This year, senior All-American Emily Ritter ’15 became the first woman and just the third athlete ever from Rider’s track and field program to compete in the NCAA Championships, where she placed ninth in the nation. She also became Rider’s first All-American track and field athlete, making her the fourth All-American female athlete in Rider history. Rider named Ritter, along with B.J. Clagon ’18 of the wrestling team, as the Rider University Athletes of the Year for 2014-15.
“Emily has had one of the greatest and most successful years you could have as an athlete,” said Rider cross country/track and field head coach Bob Hamer.
Ritter earned All-East honors in three different sports in 2014-15: cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field. During the indoor season, Ritter ran in the ECAC Championship Distance Medley Relay.
Ritter’s historic season wrapped up on June 25 at the USA Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore. Ritter had never even competed in the steeplechase before last year. The first time she competed, she won the 2014 Rider Invitational. The second time she ran it, she broke the Rider record and placed second at the 2014 MAAC Championships.