Written by Katherine Clatterbuck
In the wake of the ODAC’s decision to suspend competition for the fall semester, Roanoke College seniors are preparing for postponed games, masked practices, and constant reminders of change. After braving years of dedicated work, highlighting our seniors and their accomplishments is a chance to give back the commitment they have given the RC community.
Zachary Dalton, a mid-distance runner for the men’s track and field team, is beginning his senior year here at Roanoke. Dalton enjoys pre-game meals of any type of pasta and running to motivational songs, such as “Runnin’” from Creed II. When asked about his choice to join the track and field team, Dalton explained, “I really liked the coaches’ attitude and could tell they were passionate about the sport.” Passion for the sport continues to push our coaches and athletes, including Dalton, who broke the school’s 500m record. This record-breaking run has been Dalton’s greatest accomplishment while at Roanoke College, an accomplishment he reached with the motivation and support from his girlfriend, Kaillee Philleo.
Entering her senior year, Emilee Wooten is a forward for the women’s field hockey team. When asked why she chose Roanoke College athletics, Wooten mentioned the family-like bond with her coaches and teammates. This family-like dynamic only added to the beautiful campus that she gets to call home every day. Wooten’s pre-game meal is a peanut butter sandwich, accompanied by her pre-game hype song “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. The field hockey team has accomplished many feats during Wooten’s time at Roanoke, including appearances in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 ODAC semifinals. During her freshman season, the team went on to tie the school record for most wins in a season, an accomplishment that Wooten still touts as her proudest moment at RC. Wooten also received the distinction of being a member of the All-ODAC First Team for the past two years after being named to the second team as a freshman.
Dalton and Wooten are just two of the many incredible athletes that Roanoke College is home to. We wish them the best in their bright futures and we are grateful for their time both on the field and in the classroom at Roanoke College.
