RCGC Track & Field: Men's Team Earns NJCAA National Championship

The Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) Men's Track and Field Team crossed the finish line at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York on Saturday, May 12 to capture the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III National Championship title— earning the first national title for the Roadrunners since 2014.

The RCGC women's squad finished as national runner–up in the NJCAA Women's Division III race, thanks to the efforts of three-time national champion Elisia Lancaster (Delsea), who capped a terrific meet with a win in the shot put. Teammate Emily Hilt (Kingsway) also placed second in the same three events to bring home All-American honors in each category.

Sophomore Jake Caruso and freshman Mike Dowd clinched the national crown with second and third place finishes respectively in the 5000 meters, giving the Roadrunners the national title with 134.50 points to slip by Suffolk County College. Caruso claimed All-American honors with his second place showing in the event.

“This feels great to win this championship after being ranked No. 1 all year —we would rather win the title here on the track anytime,” said RCGC Head Coach Ryan Hughes. Hughes was also honored as the Men's Coach of the Meet.

The Roadrunner men's team experienced plenty of adversity during the meet when sophomore standout runner Josh Legg suffered a wrist injury during Friday's competition and was forced to sit out on Saturday, motivating Caruso and Dowd even more.

“This was our teammate who had contributed all season long to all of our success,” said Caruso, who earned a second straight national title in the men's steeplechase on Friday. “No way we're not getting this one for Josh.”

Dowd, third in the steeplechase, said, “His having to sit on the sidelines was really a tough break for Josh. I'm thrilled we got this one for him and our team.”

Adam Hunt, who won two national titles and All-American honors in the hammer and discus earlier, took a key fifth place finish in the shot put.

In women’s action, the Roadrunners enjoyed their best finish since the 2013 season, when the program won a national crown. Lancaster and Hilt dominated the field events by sweeping first and second place finishes in the hammer throw, discus and shot put events.

“This was an honor for Emily and me to sweep these events and give our team a chance to win,” said Lancaster. “We came in here wanting to perform like we know we’re capable of, and we’re proud of the results. Hopefully, next year the women’s team will win a team championship.”

Also earning All-American honors for the lady Roadrunners was Azia Pitt (Winslow) with her second place finish in the high jump.

“The performance of the entire team was remarkable,” said Executive Director of Athletics Brian Rowan. “I can't begin to tell you how thrilled the entire athletic department and administration is with this team's efforts. To overcome the adversity they faced on the final day against some tough teams shows the true character of these athletes and is a tribute to the coaching staff.”

For more information about Roadrunner sports, visit RCGC.edu/Athletics.

Rowan College at Gloucester County’s 250-acre campus is located on Tanyard Road in Deptford, just off Exit 56 of Route 55.

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