The Elon University women's track and field team will send athletes to two indoor meets this weekend: the Liberty Open on Friday in Lynchburg, Virginia, and the Hokie Invitational on Friday and Saturday in Blacksburg, Virginia. Building on a successful season opener, the Phoenix feature competitors in sprints, distance runs, hurdles, jumps, and throws. Coach Mark Elliston guides the squad in his 20th season.
Elon University's women's track and field team kicked off its indoor season last Saturday at the Mondo College Invitational at the JDL Fast Track, where several athletes set personal records and one established a school record.
Jenna Gilman broke the Phoenix's school record in the 600 meters with a time of 1:32.48, placing sixth in her debut race of the year. Adriana Clarke won the weight throw with a personal-best toss of 18.81 meters, securing the No. 2 spot on Elon's all-time list. Mia Stimpson claimed gold in the triple jump, leaping 11.62 meters for a personal best. Eloise Mulready completed the victories by clearing 1.68 meters in the high jump.
This weekend, a group heads to the Liberty Open at Liberty Indoor Track Complex in Lynchburg on January 23. Competitors include Isabella Johnson, Adriana Clarke, Tristin Oberg, Julia Edler, and Allison Mateyak in shot put; Lizzie Lopez, Greta Urbonaviciute, Carolina Prada, and Irene Blanco Garcia in long jump; Ja'Mia Johnson, Lizzie Lopez, Irene Blanco Garcia, Mia Stimpson, Greta Urbonaviciute, Olivia Waymer, and Carolina Prada in 60m hurdles; Mya Lee, Amelie Meier, and Teri Pridgen in 60m and 200m; Julia Bell, Winter Oaster, Cami Glebocki, Ashland Dickel, Emilia Smith, and Amelia Summers in the one-mile; Duna Viñals in 400m; Addison George in 800m; Julia Bell and Winter Oaster in 1000m; Kate Buerger and Madi Galindo in 3000m; and relay teams in 4x400m. High jump features Carolina Prada (under 1.52m), Hannah Schonhoff, Eloise Mulready, Greta Urbonaviciute, and Irene Blanco Garcia; weight throw includes Adriana Clarke, Grace Wager, Julia Edler, Isabella Johnson, and Allison Mateyak; triple jump has Mia Stimpson.
At the Hokie Invitational in Blacksburg's Rector Field House, athletes competing are Abby Beville, Sarah Petitjean, and Quinn Smith in 1000m and mile; Alicen Ashley, Katie Blount, Hannan Weber, and Jasmine Young in 3000m; and Shayla Cann, Jenna Gilman, Gabi Walker, and Grace Lavelle in 800m.
Mark Elliston, in his 20th season as director of track and field and cross country, has led Elon to seven CAA titles and four runner-up finishes. He is a six-time CAA Women's Track and Field Coach of the Year, with last season yielding 10 All-CAA honorees, two event champions, three school records, and multiple top-10 marks.