Oberlin College Senior Shannon Houlihan (Gorham, Maine/Gorham) has been a dominant force for the Yeowoman since she hopped, skipped and jumped from Gorham, Maine into the Heisman Field house record books. The intimacy and accessibility of Oberlin has provided Houlihan with the opportunity to hone her track and field skills and major in Art History.

Back in Maine, Houlihan was a three-year varsity letter winner and a state qualifier in the hurdles. One may ask, why did this All-State student-athlete opt for the midwestern setting of Oberlin College? Houlihan is a passionate art historian as well one of the North Coast Athletic Conferences premier triple jumpers. Houlihan relies heavily on the Allen Memorial Art Museum for the wealth of cultural resources it provides. The accessibility to AMAM, a museum that continually ranks among the elite college or university collections in the nation, has enabled Houlihan to define her own practice commitment.

“Shannon is the first one to practice and the last one to leave,” said Coach Jason Hudson regarding Houlihan’s work ethic. Houlihan’s industriousness has earned her a spot on the NCAC 20th Anniversary Women’s Indoor Track Team. Houlihan boasts four consecutive 1st Team All-NCAC and a multitude of awards and records.

Oberlin College is a NCAA Division III competitor that provides student-athletes shorter traditional seasons and weekly practice commitments compared to higher levels of intercollegiate athletics. According to the by-laws, Houlihan and fellow student-athletes are not allowed to miss class time for practice except when it is conjunction with travel. The commitment and philosophy of Division 3 athletics plays into the hands of student-athletes at elite academic institutions such as Oberlin and their focus on academics.

Houilihan entered her senior outdoor track and field campaign with great expectations. Houlihan was named All-NCAC in two events in 2003. She finished second in the triple jump with a jump of 36’3. 5” and she finished second in 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.65. Houlihan’s immediate goal is to qualify for the Division 3 Outdoor Track and Field Championships that will be hosted by Concordia College (MN) just a week after she crosses Tappan Square with a diploma in hand.

During Houlihan’s freshman campaign she broke Oberlin’s triple-jump record with a leap of 36’11. Although Houlihan’s furthest leap was recorded as a freshman, she has evolved as a track and field athlete. “I have improved a lot,” said Houlihan regarding her ability to compete at other events such as the 55m hurdles and the long jump.

After graduation, Houlihan wishes to coach track and field at the collegiate level. Her commitment to her studies and athletics should carry over into her profession. “Track is my passion and I work pretty hard it,” Houlihan said.