College Outdoor Track & Field
Rider at Swarthmore Last Chance
Giovagnoli Rider Record in the 800 meter

SWARTHMORE, Pa.-In athletics, when you get a last chance, one final moment, one final competition, the goal is to make the most of it.

Several members of the Rider University women's track and field team completed the 2012 outdoor season at the Swarthmore Last Chance meet on Monday.

For Rider, senior Heather Giovagnoli (Royersford, Pa./Spring Ford) made the most of the final moment in her Bronc career, setting a Rider record in the 800 meter, running 2:12.76 and placing ninth in her last collegiate race.

Talk about making the most of your final moment.

"It is very special for Heather to get the record in her last race," said head coach Bob Hamer.  "It is rare to have that kind of performance in your last competition.  She has grown so much as a competitor and that has been the key to her success.  She believes in herself and that is the reason that she is racing at this level.  She has come a long way and it is great to see her go out on such a high note."

Junior Jillian Shutt (Lawrenceville, Pa./Williamson) ran a personal best in the 1500 meter (4:46.14), placing 34th with freshman Emily Ritter (Millsboro, Del./Sussex Tech) running 4:47.94 in the 1500 to finish 37th.

Rider is sending members of the men's team, graduate student Michael Soroko (Kinnelon) and junior James Burroughs (West Orange) to the NCAA 1st and 2nd round meet in Jacksonville, Florida May 24-26.  Soroko will compete in the steeplechase and Burroughs in the 400 meter hurdles. 

-RU-