adminChampionships at University Park in Pennyslvania, United States.
Mpanduki last Friday night combined forces with Americans Matt Gilmore, Brandon Bennett-Green and Aaron Nadolsky and the four-some blitzed to an all-time collegiate best time of 1 minute 24.70 seconds., bettering Rutgers’ standing record of 1:25.05 set in 2007.
The same quartet broke their own school record of 1:25.52, which was set earlier this month, according to reports from the United States.
The 4×200 weren’t the only Nittany Lions to get their names in the record books, as junior Will Barr set a new Penn State best in the men’s weight throw.
But it was the manner in which the Mpanduki-led 4x200m men’s teams obliterated the old record that sent tongues wagging during the two-day Penn State National Track and Field Championships last weekend.
Mpanduki is former Peterhouse School pupil in Marondera here in Zimbabwe.
He was also a member of Munya Maraire’s World Wide Scholarships Academy in athletics.
Mpanduki’s parents are both pastors in ZAOGA church in Harare.
And World Wide Scholarships president Maraire, could not hide his excitement yesterday after learning that his former “pupil” was part of the record-breaking Penn State University’s men’s 4x200m relay team.
Maraire commented: “I believe that God is shining his light through the athletes that have gone through the World Wide Scholarships programme.
“This is the second collegiate record in two years set by athletes from our programme.
“(Long jumper and Zimbabwean Olympian) Ngonidzashe Makusha shattered the college record with 9.89 seconds in the 100m last year as well.
“I (would like to) congratulate the coaching staff of Penn State which is also my former university.
“And definitely the efforts of Emunael who has fought against all odds to perform well while studying Actuarial Science.
“He is a great testimony for Peterhouse School, WWS Academy, ZAOGA Church, National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole.
“This is a proud day for all of us.”
Online Reporter