Malone University Athletics

Erica (Loutzenhiser) Knowles, a 1986 Malone graduate (Physical Education & Health), was a four-year member of the women's track & field team.  A 1982 graduate of Canton South High School, Knowles earned a Master's degree in Education from Kent State University in 1992.

As a junior in 1985, Knowles became the first NAIA Outdoor All-American in the history of the Pioneer women's track & field program when she placed fifth in the high jump at the NAIA National Championship Meet with a leap of 5'7".

In 1986, she qualified for the NAIA Indoor National Championships in Kansas City, Missouri and brought home her second All-American honor after tying for third overall in the high jump with a mark of 5'6".

Then during her senior outdoor season, Knowles twice reached a career-best height of 5'8".  She captured the 1986 NAIA District 22 individual high jump title and went on to secure her third NAIA All-America award with a fourth-place finish at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships.

Knowles still ranks second all-time in the Malone record book in both the indoor (5'6") and outdoor (5'8") high jump.  In addition to her success on the track, Knowles also excelled in the classroom as a two-time NAIA All-American Scholar Athlete.

Knowles currently serves as the Principal of Tuscarawas Valley Middle School.  She and her husband, Richard, reside in Canton.  The couple has two children: Brittany and Ashley.