Rowan-Gloucester Men's Track & Field National Champions

The RCGC Men's Track and Field Team captured their first NJCAA Division III National Championship since 2014 and second overall with a spectacular finish at Mohawk Valley Community College on Saturday. This is the 29th NJCAA Division III National Championship for Rowan College at Gloucester County and the first under Athletic Director Brian Rowan.

Sophomore Jake Caruso and freshman Mike Dowd clinched the national crown with second and third place finishes respectively in the 5000 meters, giving the Roadrunners the national title with 134.50 points to slip by Suffolk County College, the runnerup at 122 points. Caruso claimed All-American honors with his second place showing in the event.

"This feels great to win this championship after being ranked No. 1 all year – we would rather win the title here on the track anytime," said head coach Ryan Hughes, who was also selected as Men's Coach of the Meet!

The Roadrunners men's team experienced plenty of adversity during the meet when sophomore standout runner Josh Legg suffered a wrist injury during Friday's competition and was forced to sit out Saturday's competition. That only motivated Caruso and Dowd even more.

"Hey this was our teammate who had contributed all season long to all of our success," said Caruso, who himself earned a second straight national title in the men's steeplechase on Friday. "No way we're not getting this one for Josh."

Dowd, who was third in the steeplechase as well, was thrilled to pull out the national title for his team and his teammate Josh Legg.

"His having to sit on the sidelines was really a tough break for Josh, and I'm thrilled we got this one for him and our team," said Dowd.