Former Western Wayne standout Ella Dougher excels on the NCAA track & field scene

EMMITSBURG, MD — Ella Dougher left an everlasting mark on the Western Wayne girls track & field program during her four-year varsity career.

A talented and hard-working student-athlete, Dougher excelled in many events including the pole vault, hurdles and jumps under the watchful eye of longtime head coach Justin Collins.

By the time she reached her senior season, Dougher had become one of the most successful Lady ‘Cats in school history. She won a pair of gold medals at the District 2 Championships, then went on to capture a PIAA state title in the pole vault.

This impressive run of elite performances during her senior year attracted a great deal of attention from colleges all over the country. And, after countless hours of deliberation, Dougher committed to Mount Saint Mary’s in Emmitsburg (MD).

“I decided on Mount Saint Mary’s because of the opportunities they offered me,” Ella said. “I really like the track program, and I had a good first impression of Coach Stevenson.

“The Mount has turned out to be a great fit. I’m meeting a lot of great people and my coaches have already done so much for me.”

To the surprise of no one who knows her, Dougher is picking up right where she left off in high school.

As a freshman, she has fared well in both the hurdles and high jump. However, she’s simply dominated in the pole vault. In fact, Dougher capped her outdoor season by winning Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference gold in the event.

“Ella is a wonderful addition to our program,” said Head Coach James Stevenson. “She is and will continue to be a wonderful ambassador for every student-athlete at Mount Saint Mary’s.”

Gold medal quest

Ella is the daughter of Joe and Erica Dougher, Lake Ariel. She graduated from Western Wayne last June.

Dougher first became involved in track & field at the age of 13. She made Western Wayne’s junior high team and experimented with several different events before finally focusing on the pole vault.

“Once I began to understand the technique and started getting the hang of it, pole vaulting always gave me a rush,” Ella said. “There’s just something I love about throwing yourself through the air like that.”

And by the time she arrived on the varsity scene, Coach Collins saw something special in the bright-eyed youngster. He quickly paired her up with pole vaulting guru Bob Amos and the magic started happening almost immediately.

“Ella is just a great kid from a great family,” he said. “They were always very supportive of Ella, while she was talented and focused. It was a pleasure coaching Ella, watching her enjoy the fruits of her hard work.”

Dougher simply dazzled at the 2022 District 2 Championships. The senior star won a gold medal in the high jump (4-10) and a bronze in the 100M hurdles (15.74).

However, she absolutely dominated in the pole vault. Dougher not only captured another gold in the event, but also set a new Class AA meet record by clearing the bar at a height of 12-3.

It was an accomplishment that clearly pointed the way toward an exciting future for Dougher.

“I had a lot of fun while Western Wayne,” Ella said. “I definitely would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Coach Collins and Coach Amos. They always treated me like family. I can’t express how appreciative of them I am.”

On to The Mount

It didn’t take long for Dougher to begin flexing her competitive muscles when she arrived in Emmitsburg.

Once again, she began training in three events: Hugh jump, hurdles, pole vault. And while she turned in solid performances in jumps and hurdles, pole vaulting remains her top priority.

Dougher quickly earned a spot in the Mountaineer line-up as her numbers steadily improved. By the time the MAAC championships rolled around, she was among the favorites to challenge for gold.

And on Saturday, May 6 Dougher came through in the clutch. She soared over the bar at a height of 11-11.75, finishing all alone atop the podium.

“After I won the gold, I also attempted 12-8, which would’ve been the school and meet record,” Ella said. “Although I missed, I was very close to clearing it.

“I’m really optimistic about doing it and going even higher next year. I’m also hoping to get more opportunities in the hurdles and high jump.”

Dougher is already the top-ranked women’s pole vaulter in the entire MAAC. She’s also rated 12th in the high jump and 22nd in the 100M hurdles.

Thanks in large part to her innate athleticism and blue collar work ethic, Coach Stevenson is excited about Dougher’s future at The Mount.

“Ella has so much potential,” he said. “I’m pretty certain she doesn’t realize how much potential she actually has. She’s a conference champion her freshman year, but that’s the tip of the iceberg.”

Looking ahead

While Dougher hasn’t yet settled on a major, she is currently pursuing studies in criminal justice and business.

She’s working hard to maintain a GPA above 3.0 while also putting in countless hours practicing her track & field events. In the meantime, her summer plans include returning home to prep for her sophomore season at The Mount.

“I’m hoping to train with Coach Amos and Coach Collins again,” Ella said. “I’m also considering going to any open meets depending on what’s happening.”

For his part, Coach Stevenson is excited about Dougher’s upside and all the achievements that may lie ahead should she remain healthy and focused.

“I can’t say enough good things about Ella,” he said. “Again, I’m pretty certain she doesn’t realize all the potential she possesses, but I think she will in a year or so.”

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Western Wayne graduate Ella Dougher dazzles in NCAA track competition