16 Women Join Track & Field In Class Of 2022
8/21/2018 2:34:00 PM | Cross Country, Track and Field
The Columbia women welcome 16 talented individuals to the first-year class.
NEW YORK - The Columbia women welcome 16 talented individuals to the first-year class. Among the newcomers, six individuals will take part in cross country, as the Lions hope to repeat as Ivy League Champions in the 2018 season.
Sydney Bertschy | CC | Pole Vault | Peoria, Ill. | Dunlap
Participated in pole vault, long jump, triple jump, and the sprint events at Dunlap High School in Illinois … Part of the Illinois State 2A Championship teams in 2017 and 2018 … Cleared a career best 12-0 during her junior season, when she was fifth at state … Also was an all-american in cheerleading, and took sixth place at nationals in Arco solo Dance … The daughter of Lucinda Uphoff and Nicholas Bertschy.
Lauren Buehner | CC | Sprints | Arcadia, Calif. | Arcadia
A four-year letterwinner as a sprinter at Arcadia High School in California … Advanced to the final in the 4x100m and 4x400m at the California State meet in 2018, taking fifth in the 4x400m … Earned four Pacific League Championships in the 400m and 4x400m relay, while also winning the 200m in 2017, and the 4x100m relay three times … Graduated from Arcadia with six school records on the track … Posted personal bests of 12.04 in the 100m, 24.64 in the 200m, and 56.35 in the 400m … Was a Rose Princess in the 2018 Rose Bowl Parade … The daughter of Fern Billingy and Earl Buehner … Cousin, Rhonda Billingy, attended Teachers College at Columbia.
"Lauren comes in with experience in all sprint events and owns a pair of school records. She has the range that will allow her to make an immediate impact to the team." – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays Coach Marquise Stancil
Casidy Cunningham | CC | Jumps | Lompoc, Calif. | Lompoc
Two-time team captain and four-year letterwinner at Lompoc High School in California … Part of the Nevada Gazelles Track Club in 2016, qualifying for the USATF Junior Nationals … Was the Los Padres League Champion in the 100m and 200m in 2017, and won the 100m, 4x100m relay, and long jump the following year … Picked up the Santa Barbara County Championship in the triple jump in 2018 … Recorded career bests of 18-1 in the long jump and 37-11 in the triple … Also played volleyball for the Braves … The daughter of Carole Vargas and Bruce Cunningham … Uncle, Randall Cunningham, was a four-time Pro Bowl Quarterback during his 16-year NFL career … Cousin, Vashti Cunningham, is a World Indoor Champion in the high jump, and qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games, while her brother, Randall II, is a two-time NCAA high jump champion.
Charlotte Hartman | CC | Distance | Mechanicville, N.Y. | Shenendehowa Central
Former distance runner at Shenendehowa Central High School in New York … A second team All-State performer in indoor track and cross country her senior year … Took second at New York Cross Country regionals in 2016, sending her to the Nike Cross Nationals for the second time in her prep career … Posted personal bests of 4:44 in the 1,500m, 10:13 in the 3,000m, and 17:43 on the 3-Mile cross country course … The daughter of Ann and Harry Hartman.
"Charlotte comes from a prestigious program. She's not only going to be a contribution on the track but her leadership and determination will be a positive addition to the team as well." – Middle Distance & Distance Coach Maraya Slatter
Kali Hatcher | CC | Jumps | Berkeley, Calif. | St. Mary's College HS
Participated in the sprints and jumps at Saint Mary's College High School in California … Was a team captain her final two seasons, and won team MVP honors three times … Put up personal bests of 19-3 in the long jump and 42-3.75 in the triple jump … The daughter of Christine and Michael Hatcher.
Brianna Hodges | CC | Sprints | Princeton Junction, N.J. | West Windsor-Plainsboro HS South
Former sprinter at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South in New Jersey … A five-time letterwinner for the Pirates, becoming the Mercer County Champion in the 400m her final two years, and in the 200m her senior season … Clocked career bests of 12.48 in the 100m, 25.46 in the 200m, and 56.23 in the 400m, which was a school record … Also played soccer for four years in high school, and played three years of basketball … The daughter of Christine and Sean Hodges, who played football at Wittenberg … Grandfather, Joseph Cariello, earned his MBA from Columbia.
"Brianna comes in with some natural talent in the long sprints and a school record. She has the ability to contribute individually and in relays." – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays Coach Marquise Stancil
Peyton Jones | CC | Sprints | Frisco, Texas | Heritage
A 5A State Champion in Texas, taking part in the sprint events at Heritage High School … Earned a 2018 State title in the 4x400m relay, also taking third in the same event at the Texas Relays … Picked up three district championships, area championships, and regional final titles in the 4x100m and 4x200m relays, and another two in the 4x400m relay … Enters Columbia with career bests of 26.10 in the 200m and 57.62 in the 400m … Also ran on the Destined 2 Run Track Club … The daughter of Barbara Brown and Avery Jones.
"Peyton comes in after helping her team win the 4x400m state title. She is young to the sport and has a tremendous upside to developing into a key player." – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays Coach Marquise Stancil
Rachel Kenny | CC | Distance | Matawan, N.J. | High Technology
Local product who ran middle distance and distance events for Matawan Regional High School in New Jersey, while she graduated from High Technology High School in Lincroft … A three-time qualifier for the New Balance Nationals … Performed at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions four times in both cross country and track & field … A finalist for the Asbury Park Press Athlete of the Year … A six-time All-State honoree in cross country and track … Comes to Columbia with personal bests of 2:14 in the 800m, 5:03 in the 1 Mile, and 17:29 in the 5K … The daughter of Stephanie and Charles Kenny.
"Rachel is joining our team with much enthusiasm. We're very excited her because she has a lot of range on the track." – Middle Distance & Distance Coach Maraya Slatter
Hailey Montgomery | CC | Throws | Seville, Ohio | Wadsworth
Threw the shot put, discus, and weight throw for Wadsworth High School in Ohio … Twice a team captain in track & field, earning four varsity letters in her career … Was sixth at the 2018 Outdoor State Championships, and eighth at the Indoor Championships … Earned first team all-league honors in the shot put her junior and senior season … Put up career bests of 39-7.75 in the shot put, and 119-8 in the discus … Also participated in volleyball and basketball as a prep … The daughter of Wendie and Luke Montgomery … Mother, Wendie, was a basketball player at Antelope Valley College.
"Hailey is a great addition to the growing throws squad, adding depth in the shot put and discus events. Her performances at the Ohio State Meet in the shot put show she can compete and step up in high pressure situations when called on to do so. I'm excited to see how she develops this year!" – Throws Coach Simon Cleary
Franziska Nace | CC | Jumps | Sewickley, Pa. | Quaker Valley
Former jumper at Quaker Valley High School in Pennsylvania … Competed in long jump, high jump, and triple jump at Quaker Valley … Became the PIAA runner-up in the triple jump her junior and senior seasons, while earning a WPIAL Championship in the triple jump in 2018 … Posted a career best 38-6 in the triple jump her senior year … Also played basketball as a prep, becoming a team captain her senior season … The daughter of Frauke Frahm and Patrick Nace, who played football at Cornell.
Jackie Patterson | CC | Middle Distance | Princeton, N.J. | Princeton
Former sprinter for the Little Tigers at Princeton High School in New Jersey … A four-year varsity letterwinner, setting four school records during her prep career … Won sectional and county championships in the 400m … Enters Columbia with career bests of 12.77 in the 100m, 25.70 in the 200m, 46.68 in the 400m, and 2:18.90 in the 800m … The daughter of Lisa and John Patterson.
"Jackie has been a leader for her team throughout her high school career. She was a member of every relay team that her team entered at high school nationals." – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays Coach Marquise Stancil
Alex Rodman | CC | Middle Distance | Kill Devil Hills, N.C. | First Flight
A four-year letterwinner in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track at First Flight High School in North Carolina … Earned North Carolina Female Distance Runner of the Year accolades in 2017 … Was the Conference Cross Country Runner of the Year all four seasons … Earned six state titles in track, between the 1,000m, 1,600m, and 4x800m relay … Recorded personal bests of 2:13.31 in the 800m, 2:57.57 in the 1,000m, 5:09.61 in the 1,600m, and 18:55 on the 5K cross country course … Also played soccer all four years in high school, earning a 2018 state title for First Flight … The daughter of Kristine and Wayne Rodman.
"Alex will add much needed depth to middle distance group. She has limited track experience as she played soccer in the spring in high school so we are very excited to see what she can do when she becomes a year-round runner!" – Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Dan Ireland
Emily Rooney | SEAS | Distance | Birmingham, Mich. | Seaholm
Former distance runner and cross country athlete at Seaholm High School in Michigan … A team captain twice in cross country and her senior year on the track, she earned seven varsity letters as a prep … Picked up a pair of all-state honors in cross country her junior and senior year … Ran career bests of 5:02 in the 1,600m, 11:11 in the 3,200m, and 18:09 on the 5K cross country course … Also a gymnast in high school, qualifying for state in 2017 and 2018 … The daughter of Michele and Brock Rooney.
"Emily Rooney is not only young but new to the sport. We look forward to having her improve and grow with consistency." – Middle Distance & Distance Coach Maraya Slatter
Delaney Sanacore | CC | Middle Distance | Los Alamitos, Calif. | Los Alamitos
Ran middle distance events and cross country for Los Alamitos High School in California … A four-time letterwinner in both track and cross country, and a team captain her final two seasons … Earned Sunset League Athlete of the Year honors twice, while twice qualifying for the California State meet … Comes to Columbia with personal bests of 2:10.12 in the 800m, 5:02.45 in the 1,600m, and 17:32 in the 3-mile run … The daughter of Constance and Jeffrey Sanacore.
"Delaney should be an immediate contributor to our 800m group. As a California state finalist in the 800m, we are expecting big things from her over her career as a Lion!" – Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Dan Ireland
Sydni Scott | CC | Jumps | Unionville, Conn. | Miss Porter's School
Former jumper at Miss Porter's School in Connecticut … Picked up New England Division I triple jump and long jump titles in 2018 … A three-time league champion in the long jump, winning the triple jump her senior season … Posted personal bests of 36-10 in the triple jump and 18-0 in the long jump … The daughter of Kimberley Scott and the late sportscaster Stuart Scott … Sister, Taelor, is a current student at Barnard College.
Emily Virtue | CC | Distance | Burbank, Calif. | John Burroughs
A three-time all-state honoree in cross country at John Burroughs High School in California … A Footlocker nationals finalist and the Pacific League Runner of the Year as a prep … Comes to Columbia with personal bests of 2:14 in the 800m, 4:59 in the 1 Mile, and 10:48 in the 3,200m run … The daughter of Alima and Thomas Virtue.
"Emily Virtue is a California standout. She ran away with a first place in the mile at the infamous Arcadia meet. She's looking to be an immediate contribution to women's team." – Middle Distance & Distance Coach Maraya Slatter
Sydney Bertschy | CC | Pole Vault | Peoria, Ill. | Dunlap
Participated in pole vault, long jump, triple jump, and the sprint events at Dunlap High School in Illinois … Part of the Illinois State 2A Championship teams in 2017 and 2018 … Cleared a career best 12-0 during her junior season, when she was fifth at state … Also was an all-american in cheerleading, and took sixth place at nationals in Arco solo Dance … The daughter of Lucinda Uphoff and Nicholas Bertschy.
Lauren Buehner | CC | Sprints | Arcadia, Calif. | Arcadia
A four-year letterwinner as a sprinter at Arcadia High School in California … Advanced to the final in the 4x100m and 4x400m at the California State meet in 2018, taking fifth in the 4x400m … Earned four Pacific League Championships in the 400m and 4x400m relay, while also winning the 200m in 2017, and the 4x100m relay three times … Graduated from Arcadia with six school records on the track … Posted personal bests of 12.04 in the 100m, 24.64 in the 200m, and 56.35 in the 400m … Was a Rose Princess in the 2018 Rose Bowl Parade … The daughter of Fern Billingy and Earl Buehner … Cousin, Rhonda Billingy, attended Teachers College at Columbia.
"Lauren comes in with experience in all sprint events and owns a pair of school records. She has the range that will allow her to make an immediate impact to the team." – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays Coach Marquise Stancil
Casidy Cunningham | CC | Jumps | Lompoc, Calif. | Lompoc
Two-time team captain and four-year letterwinner at Lompoc High School in California … Part of the Nevada Gazelles Track Club in 2016, qualifying for the USATF Junior Nationals … Was the Los Padres League Champion in the 100m and 200m in 2017, and won the 100m, 4x100m relay, and long jump the following year … Picked up the Santa Barbara County Championship in the triple jump in 2018 … Recorded career bests of 18-1 in the long jump and 37-11 in the triple … Also played volleyball for the Braves … The daughter of Carole Vargas and Bruce Cunningham … Uncle, Randall Cunningham, was a four-time Pro Bowl Quarterback during his 16-year NFL career … Cousin, Vashti Cunningham, is a World Indoor Champion in the high jump, and qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games, while her brother, Randall II, is a two-time NCAA high jump champion.
Charlotte Hartman | CC | Distance | Mechanicville, N.Y. | Shenendehowa Central
Former distance runner at Shenendehowa Central High School in New York … A second team All-State performer in indoor track and cross country her senior year … Took second at New York Cross Country regionals in 2016, sending her to the Nike Cross Nationals for the second time in her prep career … Posted personal bests of 4:44 in the 1,500m, 10:13 in the 3,000m, and 17:43 on the 3-Mile cross country course … The daughter of Ann and Harry Hartman.
"Charlotte comes from a prestigious program. She's not only going to be a contribution on the track but her leadership and determination will be a positive addition to the team as well." – Middle Distance & Distance Coach Maraya Slatter
Kali Hatcher | CC | Jumps | Berkeley, Calif. | St. Mary's College HS
Participated in the sprints and jumps at Saint Mary's College High School in California … Was a team captain her final two seasons, and won team MVP honors three times … Put up personal bests of 19-3 in the long jump and 42-3.75 in the triple jump … The daughter of Christine and Michael Hatcher.
Brianna Hodges | CC | Sprints | Princeton Junction, N.J. | West Windsor-Plainsboro HS South
Former sprinter at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South in New Jersey … A five-time letterwinner for the Pirates, becoming the Mercer County Champion in the 400m her final two years, and in the 200m her senior season … Clocked career bests of 12.48 in the 100m, 25.46 in the 200m, and 56.23 in the 400m, which was a school record … Also played soccer for four years in high school, and played three years of basketball … The daughter of Christine and Sean Hodges, who played football at Wittenberg … Grandfather, Joseph Cariello, earned his MBA from Columbia.
"Brianna comes in with some natural talent in the long sprints and a school record. She has the ability to contribute individually and in relays." – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays Coach Marquise Stancil
Peyton Jones | CC | Sprints | Frisco, Texas | Heritage
A 5A State Champion in Texas, taking part in the sprint events at Heritage High School … Earned a 2018 State title in the 4x400m relay, also taking third in the same event at the Texas Relays … Picked up three district championships, area championships, and regional final titles in the 4x100m and 4x200m relays, and another two in the 4x400m relay … Enters Columbia with career bests of 26.10 in the 200m and 57.62 in the 400m … Also ran on the Destined 2 Run Track Club … The daughter of Barbara Brown and Avery Jones.
"Peyton comes in after helping her team win the 4x400m state title. She is young to the sport and has a tremendous upside to developing into a key player." – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays Coach Marquise Stancil
Rachel Kenny | CC | Distance | Matawan, N.J. | High Technology
Local product who ran middle distance and distance events for Matawan Regional High School in New Jersey, while she graduated from High Technology High School in Lincroft … A three-time qualifier for the New Balance Nationals … Performed at the NJSIAA Meet of Champions four times in both cross country and track & field … A finalist for the Asbury Park Press Athlete of the Year … A six-time All-State honoree in cross country and track … Comes to Columbia with personal bests of 2:14 in the 800m, 5:03 in the 1 Mile, and 17:29 in the 5K … The daughter of Stephanie and Charles Kenny.
"Rachel is joining our team with much enthusiasm. We're very excited her because she has a lot of range on the track." – Middle Distance & Distance Coach Maraya Slatter
Hailey Montgomery | CC | Throws | Seville, Ohio | Wadsworth
Threw the shot put, discus, and weight throw for Wadsworth High School in Ohio … Twice a team captain in track & field, earning four varsity letters in her career … Was sixth at the 2018 Outdoor State Championships, and eighth at the Indoor Championships … Earned first team all-league honors in the shot put her junior and senior season … Put up career bests of 39-7.75 in the shot put, and 119-8 in the discus … Also participated in volleyball and basketball as a prep … The daughter of Wendie and Luke Montgomery … Mother, Wendie, was a basketball player at Antelope Valley College.
"Hailey is a great addition to the growing throws squad, adding depth in the shot put and discus events. Her performances at the Ohio State Meet in the shot put show she can compete and step up in high pressure situations when called on to do so. I'm excited to see how she develops this year!" – Throws Coach Simon Cleary
Franziska Nace | CC | Jumps | Sewickley, Pa. | Quaker Valley
Former jumper at Quaker Valley High School in Pennsylvania … Competed in long jump, high jump, and triple jump at Quaker Valley … Became the PIAA runner-up in the triple jump her junior and senior seasons, while earning a WPIAL Championship in the triple jump in 2018 … Posted a career best 38-6 in the triple jump her senior year … Also played basketball as a prep, becoming a team captain her senior season … The daughter of Frauke Frahm and Patrick Nace, who played football at Cornell.
Jackie Patterson | CC | Middle Distance | Princeton, N.J. | Princeton
Former sprinter for the Little Tigers at Princeton High School in New Jersey … A four-year varsity letterwinner, setting four school records during her prep career … Won sectional and county championships in the 400m … Enters Columbia with career bests of 12.77 in the 100m, 25.70 in the 200m, 46.68 in the 400m, and 2:18.90 in the 800m … The daughter of Lisa and John Patterson.
"Jackie has been a leader for her team throughout her high school career. She was a member of every relay team that her team entered at high school nationals." – Sprints, Hurdles & Relays Coach Marquise Stancil
Alex Rodman | CC | Middle Distance | Kill Devil Hills, N.C. | First Flight
A four-year letterwinner in cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track at First Flight High School in North Carolina … Earned North Carolina Female Distance Runner of the Year accolades in 2017 … Was the Conference Cross Country Runner of the Year all four seasons … Earned six state titles in track, between the 1,000m, 1,600m, and 4x800m relay … Recorded personal bests of 2:13.31 in the 800m, 2:57.57 in the 1,000m, 5:09.61 in the 1,600m, and 18:55 on the 5K cross country course … Also played soccer all four years in high school, earning a 2018 state title for First Flight … The daughter of Kristine and Wayne Rodman.
"Alex will add much needed depth to middle distance group. She has limited track experience as she played soccer in the spring in high school so we are very excited to see what she can do when she becomes a year-round runner!" – Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Dan Ireland
Emily Rooney | SEAS | Distance | Birmingham, Mich. | Seaholm
Former distance runner and cross country athlete at Seaholm High School in Michigan … A team captain twice in cross country and her senior year on the track, she earned seven varsity letters as a prep … Picked up a pair of all-state honors in cross country her junior and senior year … Ran career bests of 5:02 in the 1,600m, 11:11 in the 3,200m, and 18:09 on the 5K cross country course … Also a gymnast in high school, qualifying for state in 2017 and 2018 … The daughter of Michele and Brock Rooney.
"Emily Rooney is not only young but new to the sport. We look forward to having her improve and grow with consistency." – Middle Distance & Distance Coach Maraya Slatter
Delaney Sanacore | CC | Middle Distance | Los Alamitos, Calif. | Los Alamitos
Ran middle distance events and cross country for Los Alamitos High School in California … A four-time letterwinner in both track and cross country, and a team captain her final two seasons … Earned Sunset League Athlete of the Year honors twice, while twice qualifying for the California State meet … Comes to Columbia with personal bests of 2:10.12 in the 800m, 5:02.45 in the 1,600m, and 17:32 in the 3-mile run … The daughter of Constance and Jeffrey Sanacore.
"Delaney should be an immediate contributor to our 800m group. As a California state finalist in the 800m, we are expecting big things from her over her career as a Lion!" – Director of Cross Country/Track & Field Dan Ireland
Sydni Scott | CC | Jumps | Unionville, Conn. | Miss Porter's School
Former jumper at Miss Porter's School in Connecticut … Picked up New England Division I triple jump and long jump titles in 2018 … A three-time league champion in the long jump, winning the triple jump her senior season … Posted personal bests of 36-10 in the triple jump and 18-0 in the long jump … The daughter of Kimberley Scott and the late sportscaster Stuart Scott … Sister, Taelor, is a current student at Barnard College.
Emily Virtue | CC | Distance | Burbank, Calif. | John Burroughs
A three-time all-state honoree in cross country at John Burroughs High School in California … A Footlocker nationals finalist and the Pacific League Runner of the Year as a prep … Comes to Columbia with personal bests of 2:14 in the 800m, 4:59 in the 1 Mile, and 10:48 in the 3,200m run … The daughter of Alima and Thomas Virtue.
"Emily Virtue is a California standout. She ran away with a first place in the mile at the infamous Arcadia meet. She's looking to be an immediate contribution to women's team." – Middle Distance & Distance Coach Maraya Slatter
Players Mentioned
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Sprints
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Jumps
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DIS
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Jumps
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Sprints
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Sprints
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Throws
/ Track and Field
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Jumps
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DIS
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