Ellen Dougherty, a senior at RHS with an "A" academic average, was ranked No. 2 in the United States among high school runners in the 1,000 meters and No. 7 in the U.S. in the 800 meters, following last year's indoor track season.

 

To also READ the articles in the News Review on Ellen's State Cross Country Run and her Signing with Villanova.

Ellen Dougherty Signs with Villanova University

Ellen signs her letter of intent to accept a full scholarship at Villanova University as
her family and coaches look on.

(November 13, 2004) RHS track star Ellen Dougherty recently accepted a full athletic scholarship ($40,000 per year for four years) at Villanova University. Ellen has a few races left. She recently qualified for the State Cross Country meet (for the fourth year in a row) and will compete in the State Federation and Foot Locker races later this year.

Last winter, Ellen won the Suffolk County championship in the 1,000 meters, and also won the Eastern States Championship in the 800 meters in a time of 2:11.5. Ellen set a new county record (2:50.99) in the 1,000 meter run at the New York State indoor track championship. In March, 2004, the Suffolk County Coaches Association presented Ellen with the Outstanding Athlete Award for the 2003-2004 indoor track season.

In the fall of last year, Ellen finished 8th in a field of 110 runners at the NY State Class A girls' cross country championship race, with a RHS record time of 19 minutes 9.8 seconds on the 3.1 mile course. In addition, for the second consecutive year, Ellen was chosen by her peers to receive the Suffolk County Section XI Cross Country "Good Sport'' Award for sportsmanship.

Ellen, the current New York State 800-meter outdoor champion, also is a member of the high school All-America team, the first-ever girl from RHS to be named to an All-America team in track and field. Ellen made the All-America team by placing fifth in the nation in the one-mile run last spring at the Adidas National High School Track and Field Championships at North Carolina State University.

She currently holds 6 individual cross country and track & field records at RHS (3.1 miles, 3,000 meters, 1,500 meters, 1 mile run, 1,000 meters and 800 meters). She also shares in two relay-race RHS records (the 4 by 400 meter race and the 4 by 800 meter race).

Besides her sports achievements, Ellen is a "great kid" who excels academically with a 92 GPA, and ranks in the top 5 percent of her class. Ellen is a member of the National Honor Society and also plays clarinet in the RHS Blue Waves band.

"I'm really excited about running with the team at Villanova," Ellen shared (sporting a new Villanova sweatshirt). "It's a great school and I feel very fortunate to be going there. I have had a lot of wonderful support," she continued. "I'd really like to thank all my coaches, teammates and, of course, my family. They've all been so supportive."

Ellen is somewhat undecided about her major. She thinks it may be business or perhaps journalism. She has, however, vowed that if she ever makes it to the Olympics (a dream of hers) she AND her mom will tattoo the olympic rings on their hips.

"You go, girl!"

Recognized by Newsday (October 2004)