Wilmington College to induct Nyhla Rothwell into Hall of Fame

Local woman Nyhla Rothwell is being honored by her alma mater on Oct. 17 when Wilmington College inducts four new athletes into the Wilmington College Athletics Hall of Fame. Rothwell, a 1995 graduate of Hillsboro High School, is being honored for her impressive history in track and field. After taking gymnastics lessons from a young age, Rothwell started track and field in seventh grade, under Coach Tom Milbery's illustrious program. It was clear from the beginning which area of track and field suited Rothwell's abilities. "I think I knew high jump was the one for me," said Rothwell. As a high school athlete, Rothwell held a record at HHS for her 5'4" high jump, and her personal best was 5'6.5. She participated in the USA Youth Outdoor Track and Field national championship in 1994, did well in district and regional meets, and went to state during her senior year. Rothwell's impressive record at Wilmington College includes winning the college's Most Valuable Player award as a freshman; the college Citation of Student Excellence and honors from (former) State Representative Dennis Stapleton and Senator Doug White as a sophomore; and the titles of Division III Track and Field Coaches Association Indoor Regional Athlete of the Year and Wabash Relays Outstanding Female Field Athlete as a senior. To qualify as an NCAA All-American Athlete, students must place in the top eight in championships; Rothwell was named an All-American six times. In 1998, Rothwell and the other members of her 4x100 relay team set a school record at the University of Cincinnati and were the 8th fastest team in the country. In 1999, as a senior, Rothwell jumped her personal best - six feet - at Denison University, setting a record for both Wilmington College and Denison University. This qualified her to go to the Georgia Dome in 1999 for the U.S. Indoor Track and Field National Championships, where Rothwell did not place, but she said she was honored to be around such talented athletes. Rothwell received a bachelor of arts degree in early childhood education in 1999 from Wilmington College and earned a master's degree from the college in 2008. She is currently in her fifth year of teaching kindergarten at Bright Elementary School, and she owns draft horses and quarter horses. Rothwell says she tries to stay in shape, and she keeps in touch with teammates, competitors, and coaches from her high school and college days. The Wilmington College Hall of Fame honors graduates, retired coaches, and other athletic department members, according to Wilmington College Sports Information Director Jeff Hibbs. Students are eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame ten years after their graduation. Hibbs said that it was no surprise that Rothwell was being inducted the first year she was eligible, due to her numerous awards and All-American honors from the NCAA. "It's just an honor," said Rothwell. "I'm truly humbled." Rothwell said that during meets, she and her teammates would listen to headphones to stay focused. She said that she didn't pay attention to how high the other girls were jumping or how high the bar was set; she just always tried to do her best. "I really, truly enjoyed it," said Rothwell. "If I didn't [win], it wasn't the end of the world." Rothwell's jersey is already on display in Hermann Court, the college's athletic facility. Rothwell said that she was surprised and honored to see it as she walked through the building during her 2008 graduation ceremony. "Looking back, it is a really impressive list [of awards]," said Rothwell. "I've never really looked at it. It's been a whirlwind." - Read this week's Highland County Press for more on this story.[[In-content Ad]]