Robert Morris University Athletics

A native of New Castle, Pa., Downing is arguably the most dominant student-athlete in school history in the throws. Downing was named the Northeast Conference Outstanding Field Performer twice (2004, 2005) at the NEC outdoor track & field championships and once (2004) at the NEC indoor track & field championships. At the 2005 NEC outdoor championships, Downing won the individual title in the hammer throw while finishing second in the discus and javelin. At the 2004 NEC outdoor championships, she claimed individual titles in the discus and hammer and placed third in both the shot put and javelin. Finally, at the 2004 NEC indoor championships, Downing claimed the individual title in the weight throw while placing second in the shot put. For indoor track & field, Downing owns the Robert Morris indoor school record in the weight throw (61'6.25") and in outdoor track & field she owns marks for both the shot put (45'7.75") and hammer throw (188'11"). Over her four years, Downing was an All-NEC selection 13 times, a five-time NCAA East Regional Qualifier, an NCAA Regional Finalist (2005) and a three-time All-ECAC selection. In 2004, Downing was named the NEC Women's Indoor Track & Field Scholar-Athlete of the Year.