Dowd Twins Have Been Consistent Force for Roadrunners

Twins McKenna and Michael Dowd deliver in the classroom and on the field, with performances worthy of dean's list recognition and national championship titles. When the Rowan College at Gloucester County (RCGC) student athletes graduate in May, they will leave behind an impressive scorecard of stats and awards.

McKenna, a physical education major with plans to transfer to Rowan University in the fall and become an elementary school gym teacher, boasts a 3.75 GPA and is a RCGC "Start Smart" and "Finish Smart" Scholarship recipient. Michael, a RCGC business major, recently signed an athletic scholarship with Wilmington University where he will study business administration with a focus on finance. He is also a "Start Smart" Scholarship recipient, with a 3.5 GPA. Since kindergarten, the brother-sister duo have never missed one day of school.

McKenna and Michael enrolled at RCGC two years ago with a game plan — get an affordable education and compete in sports. Competition is a family affair for the Williamstown siblings as they follow in the Roadrunner footsteps of older sisters, Madison and Allison.

Like her sisters, McKenna is a standout soccer player, winning regional and national awards. In 2018, she was named 2nd team Garden State Athletic Conference and 3rd team All Region XIX athlete. She is also a key player on the women's basketball team helping to win a Region XIX title in 2018 and a spot in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championship Tournament. During the spring, she runs track with her brother and last year assisted the women's track team to a second place national finish. On Feb. 3, McKenna will represent RCGC at the 27thAnnual New Jersey National Association for Girls and Women in Sports Day at Seton Hall University.

"McKenna is one of the hardest working players to come through the women's soccer program. She has high expectations for herself and her teammates," stated Women's Soccer Coach Megan Ruttler. "While this makes her extremely competitive, she has the ability to remain calm and positive and fight through adversity. Grit is what sets McKenna apart from other college student-athletes and something that will help her succeed in her future endeavors. Her work rate as an athlete matches the work rate she displays in her academics as well."

"We are a very athletic family. Even when we are relaxing at our shore house in Wildwood, we all compete against each other," laughed McKenna, whose father introduced her to basketball. "Mike ran track in high school and got me interested. I initiated him into basketball. Although we are competitive, we cheer each other on. When I hear him, it makes me want to run faster."

A Roadrunner track & field/ cross country contender, Michael is no stranger when it comes to speed. Named NJCAA Region XIX Division III East Region Male Athlete of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, his 2018 season resulted in a multitude of personal accolades, including All-American and individual championship recognitions, in addition to a NJCAA Division III Track & Field National Championship team title. On Nov. 14, Michael was honored as the College's fall 2018 Athlete of the Season, an award given to the top Roadrunner male athlete across all sports.

"I choose RCGC because I wanted to be part of a dynamic team and for the financial aspect," said Michael. "I feel that I get recognized at RCGC as a student athlete more than I would have at a larger school. It's prepared me to be a leader and the education is affordable. Coming in as a freshman as number two on the team, I was basically already a captain stepping on to the campus. This year, I was the number one guy. I appreciate the fact that I was able to become a leader. It's allowed me to mature faster."

"Mike has been an amazing student-athlete here at RCGC. He has been a team leader from day one on campus," stated RCGC Cross Country/Track Coach Ryan Hughes. "He has a great work ethic and pushes himself to constantly be the best. A national leader on the running scene, Mike was instrumental in securing a team National Championship in track and field last spring, earning one of the highest point totals on the track out of everyone in the nation."

"McKenna and Mike have been outstanding on and off the athletic fields," agreed Brian Rowan, executive director of athletics. "They are talented athletes, competitors and role models, which is not surprising given their amazing family support. We also applaud McKenna and Mike on their great success in the classroom, for both their perfect attendance and academic achievements. Roadrunner Athletics have been fortunate to have the Dowds as members of our own RCGC family through the years."

For more information about RCGC's academic and athletic programs, visit RCGC.edu and RCRoadrunners.com.