ASU Cross Country Inks Four

ASU Cross Country Inks Four

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta State men's and women's cross country coach Adam Ward announced Thursday the signing of the four recruits for the 2010 season.

Alicia Connolly, from Mill Creek High School in Hoschton, Ga., ran a 20:14 at the 2009 GHSA State Championships in the 5K.

"Alicia comes to us with a lot of running experience and potential," Ward said. "She is a competitor and has tried to improve herself each year. I am glad she will be joining our family here at ASU and I have no doubts she will be a great asset to our team."

Camille Jackson, a four-sport athlete from Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Ga., placed fifth in the 800 meters in the 2009 GHSA State Track Meet.

"Camille is very versatile and a terrific, all-around athlete," Ward said. "She has room to improve and I am looking forward to continuing her development at a distance runner this fall."

Jamie Nagel, from Aurora, Ill., will have three years of eligibility left after transferring from SIU-Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Ill. She spent two years in the Cougars' cross country program, redshirting her freshman season in 2008. She posted a 3-mile time of 18:55 during her high school career at Aurora Central Catholic.

"Jamie is a very accomplished runner from the state of Illinois," Ward said. "She will add much-needed depth to our team and I think by the time the postseason rolls around, she will be a major contributor to our program."

A new addition to the Jaguar men's cross country roster is Mason Walker from Cass High School in Cartersville, Ga. He posted a personal record of 16:40 in the 5K as a senior.

"Mason has some impressive credentials and we're lucky to have him join our program," said Ward. "He will fit in well with the group of guys we have coming this fall. I expect him to be one of the top freshmen in the Peach Belt Conference this fall."

The Jaguar women's squad posted five top-five finishes in 2009, including a victory in the season-opening Peach Belt Conference pre-conference meet. Freshman Holly Keeper earned all-conference and all-region honors after registering four top-20 finishes.

The men's cross country program will be competing for the first time since 2002 after being reinstated last summer.