It was a day for the top female college athletes in the nation to show their colors at the 125th Penn Relays on April 25th. Representing the Rowan College at Gloucester County Roadrunners were two of the most prolific field athletes in school history, Elisia Lancaster (Delsea) and Emily Hilt (Kingsway). The sophomore dynamic duo has been riding a wave of great success that started last season, where they swept the field events at the NJCAA National Championships, taking the top two spots and All-American honors in the shot put, discus and hammer throw. Elisia represented the college at last year's Penn Relays, while Emily was making her first career appearance. As a testament to the level of skill represented by Emily and Elisia, they were the only two JUCO athletes invited/qualified to compete in these events at the historic Penn Relays this year!
In the shot put, Emily Hilt placed 31st with a toss of 12.67m. This performance is one of the best throws of her career and was done under the extreme pressure of the NCAA competition.
In the hammer throw, Elisia Lancaster placed 22nd with a throw of 48.98m. This performance is also one of the top throws of her career and both ladies represented RCGC in fine fashion at the 125th Penn Relays.
This season has gone spectacularly well for both ladies so far. Emily set an indoor school record in the shot put , while Elisia set an indoor school record in the weight throw. Elisia also shattered her outdoor school record in the hammer throw, placing her among the national elite in that event. They both hold top marks in their respective events in the NJCAA rankings and are primed to keep improving and defend their titles at this year's Nationals. Elisia was named NJCAA East Regional Indoor Athlete of the Year and has been named National Athlete of the Week this outdoor season.
Both ladies have taken the next step in their careers and committed to institutions for next year. Emily Hilt will attend Rutgers Camden on an academic scholarship and continue her athletic career under the guidance of GCC track alumni, Coach Ian Chrzanowski. Elisia Lancaster will travel a little further south and attend Towson University on an athletic scholarship. At the Penn Relays, both Roadrunners competed with/against their future teammates from these institutions.