The Roadrunner men's and women's track and field teams raced to solid starts during Thursday's opening of the NJCAA Division III National Championships at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, NY. Sophomore Mike Dowd emerged as national champion in the men's 3000 meter steeplechase while women's standout Elisia Lancaster set a new national record in winning the women's hammer throw.

Dowd pulled out in the lead late in the men's steeplechase and recorded a solid time of 9:54.7, finishing a healthy margin ahead of runnerup Jared Craw (Hudson Valley), who checked in at 10:12.2.

"I didn't know what to expect," said Dowd. "He (Jared Craw) was right behind me for the longest time and then I was just able to pull away. It took a lot of pressure off me."

Followimg his win, Mike watched his twin sister McKenna Dowd claim a fourth place finish in the women's steeplechase.

"I was right there on the sidelines yelling my support -- probably a little too loud," said Mike Dowd. "It was a great day for both of us."

Elisia Lancaster, who won three individual national titles in 2018, captured the NJCAA championship in the hammer with a new national record of 52.10m. Emily Hilt also earned All-American with a second-place finish. Nicole Caramanna finished 7th to score big points for RowanCollege.

Sophomore Adam Hunt earned All-American honors with a 2nd Place Finish in the men's hammer throw. Josh Varghese and Edgar Rosa produced lifetime bests to go 3, 4 for big points for RCGC.

The Roadrunners finished in 6th place in both the men's and women's 800 meter relay races.

RCGC currently leads the women's team race after three events with 23 points, with Suffolkk CC (12) and Delaware County CC (10) following in second and third place.

In the men's team race, RCGC sits in second place with 32 points behind curent leader Triton College (37) after four events.

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