ECC Runs with Tackle the Tar
The Edgecombe Community College Tackle the Tar contingent numbered about 50, including runners and volunteers.
Thirty-eight students, faculty, and staff participated on the Edgecombe Community College team at Tackle the Tar held May 18.
Tackle the Tar is a 5K obstacle course race and family fun day sponsored by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club.
Proceeds support scholarships for local students attending Edgecombe and Nash community colleges and NC Wesleyan College. Last year Edgecombe Community College received $22,000 from Tackle the Tar.
The fastest runner on the ECC team, which competed in the Local College Heat, was Radiography student Suzanne Peaden, who finished seventh with a time of 30:48.1, followed by Radiography student Tamisia Lynch, who finished eighth with a time of 31:14.6.
Finishing next from ECC were Accounting student Darius Hyman and Tarboro High School student Jordan McLeod, who is enrolled in ECC classes. They crossed the finish line together placing fourteenth and fifteenth in the Local College Heat.
“It was really fun,” said student Kenny Harrell. “The race was more challenging than I expected, but I enjoyed it. I’ll probably do it again next year.”
Rebecca Stamilio Ehret, physics and industrial technologies instructor, has participated in every Tackle the Tar race since the event began in 2016. “This is my fourth year, and this time I completed every single obstacle. I’m so excited!” she said following the race.
ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod, who ran in his first Tackle the Tar, was equally as enthusiastic. “It was a blast, a great thing to do for a great cause,” he said, “and we definitely had terrific representation from Edgecombe Community College.”
Samanthia Phillips, dean of students, coordinated the ECC team. In addition to the runners, ten ECC students and employees served as volunteers for the event.
Next year’s Tackle the Tar is set for May 16, 2020.