LEXINGTON, Ky. – On the second day of the NCAA Track & Field East First Round Championships, Emily Romano from the High Point University women’s track and field team secured her spot at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon. This marks her first trip West, and she’s joined by three other athletes from her team—Cole Wilson, Ricardo Montes de Oca, and Jason Olivera Jr.—making it the largest group from High Point to qualify.
Coach Scott Houston expressed his excitement, saying, “It was a wonderful day. Getting another athlete through to Eugene is a highlight. Emily did an incredible job, especially in the jump-off. She showed real grit and resilience, which made me proud.” He also praised teammate Lily Houston for her strong performance.
Romano started strong, clearing her first three heights on the first attempt. She began at 3.92 meters and moved up to 4.07 and then to 4.22 meters. When the bar reached 4.27 meters, she couldn’t clear it in three tries but ended up in a tie for the 11th and 12th positions, leading to a jump-off. Louisville’s Iliana Triantafyllou secured the 11th spot, while Romano went head-to-head with Kentucky’s Anne Murphy for the last qualifying position. Romano won the jump-off, obtaining her ticket to the Championships.
Alongside Romano, teammate Lily Houston cleared 4.07 meters in the pole vault. Gianna Paul achieved a long jump of 5.97 meters, and Ashlyn Giles threw 16.31 meters in shot put. Earlier, Moriah Evans competed in javelin, tossing 44.27 meters.
Looking Ahead: High Point will gear up for day three of the NCAA East First Rounds.
This event highlights the growing support for collegiate athletics. In recent years, the NCAA has seen a rise in viewership and interest, with a 30% increase in attendance at Championship events compared to previous years. This growth not only benefits athletes but also strengthens team bonds and community support.
In the larger context of college sports, the increased participation and success of programs like High Point’s reflect a shift towards nurturing talent in non-traditional powerhouse schools. As fans engage more through social media, it creates a vibrant community that celebrates the journey of these student-athletes.
For more insights on the impact of college athletics, visit NCAA’s official site.
