Jaida Olson captures NJCAA Division I National Championship in Pole Vault

The Pima Community College women's track & field team completed the first day of competition at the NJCAA Division I National Championships in Hutchinson, KS.

• The Aztecs picked up 11 team points on the day and two NJCAA All-Americans.
• Freshman Jaida Olson (Pusch Ridge Christian HS) claimed the NJCAA Division I National Championship in the Pole Vault as she finished with a mark of 3.46 meters (11-feet, 4.25-inches). She hit the vault on her first attempt and fell short on the 3.70-meter mark (12-1). Olson earned 10 team points.
• "My vaults were pretty good. I like to start at a lower height to get the feel for the day," Olson said. "The jump at 12-1, I was so close. My personal-best is 12-6, so I was hoping to PR today but the weather conditions makes it harder to. I'm proud of myself for what I did do and I did my best."
• Olson was happy to gain redemption for herself after she didn't have a recorded height in her senior year at state.
• "It's been awesome. The progression I've had with this season. I started the season earning PRs and setting the school record and it just got better and better every meet as I went. Staying consistent was the biggest thing this season. Even if I did get a lower height at a meet, I was consistent with it throughout the season."
• Freshman Jackie Trice (Williams Field HS) earned All-American status and one team point for the Aztecs after she took eighth place in the Long Jump with a personal-best of 5.73 meters (18-9.75). She saved her best jump for her final attempt.

Other Pima finishes:

• Lucy Chavez (Bisbee HS) – 19^th in Hammer Throw 32.04 meters (105-1).

Check out updated team scores and individual results on Athletic Live

The Aztecs continue competition on Friday at Gowans Stadium in Hutchinson. Events begin at 9:00 a.m. (CT).