Harvest Run a SUCCESS!!!

Thank you to all who came out to support the SIUE Track and Field/ XC Team at the 3rd Annual SIUE Harvest Run 5K. The results link is below.
http://www.trxctiming.com/siue_xc/Harvest_Run/2011_result.htm

5 days until the harvest run!!!! http://www.siuecougars.com/sports/m-xc/spec-rel/090811aab.html

5 days until the harvest run!!!!
http://www.siuecougars.com/sports/m-xc/spec-rel/090811aab.html

http://www.siuecougars.com/sports/w-track/spec-rel/102811aaa.html

Former Cougar competes at Pan Ams

http://www.siuecougars.com/sports/w-track/spec-rel/102511aaa.html

SIUE runners named OVC runners of the week!!!

Congrats to Marc and Aftan on being named OVC runners of the week!!!
http://www.siuecougars.com/sports/m-xc/spec-rel/102611aaa.html

New Youtube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/user/SIUETrackFieldXC?feature=mhee

http://www.siuecougars.com/sports/m-xc/recaps/100111aaa.html

Oct. 1, 2011
Complete Results
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The SIUE men's cross country team had all but one runner set a personal best during a 4th-place finish of 33 competing teams in the blue division at the 10th Annual Greater Louisville Classic Saturday morning at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park.
"With so many PR's this was a step forward and you can't ask for more than that," said SIUE Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "It was definitely another step in the right direction."
The Cougars were led by senior Marc Amarillas on a beautiful day for running according to Coach McAllister. The Quincy native finished the 8,000-meter race in 25 minutes, 43.97 seconds placing 29th overall out of 285 total runners.
Junior Aaron Werths beat his previous best by more than 14 seconds as he placed 41st overall with a time of 25:54.37.
Right on his heels was Shawn Dillard. The Cougar senior's time of 25:55.80 was 20 seconds faster than his previous best in an 8k race and placed him 44th overall.
"The guys were excited after running such a strong meet," said McAllister.
Sophomore Campbell Walters (26:03.03) and freshman Nick Moore (26:14.09) also set personal bests during the prestigious meet placing 56th and 71st, respectively.
Even though sophomore J.D. Wynn did not run a personal best, he still finished with his second-fastest time in an 8k at 27:31.19.
SIUE was barely edged out by fellow Ohio Valley Conference member SEMO, who placed third, while it finished ahead of the OVC's UT Martin (20th), Morehead State (21st), and Austin Peay (26th).
"Today was good exposure of running in a big meet as we get ready to head to Bradley in a couple weeks," added McAllister.
The Cougars will next race in Peoria at the Bradley Classic October 14.
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http://www.siuecougars.com/sports/w-xc/recaps/100111aaa.html

Oct. 1, 2011 Complete Results LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The SIUE women's cross country team finished in 17th place out of 32 competing schools in the blue division Saturday morning at the 10th Annual Greater Louisville Classic at E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park. "The women had positive things happen but we are still not where we need to be as a team," said SIUE Head CoachEileen McAllister. "It was good to see everyone right around their season-best times." One of the positive areas mentioned by Coach McAllister is the fact that three runners had personal bests and two others ran season-best times. Aftan Noon led the charge for the Cougars placing 51st out of 257 total runners. The senior ran the 5,000-meter course in a season best 19 minutes, 8.67 seconds. Not far behind Noon was Dede Lofton who finished 55th overall. The Detroit, Mich., native ran a 28-second personal best with a time of 19:11.32. "Dede continues to run really well for us," added McAllister of her sophomore runner. Sophomore Claire Brown ran seven seconds faster than her previous best finishing 93rd with a time of 19:33.45. Ioana Citireag turned in a time of 19:46.78, which was 12 seconds faster than her best this season in a 5k to place 117th overall. SIUE's sophomore Hannah Lee (20:24.87) and freshman Ellen Goins (20:27.93) finished 170th and 175th, respectively and each narrowly missed setting a new personal record. "Any time you have multiple PR's is a sign of improvement," said McAllister. "We are well ahead of where we were at this point last year despite being fatigued." Freshman Katie Trettenero also set a PR finishing the 5k in 20:47.45 in 187th place. "Today was good exposure of running in a big meet as we get ready to head to Bradley in a couple of weeks," added McAllister. The next race for the Cougars is in Peoria at the Bradley Classic October 14. -siue cougars-

SIUE Women Finish Cross Country Challenge Noon Leads Cougars at Home

Sept. 16, 2011

Complete Results |  Photo Gallery 

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Senior Aftan Noon used a sixth-place finish to lead the SIUE women's cross country team at its only home meet of the season -- the SIUE Cross Country Challenge Friday night.
"I thought the atmosphere was great today," said SIUE Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "It was good weather and everyone was out cheering and yelling."
The Cougars finished the meet with a 2-3 record in dual scoring topping Washington University in St. Louis (23-32) and McKendree (16-47) but fell to Ohio Valley Conference foes Murray State (33-23) and SEMO (36-19) as well as a tight one with Western Illinois (28-27).
Noon navigated the 5,000-meter course in a time of 19 minutes, 24.92 seconds despite not having her best race.
"Aftan stuck to a strategy so she was a little off her time," said McAllister. "She stuck to a strategy we wanted to work out for this race."
Making the most prolific jump into the lineup for the Cougars was Dede Lofton. The Cougar sophomore competed for the first time in an SIUE uniform and turned in an 11th-place finish in a time of 19:39.15.
"We had an outstanding performance by Dede," added McAllister. "She had been working that way in practice, and I told her she could be in our top five."
Sophomore Claire Brown continued her stellar start to the 2011 campaign posting a personal-best time of 19:40.25 to finish 12th while shaving more than 10 seconds off her time from the season opener.
Ioana Citireag placed 21st in a time of 19:58.96 while freshman Ellen Goins ran the course in 20:16.72 to finish 26th.
A trio of SIUE runners finished as a group led by Hannah Lee in 33rd with a time of 20:43.93 followed by Katie Trettenero(20:49.31) and Renee Goodenough (20:54.17) in 35th and 36th, respectively.
Sophomore Megan Petty finished 43rd overall in a time of 21:36.79 and freshman Lacey Hainline made her SIUE debut and finished the 5k in 25:19.68 to place 53rd.
The Cougars will return to action Oct. 1 in Louisville, Ky., at the Greater Louisville Classic.
-siue cougars-

Cougars Travel in a Pack at Home

Sept. 16, 2011 Complete Results |  Photo Gallery  EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The SIUE men's cross country team stuck to its plan of running in a pack as it had five runners finish in the top seven Friday night at the SIUE Cross Country Challenge. "The guys looked amazing," said SIUE Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "They did exactly what they were supposed to do. They packed up, ran together, and fed off each other's energy." Led by senior Marc Amarillas' time of 26 minutes, 11.16 seconds, in the 8,000-meter event, the Cougars defeated all four of its opponents in the dual scoring format of the meet. SIUE topped Ohio Valley Conference foe SEMO (16-39), Western Illinois (20-38), Washington University in St. Louis (15-41), and McKendree (15-49). "I thought all of the teams matched up pretty well as far as just having a great meet," added McAllister. Junior Aaron Werths earned a third-place finish with a personal-best time of 26:17.86 while senior Shawn Dillardfollowed right behind his teammate in fourth place in 26:23.63. Sophomore Campbell Walters provided some excitement at the finish line as he narrowly edged Nate Shipley of SEMO by .02 seconds for fifth place overall. Walters crossed the finish line in 26:24.77 setting a personal best in the process. Right on the heels of the main pack was Nick Moore. The Cougar freshman, who led SIUE in its season opener, finished seventh overall in a time of 26:29.42. Sophomore J.D. Wynn also recorded a personal record as he placed 21st overall traversing the 8K in 27:29.21 while junior Frankie Sottosanto made his debut for the Cougars finishing 42nd with a time of 29:08.11. Junior Marc Presley also ran for SIUE placing 45th in a time of 31:06.24. "We had PRs but more importantly team-wise, we did an outstanding job," said McAllister. The Cougars next compete in Louisville, Ky., at the Greater Louisville Classic on Oct. 1. -siue cougars-

SIUE Men's Cross Country Poised for Success in 2011 Cougars Start Saturday in North Dakota

Sept. 2, 2011

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The SIUE men's cross country team, under the direction of third-year Head Coach Eileen McAllister, is poised for a successful 2011 season with the return of six experienced runners and one talented newcomer.
"The team's confidence is already much higher than it was last year based on practices and time trials," said McAllister. "The guys look more fit and stronger at this point in the year."
Senior Marc Amarillas will be asked to provide leadership both on and off the course. The Quincy native led the Cougars at the final three meets of 2010.
"Marc is definitely a lead-by-example runner but will be vocal when he needs to be," said McAllister. "He is calm under pressure and still gets excited for races. He is just not one to get nervous. Marc guides the team by sticking to our plan during the race, and the guys know they can look to him for help with their pacing."
Shawn Dillard (Granite City), the only other senior on the Cougar roster, will provide added depth for SIUE with the help of junior Marc Presley (Cleveland, Ohio).
"The team's overall experience will allow a smoother progression throughout the year in terms of personal bests having previously run at most of the courses," added McAllister.
Junior Aaron Werths (Granite City) led SIUE at the first three meets of 2010 and looks to be in great position to continue the trend in 2011.
"Aaron led the team at the time trial," said McAllister. "He and Marc have gone back and forth through the preseason workouts. Aaron is definitely fit and put in the miles over the summer to raise his confidence level."
Sophomore Campbell Walters (Mt. Vernon) returns to the Cougar squad after competing well in 2010.
"Campbell improved a lot in the offseason," added McAllister. "He is great at leaving it all on the course and pushing past that mental point."
Another runner returning to SIUE is sophomore J.D. Wynn (Peoria) who finished all six races last season.
"J.D. will be a key runner as the sixth man on the team, and he is in a position to step up," said McAllister.
Nick Moore (Springfield) is the lone addition to the SIUE team after running for SIUE alum Trae Cotner at Springfield High School.
"Nick is doing really well during preseason," added McAllister. "It will take him some time to adjust to the 8,000-meter races, but he will be fine with the support of the team around him. He is ready to make an impact."
The Cougars begin the season Saturday with a 900-mile trip to Grand Forks, N.D., for the UND Ron Pynn Invitational. The meet is set for double dual scoring featuring SIUE, North Dakota, and South Dakota State. Coach McAllister hopes the small field will help SIUE get a feel for where they are in the race.
"The team is very excited and chomping at the bit because workouts have been going so well and they are feeling confident," concluded McAllister. "The trip itself is something new and different. The kids are excited to race."
-siue cougars-

Youthful Women's Cross Country to Build on Experience SIUE to Open Season in North Dakota

Sept. 2, 2011

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -The SIUE women's cross country team, which returns all of its runners from a year ago, will look to build upon that year of experience for the 2011 campaign.
Aftan Noon (Forsyth) will lead the charge for the Cougars in her senior season. Noon was the top SIUE performer in all six meets last season including a personal best at the SIUE Cross Country Open.
"Aftan is definitely the front runner, but Ioana Citireag has been right up there with her," said third-year Head Coach Eileen McAllister. "Ioana adds a veteran element even though she is new to the program."
Citireag (Bihor, Romania) transfers to SIUE from fellow Ohio Valley Conference member Jacksonville State.
The next trio of runners has all been acclimated to the collegiate environment following their first full season of competition.
Claire Brown (Petersburg) and Hannah Lee (Jacksonville) made big strides during the offseason to be ready for the rigorous preseason training.
"You can tell that Claire trained hard over the summer," said McAllister. "She is in great shape. Hannah also trained well over the summer and is a lot more confident in her running."
The third runner, sophomore Emily Conlon (Ballwin, Mo.), hopes to make an impact for the Cougars after suffering a stress fracture during the track and field season.
"Emily looks solid coming back from her injury," added McAllister. "She is not cleared for full participation but we expect her back soon."
Transfer Kala Griffin brings a year of collegiate experience after spending her freshman season at UIC. "Kala has seen college competition and is used to this higher-level training," said McAllister. "She is not afraid of getting the mileage in."
Ellen Goins, a freshman from Germantown Hills, starts the year in the top seven for SIUE.
Katie Trettenero (Staunton), another freshman high on Coach McAllister's list, may be on the outside of the top seven but has the potential to get in the lineup.
"Katie has an incredible attitude," added McAllister. "Coming from a small program she did not have the training, but she is so enthusiastic and is willing to do anything that she can to get better in order to get into the top seven."
Also competing for the Cougars in 2011 are Elisha Crawley (Decatur), Renee Goodenough (St. Louis, Mo.), Lacey Hainline (Sherrard), Dede Lofton (Detroit, Mich.), and Megan Petty (Coal City). Each of these runners will create healthy competition for the team, according to Coach McAllister.
"The team's chemistry and what they provide for each other in training is so much different than last year," said McAllister. "We just don't have those big gaps between runners, and that allows us to have training partners for everybody."
The Cougars begin the season Saturday with a 900-mile trip to Grand Forks, N.D., for the UND Ron Pynn Invitational. The meet is set for double dual scoring featuring SIUE, North Dakota, and South Dakota State. Coach McAllister hopes the small field will help SIUE get a feel for where they are in the race.
"The team is very excited and chomping at the bit because workouts have been going so well and they are feeling confident," concluded McAllister. "The trip itself is something new and different. The kids are excited to race."
-siue cougars-

Harvest Run Informantion

3^rd ANNUAL HARVEST RUN     5K Run/Walk

Sunday, November 6, 2011

         9:30 a.m. CST

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE SIUE CROSS COUNTRY/TRACK & FIELD PROGRAMS

RACE WEB SITE: Visit http://iWantRegistered.com for registration and more event information, or contact the SIUE CC/Track and Field coaching staff at (618)650-2828, or email emcalli@siue.edu.

PACKET PICKUP: Race day, Nov. 6, 8:00 A.M. - 9:15 A.M. at the race site.

COURSE: The 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles) will take place on the beautiful SIUE Cross Country Course.  The spectator-friendly course is 98% grass, 2% gravel/asphalt. It is challenging with rolling terrain.  Recent events hosted include NCAA Division II Regional and Conference Championships, Border Wars Championships, IHSA Regionals and Sectionals.

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS: The course is located on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) on the corner of New Poag Road and N University Drive.  It is approximately a 25-minute drive from downtown St. Louis.  SIUE Campus Map Link. (You can link directly to the cross country course.)

PARKING: Parking will be across the street from the starting field on a large grass lot. Overflow parking will be directed to SIUE campus lots. Parking on the street is prohibited and cars will be towed.

TIMING & RESULTS: Chip timing courtesy of TRXC Timing, LLC.  Results will be posted at www.trxctiming.com and http://iWantRegistered.com

AWARDS: Awards will be given to the first overall male and female.

REGISTRATION FEES:  $20.00 - Early registration through Oct. 21^st

$25.00 - Oct. 22^nd – Nov. 5^th

$30.00 - Race day registration on site from 7:30-9:00 a.m.

T-SHIRTS/POST RACE: Race fees include commemorative t-shirts (guaranteed for all registrants prior to Oct. 21) and light post-race refreshments.

REGISTRATION: Visit http://www.iWantRegistered.com. Race day registration on site from 7:30-9:00 a.m.

CANCELLATIONS/WEATHER: The SIUE Harvest Run will run rain or shine. No refunds. Thank you for your donation to the SIUE Cross Country/Track & Field program.

RESTROOMS: Portable toilets will be available at race site. No running water on site. 

Cross Country Travels to Grand Forks, ND

The SIUE Cross Country team will be heading to North Dakota this weekend for the Ron Pynn Invitational. This is the first time the team has traveled by air for a regular season competition. The   Competition starts at 9.
 On Friday the cross country teams competed in a time trial in front of the rest of the track and field team. The runners showed what they were made of. Coach Mcallister felt that the support of the rest of the team made a big difference in performances. There has not been performances of this caliber since the transition began in 2006.

                After Friday's time trial the team headed to downtown Edwardsville for the welcome back SIUE Block Party. The athletes played various games put on by local vendors and got to know there teammates better. It is always good to get out in the community in support of SIUE and the Athletic Department.

                On Monday the SIUE Athletic Department’s Welcome back picnic took place. Student-Athletes for the Track/XC teams and all the other sports competed in various events such as: best legs, best Biceps and a talent contest. Our own Aftan Noon took the trophy for the best biceps and Campbell Walters won the talent portion playing a lovely rendition of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” with his Violin or as Coach Jackson called it his “Fiddle”. 

Upcoming Events

The SIUE men's and women's Cross Country team will be running a time trial at the SIUE Cross Country Course on Friday August 26 @ 4 pm.
The annual SIUE Welcome back Block Party will also be on Friday August 26th. The Track and Field teams will be in attendance to meet and mingle with the community. The event kicks off at 6 and look for the track and field/ Cross Country teams to be there from 6-8pm.

This morning Coach Stamps and Coach Block worked to free a turkey that was stuck on the inside fence of the track. Check back for the video.
LETS GO COUGARS!!!

SIUE Track and Field Teams Honored

Aug. 12, 2011

USTFCCCA Release
NEW ORLEANS, La. -SIUE men's and women's track and field teams were selected as 2011 Division I All-Academic Teams announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The Cougars were 1 of 90 men's teams and 164 women's teams to earn the distinction, warranted by having a cumulative team GPA of 3.00 or better.
"We are very proud of the award," said SIUE Head Coach Kareem Jackson. "Our kids work extremely hard in the classroom, and this great distinction proves how hard they are working."
SIUE along with Eastern Illinois and Southeast Missouri were the three teams from the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) to earn the award on the men's side.
The Cougar women were 1 of 5 OVC programs to be honored along with Eastern Illinois, Jacksonville State, Morehead State, and Southeast Missouri.
"We would have never received this honor without the dedication of our academic support staff, especially Jaci (DeClue), Lindsey (Schmidt), Katie (Zingg), and Derrick (Brown)," added Jackson. "This is just a great accomplishment for everybody involved."
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Fall 2011 Cross Country Schedule

Date	Opponent/Event	Location	Time
Sat., Sept. 3	UND Invite	Grand Forks, ND	9:00 & 9:30am
Fri., Sept. 16	SIUE CC Challenge	Edwardsville, IL	5:30 & 6:15pm
Sat., Oct. 1	Greater Louisville CC Classic	Louisville, KY	TBA
Fri., Oct. 14	Bradley Classic	Peoria, IL	4:20 & 5:00pm
Fri., Oct. 21	Illini Open	Champaign, IL	4:00 & 4:45pm

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Callie Thommes  -  High Jump - of Burlington, IL (Burlington HS) 2011 2A state runner up in the high jump, Callie will compete in the jumps for the cougars.  We are really pleased to add another high jumper to our recruiting class.  Callie has tremendous upside, each year she has improved.  She jumps her best at big meets, this year jumping 5’5 at the state meet.  She will provide much needed consistency at that event for us. 

Schools considered -University of Iowa and Carthage                                                                                      

Ellen Goins – 400m/800m - of Metamora, IL (Metamora HS) will compete in the long sprints for the cougars running the 400/800.  Ellen was a consistent state qualifier for the Redbirds and also competed in XC.  Ellen will compete for a spot on the women’s 4 x 400m relay and will also have opportunities in the DMR.

Schools Considered - Bradley University, Eastern Illinois University and Monmouth College                   

Jessica Long – Shot Put/Discus – of Cahokia, Il (Cahokia HS) Jessica will compete in the throwing events for the cougars.  She was a 2 time state qualifier for the Comanche’s in the shot put and discus and was a finalist in the shot put 2011 finishing 8^th.  She will add depth in the throwing events for the cougars. 

Kala Griffin – XC/Distances – of Quincy, IL (UIC Flames) Kala comes to SIUE after competing her first year at the University of Illinois Chicago.  Kala was a three sport athlete in high school competing in XC/Track and Basketball, and was named three-time MVP for XC and two-time MVP for track and field.  She was a state qualifier in the 4 x 800m relay.

Kyle Lombardino –Shot/Discus Throw – of Fox Lake, IL (Grant Community HS) Kyle will be competing for the cougars in throwing events.  In just his second season as a track and field athlete Kyle has improved greatly.  A two sport athlete, Kyle also competed in Basketball for the Bulldogs.  This season Kyle was a state qualifier in the shot and discus throw, with personal best of 58’10 in the shot and over 173 feet in the discus. 

Other schools considered – East Carolina University

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Jasmine Johnson – Hurdles/Jumps – of Arlington Tennessee (Arlington HS)   Johnson decided on the Cougars after considering several other Division I schools and will add versatility to the program.  Jasmine has been a multiple state medalist including a 4^th place finish this year in the Pentathlon.   "Jasmine is a determined competitor whose potential is endless," stated Jackson. "She will be an immediate impact athlete for the women's program." 

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Jatavia Wright – Hurdles/Jumps – of Miami, Florida (Miami Central HS), a 5-foot, 11-inch; three-sport standout from Miami Central High School will make the trip north to Edwardsville.   Jatavia has had an outstanding prep career in Florida earning 10 medals at the state meet.  As a junior, Jatavia was the 100m Hurdle State Champion. "Jatavia was highly recruited by many schools and chose SIUE because she wants to be a part of history," said Jackson. "We look forward to adding her talent and commitment to excellence to our program." 

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Nick Moore – Distance/Cross Country – of Springfield, IL (Springfield HS) - Joining the SIUE cross country team as well, Moore will add another talented distance runner to the mix for Head Coach Eileen McAllister. Moore finished in the top 40 at the Illinois High School Association Cross Country Championships while running for the Senators of Springfield High School after making the switch from soccer.  In 2010 Nick was on the 4 x 800m relay team that won the state championship and also broke the state record!  "Coached by former Cougar Trae Cotner, Nick brings a tough training mentality with him, which will help him be successful in the Ohio Valley Conference," added Jackson

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Greg Block – Shot Put/Discus – of Lake Park, IL (Lake Park HS) - Block comes to SIUE from a long line of gifted throwers and a stellar career at Lake Park High School. Block has already thrown more than 58 feet in the shot put and farther than 170 feet in the discus.  In 2011 Indoor State Championship, Block finished as the state runner up with a throw over 57 feet!  "We look forward to Greg bringing a tremendous work ethic to the Cougar throws group," said Jackson. "We are delighted to add him to our men's program and expect him to make an immediate impact in the OVC." 

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Laderrick Ward – Long/Triple/High Jump – of Cahokia, Il (Cahokia HS) Laderrick has chosen to continue his career competing close to home at SIUE.  Laderrick is one of the top 20 long jumpers in the country recording two jumps this year over 24’5”!  Laderrick has also recorded several jumps at 6’8 in the high jump and has a personal best of 46’4.5 in the triple jump.  Ward has 5 individual state medals, has been a state champion in the long jump, 2^nd in the triple jump and has been a part of two state runner- up teams, and winning it all this year in 2011! Our focus the last three years recruiting has been simple, recruit winners and Laderrick is a prime example of that.  We are pleased to add his talents to the men’s program!                                                                                                                                                                                  

Schools Considered – University of Kansas, University of Missouri

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Veronica Citireag –  800/1500 - of Bihor, Romania (Jacksonville State University) Veronica comes to SIUE by way of JSU were she competed in everything from 400m – 1500m including the 400m Hurdles.  Veronica is a very accomplished and versatile runner.  Having competed for the Romania National Team in the 800m where she ran a personal best of 2.12.03 Veronica will bring a veteran spirit to the women’s team.  Veronica will be working on her master’s degree while competing for the cougars.  

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Ahmad Evans – 100/200/400 - of Chicago, IL (De La Salle HS) Ahmad recently signed to compete in the sprints for the cougars.  Ahmad will add depth to the Men’s sprint group specializing in the short sprints and relays for the cougars.  Ahmad has been a state finalist since his sophomore year in HS. The two sport star decided to attend SIUE over many other schools and we are happy to have him.  We think the sky is the limit for him and we look forward to adding him to our program.             

XC/T&F 2011 - 2012 Signees

Elizabeth Hampl – Javelin/Discus/Shot Put - of Troy, IL (Triad HS) 2011 Class 2A shot put Indoor and Outdoor State Champion, Elizabeth Hampl has signed with the cougars.  Hampl is a strong and fierce competitor with tremendous athletic ability.  Hampl will join her former HS teammate Kristin Wykoff in the throws group.  Elizabeth will add depth to the talented throws group and will be looked to contribute right away at the conference level.  She possesses strength and is a good technical thrower and we are fortunate to add her talents and motivation to our team.

 Schools Considered - Eastern Illinois, Illinois State, Carbondale  

XC/T&F 2011 -2012 Signees

Jasmine Ranson – High /Triple/Long Jump - of Aurora, Il (West Aurora HS) Jasmine will compete for the cougars next season primarily in the jumps group.  Jasmine is a talented athlete who was an Illinois rising stars in the indoor and outdoor track seasons.   With personal best marks of 37’10 in the triple jump, 5’4 high jumper Jasmine will have an opportunity to contribute to the team right away.   We are really excited about having Jasmine in our program.  She has competed at a high level for many years and we look to continue to develop her talents. 

Schools Considered -Wichita State, Grambling and Northwest Missouri State                      

Jackson announces women's recruiting class

http://media.www.alestlelive.com/media/storage/paper351/news/2011/07/13/Sports/Jackson.Announces.Womens.Recruiting.Class-3999868.shtml

SIUE Golf Outing

Greetings all,
I wanted to first thank everyone for all of the positive feedback throughout the year. It has been much appreciated. This newsletter is to inform you of the upcoming events/activities over the course of the summer. Last year the Athletics Department held its first Annual golf outing in which all sports were represented. Held at Sunset Hills Country Club, over 275 people participated in either the morning or after-noon shotgun-style golf outing followed by a dinner auction to close out the night. Some coaches played in the outing, but many of us had the opportunity to greet/serve all of our alumni and business patrons. It was a great opportunity to meet so many of SIUE’s former athletes from all sports! The second Annual SIUE Athletics Depart-ment Golf Scramble will take place on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at the Sunset Hills Country Club located in Edwardsville. Support can come in many forms, a foursome team, tee spon-sor, or a ticket to attend the banquet that immediately follows the ending of the second shotgun. Come out and help support your track team and have a great time doing it! Please follow the link below for more info about the golf outing:

http://www.siuecougars.com/genrel/071211aaf.html

Coach Kareem Jackson

Track and Field Alumni in the news.

Former Cougar Track and Field Athlete Lisa Ribes goes pro
http://www.examiner.com/endurance-sports-in-tucson/tucson-triathlete-offers-tips-for-going-pro

SIUE record holder Alicia DeShasier Places third at US championships
http://www.thetelegraph.com/sports/-55784--.html

Comanches' Ward leaps at chance to compete for SIUE

http://www.bnd.com/2011/07/09/1780209/comanches-ward-leaps-at-chance.html

New Signings for SIUE Men's Track and Field

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - SIUE track and field Head Coach Kareem Jackson announced the addition of three student-athletes to the program for the 2012 campaign.

Ahmad Evans (Chicago), Kyle Lombardino (Fox Lake), and LaDerrick Ward (Cahokia) are set to join the Cougars for the indoor season.

Evans signed a National Letter of Intent and will specialize in the short sprints and relay events for SIUE.

"Ahmad has been a state finalist since his sophomore year of high school, and we are happy to have him," said Jackson. "We think the sky is the limit for him, and we look forward to adding him to our program."

Lombardino will add depth to the Cougar throws after an impressive finish to his Grant Community High School career. He qualified for the 2011 Illinois State meet in the shot put and discus in only his second year competing in track and field.

"Kyle's athleticism will provide a great deal of depth to the throwers group," said Assistant Coach Scott Block. "He should make an immediate impact at the conference level."

Ward joins SIUE from Cahokia High School where he finished his career as one of the top 20 long jumpers in the country. A five-time individual state medalist, Ward claimed an individual state championship in the long jump to go with a second-place finish in the triple jump. He also helped lead his Cahokia team to the 2011 state title.

"Our recruiting focus the last three years has been simple -- to recruit winners. LaDerrick is a prime example of that," added Jackson. "We are pleased to add his talents to the men's program."

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Hello and welcome to the new blog of the SIUE Track & Field/Cross Country teams.