The Elon University track and field team scored in all 18 events to win the first-ever Colonial Athletic Association indoor team championship on Thursday.
The Phoenix tallied 129.83 points to edge runner-up Hampton, who scored 121.33 points. Sophomore distance runner Jette Beermann won Elon’s lone gold medal with a victory in the mile race.
Elon has also won the CAA’s outdoor championship each of the last two seasons. Head coach Mark Elliston said the winning feeling never gets old.
“It’s amazing to watch these girls do what they do,” Elliston said. “We knew everyone had to do their part, and that’s exactly what happened. It was amazing to watch.”
Despite winning just one final, Elon was the only school in the women’s competition to score in every event. Elliston said this accomplishment highlights the team’s depth.
“That speaks volumes about this group,” Elliston said. “To have everyone share in that wealth is amazing.”
Elon broke three school records during the week – junior sprinter Piper Jons ran the 400-meter in 54.28 seconds and the 200-meter in 24.23 seconds, while freshman sprinter Reese Webster ran the 60-meter in 7.57 seconds.
Beermann won Elon’s lone gold medal in the one-mile race with a time of 4:56.43. Senior distance runner Anna Twomey joined her on the podium, finishing third with a time of 4:58.54. Elon had four other individuals earn podium finishes, as Beermann placed third in the 3,000-meter, Jons second in the 400-meter, senior distance runner Stephanie Lair third in the 800-meter and graduate student Kalli’Ana Botelho third in the pentathlon. The Phoenix also finished second in the 4x800-meter relay.
Across the championship’s 18 events, 22 Elon athletes contributed points to the team’s winning total.
With the women’s cross country and indoor track and field championships secured, Elon will now set its sights on defending its outdoor track and field title.
“If everyone can stay healthy and well, we may have a shot,” Elliston said. “We’re going to work toward that, and hopefully we can make it happen.”
The Phoenix will begin its outdoor season on March 16 to 18 at the 49er Classic in Charlotte. The CAA outdoor track and field championship is scheduled for May 5 and 6 in Williamsburg, Virginia.