Mutekanga last won the NEC 500-meter crown in 2008, and is the early favorite to take the title back in 2011. Running his fastest 500-meter time as a collegiate competitor, Mutekanga crossed the line in 1:02.59 to win the New York City Gotham Cup. The veteran Blackbird flew past the field of 75 entrants, beating the runner-up by 0.99 second. His performance places him atop the NEC leader board, directly in front of LIU teammates Robert Barnes and Samuel Egadu.