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.