Western Maryland, like most colleges, doesn't usually confer single degrees in full ceremonies involving the college president, provost and faculty marshal dressed in full academic regalia. Ill. It was August when Falcone learned that her third trip to nationals and the final meet of her track career conflicted with the culmination of her college career. She was crushed. Her coach, Douglas Renner, told her not to worry. Falcone, who holds 11 school track records and is ranked second in the country in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.9 seconds, considered skipping the championships to go to graduation.
Academics come first.
Last month, when Renner put another runner in Falcone's leg of the relay to prepare the team for nationals, Falcone hated sitting on the bench. She reconsidered going to the track meet and ditching graduation. I can't do this. She called home crying. Her mother said no.