer College on May 7th, before embarking on a 3-day weekend in Troy, N.Y. for the outdoor track and field national championship from May 12th through May 14th.