SIGNAL PEAK — One is the little man with big-time speed in going the distance. The other is the big man who makes throwing the weights look like child’s play.

They are the yin and yang of Central Arizona College men’s track and field, and good friends to boot. While two athletes couldn’t look any more different, each is effective at what he does. Each in his own way is a catalyst that helps make the Vaqueros a contender at the NJCAA Division I Championships, which begin Thursday and conclude Saturday in Hutchinson, Kansas.

The differences between Harry Mulenga and Eldred Henry go far beyond their sizes. Mulenga, ranked No. 1 nationally in the 1,500 with a time of 3 minutes, 44.78 seconds, No. 2 in the 5,000 (14:35.82) and No. 9 in the 800 (1:52.48) by directathletics.com, is all of 5-foot-4, 115 pounds. Henry, No. 1 in both the shot put at 65 feet, 71⁄2 inches and discus at 184-7, is 6-5 and somewhere in the mid-300s (he doesn’t discuss his weight).

And there is constant good-natured banter between the two. The diminutive Mulenga claims to have taught Henry how to throw. Henry fires right back at his pal, giving him tips on how to run faster.

“They’re such great friends and tremendous competitors,” CAC coach Tony Dougherty said. “They are two special athletes that will succeed at the next level.”