Dunbar, Epps bring home national track and field titles

Nickolette Dunbar won her first shot put national title in grand style on Saturday afternoon. Dunbar, a Whippany Park senior, had a personal best 54-7½ on her final attempt to claim the New Balance Indoor Nationals crown.

Dunbar received a paper crown, flowers, a medal, and got sized for a championship ring. She had finished third at NBIN and second at outdoor nationals last year.

"I feel like a lot of pressure's off now, but it hasn't really kicked in yet," Dunbar said. "I enjoy throwing shot put so much, so I really wanted to do well today. I knew I had it in me. It just took a throw."

Dunbar surpassed 54 feet twice during the final round to surpass Alyssa Wilson of Donovan Catholic, the top seed after prelims.

Said Dunbar, "I knew I had to throw a big throw to keep it together.

Christina Epps of Morristown added the USA Track & Field indoor triple jump title to her resume on Friday.

Epps leaped 46 feet, 1.25 inches, a new indoor best, on her second attempt of the finals. She has been invited to represent the United States at the IAAF World Championships, which will also be held in Portland. The triple jump is scheduled for March 19.

Epps hopes to meet the Olympic qualifying standard of 14.15 meters next weekend. Her mark from nationals converts to 14.05m.

“The difference is I’m matured now,” Epps said via cellphone shortly after training with the national team on Saturday. “I’m way more focused and levelheaded this year. I’ve built confidence this year. That was a big thing for me.”

Staff Writer Jane Havsy: 973-428-6682; jhavsy@gannettnj.com; www.dailyrecord.com/writerjane/