Rider Speedsters Head to NCAA East Championship

Senior David Hightower (Easton, Pa./Easton) and freshman La’tazah Coleman (Middletown, Del./Appoquinimink) of the Rider University men’s and women’s track and field teams officially qualified for the NCAA East Championship Regional, hosted by North Carolina A&T in Greensboro, North Carolina, May 23-25, it was announced on Thursday.

The meet will take place on Irwin Belk Track inside of Aggie Stadium.

Coleman has the 47th fastest time (of 48 declared) in the 200 meter, running a Rider record time of 23.87 at the Larry Ellis Invitational on April 19. 

“La’tazah has had a great rookie season,” said head coach Bob Hamer, who was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference men’s and women’s Coach of the Year at the beginning of May when Rider took home both team championships.  “This will be an exciting and worthwhile experience for her.  She is taking the steps necessary to be very competitive at the top level of the sport.”

Coleman is also the Rider outdoor record holder in the 100 meter (11.95) and she set Rider records in the 55 meter, 60 meter and 200 meter during the 2012-13 indoor season.

A three-time All-East performer, Hightower has the 38th fastest time (of 48 declared) in the 110 meter hurdles, running 14.10 in the preliminaries at the IC4A championships May 12 in Princeton. 

“This is a great way for David to complete his senior year,” Hamer said.  “He has looked fantastic the last few meets and we are looking forward to seeing him compete next week.”

Hightower will compete at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 24 with the quarterfinals on Saturday, May 25 at 7:20 p.m.

Coleman will compete at 8:00 p.m. on Friday with the quarterfinals at 7:35 p.m. on Saturday.

Athletes advancing from this meet and the West meet (Austin, Texas) will compete at the 2013 NCAA outdoor championships in Eugene, Oregon June 3-8.

—Rider University