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Saint Joseph's University

Saint Joseph's Hawks
Saint Joseph's Hawks

Hall of Fame

Elaine (McGillian) Van Blunk

Biography

Saint Joseph's first All-American in women's track and field... Placed sixth in the mile at the 1986 NCAA Indoor Track Championships and 11th in the 1500 meter run at the NCAA Outdoor Championships... The only Hawk runner to win an event at the ECAC Championships, capturing the 1500 meters at the 1986 indoor championship... Placed fourth in the 3000 meters at that same meet... Member of the 4x880 relay team that placed sixth at the 1985 ECAC Outdoor Championships... Set eight individual school records during her career and still owns three indoor track records (1500 meters, mile, 3000 meters) and two outdoor marks (1500 meters, mile)... Qualified for the 1985 NCAA Cross Country Championships, placing 63rd overall.... Helped SJU cross country to a 24-6-1 dual meet record during her career... After graduation served as an assistant coach for the Hawks for eight years (1988-89 through 1995-96)... Became a world class runner in her post-SJU career, competing for United States team at the World Track and Cross Country Championships and winning the 3000 meters at the 1989 Indoor USA Track and Field Championships... Is a native of Upper Darby, Pa. and a graduate of Archbishop Prendergast High School.