On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, five Wissahickon seniors were recognized for committing to compete in track an field at the collegiate level. Photos courtesy of Keith Clemens Photography. To view a gallery of photos of the event, please visit click on the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p312160108
Elise Erdei - Wilmington University (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Major: Elementary Education
Reasons for selecting Wilmington University: “They have a great program for my major, and their team is super great. I love the freedom of living in an apartment too, right in the beginning.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in cross country and track at the collegiate level? ‘I've wanted to run in college since my sophomore year when I realized I was
pretty good at it. I had many challenges that led me to believe I wouldn’t get recruited until the Wilmington coaches reached out to me. They reached out this year, and I was originally apprehensive as I believed I wouldn't be good enough for the college level and didn’t know if I was ready for it. After touring the college and learning about it, I fell in love with it. In the end, meeting my future teammates sealed the deal for me.”
Wissahickon coaches Heidi VanScoy/Mike Ford: “Elise has shown a passion for running and teamwork throughout her career at Wissahickon. Although faced with periodic injury, Elise continued to PR through her senior spring season. She made sure practices were focused, but joyful and was always willing to race any distance needed in a meet, and she’s ready to embrace any challenging cross country course.
“Wilmington University will benefit from her hardworking, team-centric attitude. We are so proud of Elise, and we will miss her leadership.”
About Elise:
Favorite food: Penne pasta in red sauce
Favorite movie: Anything old Disney
Favorite music: Music older than me
Jollissa Helm - Widener University (Track and field)
Major: Business major with a pre-law track
Final list of colleges: Widener, High Point, Penn State, Villanova
Reasons for selecting Widener: “I chose Widener University because it had the best options for my intended major (Paralegal Studies). It’s close to home, so I can still help out my family and friends if needed.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “I first realized that I had the chance to compete at a collegiate level in junior year when I first started running track for high school, I knew I was a little late to play sports at all, and I 
wanted to be a sprinter at first. I tried to keep myself interested in the workouts and warm-ups a sprinter would do, but I couldn’t. My friend offered that I throw instead. I attended the practices, and I enjoyed it, but I lacked community with the other throwers. They welcomed me with open arms and helped me with techniques and things to go home and work on.
“At Hatboro Horsham, that was my last meet to really show how much I progressed. I threw 91-4 from the lower flight and moved up to the finals. My coach told me how big a deal that was for me and that I should be proud of myself. After track and field ended, | left it behind me, thinking nothing of it. In June and July, I had around 10-plus schools interested in recruiting me - from Southern Georgia all the way to Rome, Italy. Although I didn’t accept these offers, I knew my education had to come first. And Widener leveled out my academics to my sports. Through track, I also had connections from coaches that introduced me to people on the Widener track and field team.”
Wissahickon coach Heidi VanScoy: “Jollissa quietly joined the track and field team to throw her junior year. She immediately made an impact and became a student of the sport. She studied the throws, meticulously perfecting her form and consistently improving her performances. She also thrived in our throw team environment. She was generous with her knowledge and supportive of every athlete. She never let a disappointing throw affect her next throw. She took every attempt as an opportunity for feedback. Jollissa’s attitude toward the process of competition and training made her an excellent leader – one we will truly miss. She leaves Wissahickon at #7 on our discus all-time list in just two years of track and field. Widener is extremely lucky to have her as both an athlete and young woman, and we wish her the best.”
Favorite food: Spinach and Artichoke
Favorite movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite artist: Bruno Mars
Maddie O’Donnell, Temple University (Cross Country/Track & Field)
Major: Kinesiology 4
Final list of colleges: Temple, East Stroudsburg, Kutztown, Bloomsburg, LaSalle.
Reasons for selecting Temple: “I liked the location relative to my house, and I also liked a lot the dorms, food, and the visit I had with the coach.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in cross country and track and field at the collegiate level? “My freshman year track season I was doing it to try out a sport, 
and after that season and a long summer of training, I started cross country sophomore year, and that’s when I realized how much I liked it and started getting pretty serious about the sport. During the indoor and outdoor track seasons, I started thinking about running in college. I started talking to coaches in spring of junior year but did not have serious discussions until I started improving a lot during senior year of cross country.”
Wissahickon coaches Heidi VanScoy and Mike Ford: “We’re incredibly proud of everything Maddie has accomplished during her time with our program. She joined the track team in the spring of her freshman year with no prior track experience, and through hard work, consistency, and determination, she developed into one of the strongest competitors on our team. After joining cross country and indoor track the following year, she continued to improve season after season, setting PR after PR along the way.
“Maddie’s senior year was especially memorable, highlighted by qualifying for and medaling at cross country states and helping our 4x800 relay qualify for districts in outdoor track. During her senior indoor and outdoor seasons, Maddie also faced injuries with tremendous poise, maturity, and resilience, continuing to support her teammates and stay committed through the challenges of the season. Beyond the results, she brought toughness, leadership, and a competitive mindset to every practice and race. We’re excited to see her continue her academic and athletic career at Temple University and know she has a bright future ahead.”
About Maddie:
Favorite food: Pasta
Favorite movie: The Greatest Showman
Favorite music: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Dom Harvey Sheppard - Delaware State University (Track & Field)
Major: Kinesiology
Reasons for selecting Delaware State: “I always wanted to go to an HBCU. So, when the track coach reached out to me, I was excited. He offered me a scholarship and allowed me to come and check out the campus. I loved it there, and I got to meet a bunch of new people. Immediately, I knew Delaware State was for me.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in track and field at the collegiate level? “I knew I wanted to continue running track at the next level after my sophomore year. I just came off a big season, and I realized that I could be really good if I stuck with it. The recruiting 
process started in the fall of my junior year when colleges were sending me nonstop recruitment letters. Then sometime during winter of this school year, the Delaware State coach recruited me to come run for his team.”
Wissahickon coach Don Betterly: “Dominic Harvey-Sheppard capped a stellar career at Wissahickon with a third place finish at the PIAA State Track and Field Championships in his specialty, the 300-meter hurdles. The bronze medal added to his collection of State medals. He placed eighth as a sophomore and fourth as a junior.
“With his first place finish at the District One Championships, he became the only athlete in Wissahickon history to take three consecutive District One titles. He set a school record of 37.55 with his District One win as a junior. His 14.40 time for the 110 hurdles ranks him #3 Wiss all-time. Dom also excelled at 200 meters where he owns school records both indoors (21.86) and outdoors (21.46) and went undefeated in league competition. In 2025, he anchored the 4x100 relay along with Amari Nash, Quentin West and Jayden Davis, to a time of 41.75 which ranks #2 Wiss all-time.”
About Dom:
Favorite food: Sweet potatoes
Favorite movie: Coach Carter
Favorite music: Rod Wave
Quentin West - King's College (Football/Track & Field)
(Quentin's information is included in a separate article recognizing his commitment to play football)
- Log in to post comments
