Elon Track and Field Closes Out Stay at NCAA East Prelims

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Junior high jumper Megan Kirschling of the Elon University women’s track and field team cleared her first two heights, but was unable to advance any further as the Phoenix saw its run at the NCAA East Preliminaries come to an end on Saturday, May 30, at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida.

Kirschling cleared the heights of 5’ 5” (1.65m) and 5’ 7” (1.70m) on her very first attempt in both flights. The West Deptford, N.J., native however fell short in trying to advance past the next height of 5’ 8.75” (1.75m) and finished 26th overall in the event.

While the result was a disappointing end to the Phoenix’s competition at the NCAA East Preliminaries, it also closes out arguably the best season in program history. The maroon and gold won its first-ever conference team title as the Phoenix captured the Colonial Athletic Association outdoor crown. It also became the first Elon program to win a CAA championship in its first year in its new league.

Individually, the Phoenix had five conference champions in six events and 11 All-CAA performers with sophomore Kimberly Johansen standing out as the league’s Most Outstanding Track Athlete of the Meet at the CAA Championships. Elon then tied its program-high with five qualifiers for the NCAA East Preliminaries in Kirschling, Johansen, Jen Esposito, Sydney Griffin and Tereza Novotna. All five are slated to return next season for the maroon and gold.