National Signing Picture Page
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 Dash Oliver (Castro Valley) signs with UC Berkeley
 Dominique Webb (St. Mary's Academy, Inglewood) signs with Xavier University (Louisiana)
 Mitchell Haage (Upland) to UCSB
 Cindy Robinson (Norwalk) to Washington State
 Steven Scarvelis (Dos Pueblos, Goleta) signs with UC Davis
 Sammy Silva (Our Lady of Peace, San Diego) - Harvard University
 Sheldon Price (Bishop Amat) to UCLA
 Taylor Herrera, the talented sprinter and jumper from Damien HS (SS) in La Verne, celebrates with parents Dino and Stacie upon signing with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo!
 Cecilia Lopez of North High School in Bakersfield is one of the finest 3200m, 1600m, and 800m, distance runners in the Central Section. Her personal best in the 3200m is 11:55.00 and in the 1600m 5:26.34, and last but not least 800m with the time of 2:26.32. She also competes on the 1600m relay. She will be continuing her running career at Cal State Bakersfield.
 Mike Roderick excelled during the 08 XC season, going undefeated in the East Bay Athletic League, before winning the NCS D-1 race. During the track season he led the Monte Vista H.S. distance team, scoring in most 1600 and 3200 races he entered. Mike has been a strong distance competitor and Scholar Athlete in the NCS for the past two years and looks forward to the academic and athletic challenges awaiting him at UCSB. After meeting Coaches Dolan and Blackwell, he chose the Gauchos over several other D-1 California schools. Above (from l-to-r) are Monte Vista head distance coach Mike Davis, UCSB signee Mike Roderick and Monte Vista assistant coach Scott Camp.
 Breeauna Thompson of Edison High School, pictured above with family members and Coach Danny Alberty, will be attending Fresno State! Breeauna has run at Edison in the Central Section for 4 years and proudly holds school records in the 200, the 400 and as part of the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.
 Melanise Chapman, the outstanding sprinter from Paraclete (Lancaster-SS) signs a National Letter of Intent to attend UC Davis in the Fall of 2009. Pictured from left to right are Paraclete sprints Coach Cathy Washington, Melanise, and Paraclete’s Track and Field Head Coach Rick McGuire. Melanise’s current sprint times are: 100M (11.76); 200M (24.08); 400M (56.60).
 Canyon distance runner and Century League Champion Kristy Koenes signed her National Letter of Intent with the University of San Diego today at Canyon High School. In addition to an 11:04.2 personal best in the 3200m and a 17:38.0 personal best in cross country, Kristy will be graduating with a 4.75 total GPA. Kristy is pictured here with her mom (Karen), her coach (Patrick Bendzick) and a few of her teammates. Best wishes, Kristy!

 Connor Donley (Monte Vista-Danville) to Southern Oregon and Brandon Hammack (sprints/soccer) to Northwestern College, Iowa
 Arcadia High's Renaud Poizat has recently signed to run for Cal Berkeley. Renaud has had the rare honor of competing in the State Cross Country Meet all 4 years and capped it off placing 5th as an individual this past fall and getting invited to Nike Cross Nationals. Pictured are: teacher/Arcadia XC supporter Oliver Beckwith, Coach Caz Scislowicz, Coach Jim O'Brien, Principal David Vannasdall, Coach Alex Fan, Renaud and his mother Coralie.
 Alison Tedrow from Saint Joseph Academy in San Marcos (north San Diego area) has signed a NLI and received both athletic and academic scholarships to high jump for Iowa State University. Attached is her signing with her Crusader teammates.
 Seth Vlach, one of the Central Section's best long jumpers from North Bakersfield, will be competing at Cal State Bakersfield next season. His personnel best is 21'0 in the LJ; also running on relays. Seth Vlach has a 4.0 GPA and a fine attitude. Vlach is a varsity two sport athlete at North High School, playing Football and running Track. Seth is with his teammate David Barney, his mother Annie Vlach, and his little sister Allie.
 From left, Patrick Henry HS Coach Tom Sweet, Coach Andrew Myette and Adrian Rafiee as the senior commits to the University of San Francisco
 Karlee Owens from Arroyo Grande HS signed a letter of intent/athletic scholarship to Arizona State to run under Louie Quintana back in March. Here's an interesting fact: Louie Quintana holds all three distance school records at AGHS and Karlee Owens just accomplished that this past weekened with her invite 3200m win at Mt. Sac. Here school records are: 800m-2:15.5, 1600m-4:57.4, and 3200m-10:48.05. They both have school records in XC for Mt. SAC. Karlee is going to be Louie's first athlete he will coach from is alma mater.
 Distance runner John Guzman (Upland HS) has announced his commitment to UC Riverside and Coach Irv Ray on 3/10/2009. Pictured above (l-to-r) are assistant coach Wes Bryant, Guzman and Head Coach Michael Wilson as John signs his "Letter of Intent" and acceptance of his full tuition/books offer from UCR.
 Southern Section's Dominique Webb of Saint Mary's Academy in Inglewood is the third to sign a women's cross country scholarship this year with Xavier University of Louisiana. Over a three year span, Dominique has qualitfied and made 1st team from her sophomore year up untill her senior year, where she has ran her personal best of 21 minutes, 15 seconds for three miles and 57.4 seconds for 400 meters in track and field. She finished fourth in the Santa Cruz League cross country meet in 2008 and is looking forward to competing on a collegiate level.
 Steven Scarvelis, one of the top sprinter/hurdlers to come out of Santa Barbara County, has signed with UC Davis. He's pictured here with (L-R) Mark Swanitz (Dos Pueblos Principal), Jenny Kenyon (DPHS Asst Coach, hurdles), David Kuderka (DPHS Head Coach), and Dan Feldhaus (DP Athletic Director). School record holder in the 300H (38.53), Steven also anchored DP's sprint team to new school records in 4X100 and 4X400 records; his 4X400 anchor leg at SS DII Finals was clocked by Dyestat at 48.4. A versatile athlete, he's posted additional bests of 14.9 in 100H, 1:58.2 800M (as a sophomore), and a 5404 decathlon (as a junior at Arcadia Invit.). He's a three year varsity letterman, and recently attained rank of Eagle Scout. He's looking forward to joining the Aggies in the Fall!
 Sprinter Cindy Robinson,Cindy (Norwalk High School, Norwalk-SS) has committed to become a Cougar at Washington State University! A three- year track and field performer in high school, she holds personal bests of 11.93 in the 100m and 24.32 in the 200m. She also excelled in the class- room, where she ranked among the top 20 in her class each of her four years!
 Justin Sutter pf Granite Bay HS in the Sac-Joaquin Section signs his National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Arizona! He will be coached by Sheldon Blockburger. Coach Carla Kehoe, Jumps Coach Granite Bay HS, Jacky Nasca, Head Coach Granite Bay HS, Sallie Sutter (mother), Justin Sutter, and Rick Sutter (dad) are pictures. Justin has had a great senior year, winning at Sac State Invitational, Kink Gilbert, Woody Wilson Invitational, Arcadia Night meet invitational (24’4” best in California!), Meet of Champions. He just won a third consecutive Sierra Foothill League long jump championship as well.

 Carrington Mahr, an excellent and versatile talent for Central Section power Buchanan of Clovis, will be attending UC Davis in the fall!
Photo (from L to R): Brother- Jordan, Dad- Mel, Saraina, Mom- Carolyn, Cousin- Caitlin Photo 2 (from L to R): Coach Fitzgerald, Saraina, Coach AlexanderOne of the latest of the fine sprinters to come from Coach Brian Fitzgerald's Rio Mesa HS program is Saraina Hedgepeth. Ranked among the State's top half dozen over 100 meters off her 11.93 at this past weekend's Ventura County Championships, Hedgepeth has signed with Florida International University, the school that recently rated headlines for its signing of Isaiah Thomas as Basketball coach. With a 3.7 GPA and fine attitude, Coach Fitzgerald commented, "she's the hardest working athlete out there. If anyone deserves it she does!"
Peter Guenther (Gilroy) hot off two Hurdle wins at the CCS Top 8 Meet signs his letter of intent with UC Riverside. Along with his fans, in the picture are Left to Right: Athletic Director Jack Daley, Peter Guenther, Bill Guenther,Head Coach Jeff Myers
(L-R) Ernie Bucher (Aliso Niguel, Throws Coach) - Chad Seymour - John Walsh (Aliso Niguel, Head Track & Field Coach) - Chad Seymour, Aliso Niguel HS Thrower (6’-5” – 225lbs.) is a three sport lettermen in Football (3 years on varsity – 2-year starter), Basketball (2 years on varsity – 2 year starter) and Track & Field (3 years on varsity). PR in Shot – 54’- 6.5” and PR in Discus – 173’-9”. Typically, due to transition from Basketball to Track & Field each year, Chad has been slowed in achieving good footwork and throwing form, but will peak toward the final half of the season. Chad is excited about signing with UCSB and throwing for Coach Keith Baker.
Jazmine Lewis, McNair HS, Stockton, signs her letter of intent with UC Riverside. Jazmine is a 2008 State Meet qualifier in the high jump with a current best of 5' 5". She also has marks of 17' 7 in the long jump, 36' 9 in the triple jump, and 15.88 in the 100 hurdles. Jazmine expects to compete in the heptathlon for the Highlanders. Jazmine is pictured with McNair hurdles coach, Chrishelle Maghoney, and McNair head coach, Ken Hurst. She also has a cumpulative grade point average of 3.89, and ranked in the top 10 percentile of the graduating senior class.
Jose Gutierrez of Valencia (Placentia) signs his letter of intent to attend Cal State Fullerton. Jose competed in the State Cross Country Meet all four years of high school and looks forward to a successful track season this spring specializing in the 3200 meters. Pictured with Jose is his high school counselor Carolyn Douglas (left) and track and cross country coach, Pat Hadley (right).
North Coast Section star Rachel Mitchell (American HS, Fremont) has signed with Sacramento State University. Shown in the picture with Rachel are from right to left Head track coach Mike Lindsay, assistant coach Bob Douglass, Head cross country coach John Randazzo. Rachel was MVAL cross country champion in fall 2008 and finished 7th at NCS finals. She placed 21st at the state finals in division 2 with a time of 18:28.
Jake Jeanson of powerhouse Small Schools distance program Woodcrest Christian (Riverside) signs with Westmont College in Santa Barbara to continue his running and schooling. Jake is pictured here with Coach Russell Smelley, with the duo pictured here on the Westmont Campus.
Upland Cross Country/Track and Field is very pleased to announce the acceptance and Academic Scholarship from Columbia awarded to Antonio Gonzalez. Antonio is having a fine track season in 2009 after helping to lead the Highlanders to a 3rd place team finish and school record at the Division 1 California State CC Championships last fall. Antonio is pictured here with Coach Mike Wilson.
Shereese Cutler (St. Mary's Academy, Inglewood SS) signs National Letter of Intent for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo where she will major in chemistry and continue her athletic career. In the triple jump, Shereese was a 2008 Masters qualifier and placed 5th at the 2007 USATF Junior Olympics. Other events include long jump and 300/400H. Seated are parents Andre and Kassandra Cutler. Standing are St. Mary's Coaches Vincent Dorsey, Robert King, Rene Anderson and brother Jered.
Chris Haworth, pictured here with Kennedy High School cross-country and track distance coach, Tim Miller, signed his National Letter of Intent with the University of San Francisco at a signing ceremony on Thursday, March 26, 2009. Friends, family and Kennedy's Athletic Director, Heidi Pierson were also present to wish him well as he moves forward to USF where he will be coached by Tom Kloos. Chris has been prominent in the Sac Joaquin Section's cross-country picture as well as track's 1600 and 3200 events during his high school career.
Mikio Island (Crespi, Encino) signs his letter of intent here along with Coach Jess Garner to attend Boise State University. Mikio was 7th at the State Meet in 2008 in the 300 Intermediate hurdles, and fourth in the Southern Section in the Highs. Unfortunately he tore an ACL durin the 2008 Fall football season and is spending the spring in rehab. He will be a great addition to the WAC powerhouse, with the Men taking the Indoor Conference title there and Assistant Coach Chris Huffins, formerly of Berkeley doing a fine job recruiting in the last year.
Matt Cooper (Mater Dei, Santa Ana) part of the successful Monarch Vaulting crew has signed with the Air Force Academy to continue his education and vaulting. Matt was tied for seventh at last year's State competition in the Vault, with a 15-01 2009 best, the equal #6 mark statewide this spring.
Randall Carroll ended the suspense at Fox Sports net as the Cathedral State 100 champ decided to head across town to UCLA to catch passes (he is one of the nation's top wide receivers) and dash for the Bruins. As among the top fifteen ranked wide receivers in the nation, he has been successful through the national level in Track and Field, winning a US Youth Boys JO 100 meter title in the eighth grade, then steadily moving up the prep ranks to be one of the top dashers in the entire nation at that level. He is the defending State 100 and 200 meter Champion, crushing top fields with 10.42 and 20.97 clockings last May at Cerritos. He is the nations' top returnee at 200 meters with his 20.91 best, and second in the US at 100 meters for 2009 with the 10.42 at State. With a 10.2 already in a dual meet this spring it appears he has survived the rigors of a vigorous recruiting season in great shape. Two of the State's best from Rancho Cucamonga HS (here with Coach Terry Tierney (left) and AD Vic Garnica (rt) sign with UC Berkeley. Angelica Weaver (left) is among the nation's top all-around hurdler/long dashers up through 800 meters, with Charles Saseun (rt) one of the country's top short sprinters, second in last year's State Meet 100. Weaver had 2008 National elite marks of 55.15 (400), 14.55 (100H), 42.34 (300H), and 62.06 (400H). She has lifetime bests in some that are better, including an impressive 58.73 400 hurdles from two years ago. She is a young graduate, and will be eligible for the US World Youth (under 18) team this summer. Saseun was the nation's #2 soph in 2007 with a 10.39 clocking, and was 10.47 in 2008, with his annual match-ups with defending State Champ Randall Carroll (Cathedral) much anticipated this spring!
Brendon Confer (Servite) signs with the University of Washington Huskies to continue his running and schooling. To the left he is pictured with the school administration, at the left, Principal of Servite High School Mike Brennan, and at the right President of Servite High School Pete Bowen. In the right picture Brendon is pictured with his family. Brendon was a SS Divisonal Finalist last year Division III over 1600 meters, then impressed with a summer 1:53.77 over 800 meters.
Sarah Tusting, who had an outstanding breakout year this past fall by improving her Woodward park time from 19:50 to 18:19 here signs with UC Davis. She came in 2nd place in the 2008 D2 Girls SJS Section Finals and an impressive 15th at the 2008 D2 CA XC State Meet. In the picture from left to right: Mother: Karen Tusting, Coach: Julie Moore, Athlete: Sarah Tusting, Coach: Priscilla Moreno, Sarah's Best Friend and Teammate: Jesus Prieto.
Alison Motor (Galt HS) signs her letter of intent to continue her career at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and join Galt teammate Lauren Petersen who will also be competing for the Running Rebels! Motor was eleventh this past Fall in the Sac Joaquin Section Finals in Cross Country Division I, and raced 19:27 at Woodward Park in the State Meet. She was fourth last year in the Sac Joaquin Section Finals over 1600m in track with a 5:11.51 performance.
Lor’Rena DeJurnett, a four-year honor student at St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood and one of the state's top sprint returnees (11.83/24.47) chooses to continue her studies and athletic career in the Southeastern Conference by signing with the University of Mississippi. Lor’Rena is joined by coaches & family. Top row" Shanita, strength and conditioning Coach Dorsey, Athletic Director Liz, sprints, hurdles and jumps Coach King, Head Coach Rene, middle row brother Josh, bottom row L to R father Lorenzo, mother Yaeka.
Isaac Chavez (Barstow) inks his letter of intent for Chico State University. Chavez was leader of the 2008 Barstow State Champ squad that continued the Aztec string of California team titles. He finished second this past Fall at State individually Division III, and was 12th in last year's State Track & Field Championships over 3200m, racing 9:11.94. Isaac joins fellow Barstow athlete Anthony Solis in the Chico program, with the Men's team there third in this past Fall's NCAA Division II Championships, and dominant locally with seven consecutive CCAA and Western Regional wins.
James Cameron (Mission Viejo) joins the exodus northward with his signing at the University of Washington to continue his running and education. At 4:12.37 James is among the top fifteen 1600 runners in the entire United States and the #3 returnee in the State at that distance. He had a super Fall Cross-Country season with a sixth in the Foot Locker Western Regional and 26th place finish in the National Finals. A super 2009 spring season awaits, with heavy competition against area rivals Tyler Valdex (Dana Hills) and Toby Villalva (El Toro) that will add to area headlines before the big trip north to wade into the Pac 10 competition next Fall!
Maxwell Dyce (Moorpark HS-SS) signs his letter of intent with the UCLA Bruins. One of the State's fine all-around sprinter/hurdler/long jumpers, Dyce brings clockings of 10.53 (100), 21.65 (21.48w) (200), and 14.96w (HH) with Long Jump bests of 22-06.25 (23-00w) back for the 2009 spring season, and will add greatly to the Pac 10 UCLA squad after graduation.
Mitchell Moore (La Habra - SS) is the latest to sign for the distance program at Cal Baptist University in Riverside. Mitchell was 24th in the Southern Section Division II Finals this Fall at Mt. SAC, racing 15:55 in that competition, with a 15:28 clocking from that course in the Invitational in October. He was a race winner at Woodbridge and in the Division III race at the Orange County Championships. He can be a fine addition to the quick-growing quality Cal Baptist squad.
Maria Malone has signed with Stanford University and joins Alex Dunne, Kathy Kroeger, and Justine Fedronic in the Cardinal's effort to reclaim PAC-10 distance glory from Washington. Malone was 6th at the 2008 state meet at 3200 meters in a time of 10:29.92. Despite a very limited senior cross country season, she still won the D1 section title with the fastest SJS time of the day and took 7th at state with a 17:55 time. Malone also finished 12th at the 2008 US Cross Country Championships in San Diego, clocking 22:04 in the 6k race.
Taylor Duncan of Del Norte HS in Crescent City signs his letter of intent with the University of California Santa Barbara. Duncan was second last year in the NCS in the Pole Vault at 14-06, and picked up experience in the State Meet competition. He looks forward to a bit less rain and wind during the spring season and will continue his interest in surfing, according to Coach Scott Lindsay.
The Lopez twins from Sacred Heart of Jesus (LA) High School sign their letters of intent that will have them continuing their running and academic careers for Coach Kelly Sullivan and Oregon State University. Sabrina was the State Division IV Champion this Fal, with Regina fourteenth in that competititon. Both athletes were much-improved this year, with Sabrina second last spring at the Southern Section Division IV level in track at 3200m in 11:39.83. The Beavers out of Corvallis were sixth place in the tough Pac-10 competition this past Cross Country campaign.
Nicole Mendoza (St. Francis, Sacramento) signs her letter of intent to the University of California Irvine. Nicole is pictured with her St. Francis teammates and high school coaches John DuCray (right) and Tom Laythe (left). In 2008 Nicole won five consecutive Cross Country races and was Delta River League Champion. She qualified for the 2008 State Cross Country meet and finished in 24th place with a time of 18:33 in Division 2.
Three members of the 2008 Powerhouse Saugus HS squad sign their letters of intent to continue their running at the College level. Above, Courtney Wilson (UC Irvine), Brandon Jauregui (San Francisco State), and Anne Randall (Long Beach State) hope to continue the momentum that has made them significant parts of one of the State's best harrier distance programs. Wilson was twenty-second in the Southern Section Division II Finals this past Fall in Cross-Country, with Randall the same twenty-second at State at that level and the fifth runner as the squad was second in the nation in the NXN Championships in December . Brandon was twenty-eighth in the Southern Section Division II title harrier race this past November. Randall was 2:16.86 (800) and 4:57.12 (1600) in track last year with the improved Wilson and Jauregui looking ahead to strong spring seasons on the oval. Coaches Rene Paragas and Kathryn Nelson are in the back of the picture behind the athletes.
Jzsanette Lindstrom signed a letter of intent to compete for the University of California Riverside with a partial scholarship. Now a senior at Apple Valley Granite Hills The age group and XC All American In USATF will follow her Brother Daniel who is the senior captain for the XC team there. Jzsanette will follow other former Rialto Roadrunners who have competed for the Highlanders, led by the Assuma twins, Frank and Chuck. Lindstrom was 29th at the State Cross Country Meet Division II at 18:39 this past November.
Lauren Petersen (Galt) is another distance runner who has signed a letter of intent to attend the University of Nevada at Las Vegas to continue her running and schooling. Lauren was the Division 1 San Joaquin section runner up and finished in 29th place at the state meet last fall. Petersen has run a personal best of 5:10.58 for 1600 meters and 10:14.94 in the 3000 meters. Lauren is pictured with her parents Bruce and Diane along with coaches Nathan Woods and Greg Sloan.
Samantha Balentine and Kayla Carter sign their letter of intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the University of Hawaii and UC Davis, respectively. Balentine is one of the state's top all-around athletes, with a sixth place at State in the High Jump with a best of 5-07. She was also the Sac Joaquin Champ in that event, with a fourth in the Section D1 100m Hurdles and 6th at the 300m barrier distance. She will compete in the High Jump and Heptathlon for Hawaii. Carter was second in the Sac Joaquin Finals in the 100 Meter Hurdles, and a finalist at the 300m Hurdle distance, second in the Section DI meet in that event. Kayla had 14.52 and 44.35 hurdle bests and will be a fine addition to the Davis spring hurdles group! Both should have outstanding spring seasons for Lodi prior to heading off to college!
The pipeline from Los Angeles to Berkeley continues! Loyola HS seniors James "J.P." Slater (seated left) and Andres Diaz (seated right) signed on to attend the University of California at Berkeley, joining Coach Tony Sandoval's budding regional power from the Pac-10 Conference. Slater and Diaz teamed to help the Cubs capture consecutive California State Division II cross-country team titles as well as consecutive berths to Nike Cross Nationals, included a superb 8th place finish nationally in 2007! Also in the signing picture are proud fathers Jim Slater and Freddy Diaz, both flanking Loyola cross-country and track distance coach Lalo Diaz. Loyola HS graduates currently competing for the Golden Bears at Berkeley are Mark Matusak, Ryan Holmes, Matt Miller, Anthony Milin and Jordan Paul. A talented pipeline indeed!
And the Winner Is... Ole Miss! That's right, Rancho Verde's High's Brittany Bozeman has signed on with the University of Mississippi, with the talented senior taking her leaping skills to "The South" in repping the Golden State. Brittany, among the premier long and triple jumpers on the West Coast, is joined here by (l-to-r) Paul Robertson, Terron Moses, Ashley Marshall, Greg Hornsby, Skylar La Cour, Amber Clark, Alycia Herring and Ruben Danielsen. Congratulations Brittany!
Berkeley High's Austin Snyder, center, signs with signs Brown University as his father Danand Coach Brian Bort proudly look on. Austin ran a personal best 9:29.63 at the Golden West Invitational last June! More recently, Austin was one of the top NCS performers this past fall, including winning the Division I race at the Stanford Invitational. The top-ranked runner in NCS D1 down the stretch, Austin suffered a hairline fracture that was not diagnosed until after his league final win and prevented him from racing at NCS Finals. Austin is the #3 returnee in the NCS at 3200 meters. Attending Brown will fulfill his longtime dream to attend the university, where he plans to major in History. Best wishes at Brown!
San Benito Hollister's Courtney Allen is bringing not only her distance running skills but also her baking and spirit-building skills to the university of Nevada-Las Vegas! Courtney, who has clocked a personal best of 5:19.58 for 1600 meters, also placed fourth in Division I at the Central Coast Section Finals in cross-country last season and then was a Top 50 placer at the state meet! Onward to UNLV!
An all-state performer and Nike Cross Nationals finalist as a cross-country senior, Carlmont's Justine Fedronic (that's her at the center of this huge flock of supporters) has signed to attend... Stanford University!! Justine has personal bests of 4:51.40 for 1600 meters and 2:08.08 for 800 meters and has also been at the heart of Carlmont's cross-country success in recent years! In the photo, Justine is directly flanked by her younger brothers Theophile (to her left) and Mark as well as her father, Dominic (pictured far right). We see plenty of Stanford apparel here, so there's a pipeline!
Edison High of Huntington Beach senior Haillary Hayes ultimately made the decision to head northward for college, signing with the Golden Bears of UC Berkeley! Hillary, a longtime standout on the Orange County scene, has emerged to be among the premier and most consistent distance runners in the United States in recent seasons and she'll be taking her skills and leadership talents into the Pac-10 wars to run for Coach Tony Sandoval!
Jumps and multi-event mentor Robert Keetch poses with outstanding student-athlete Darien Bailey of Temecula Prep. Darien signed a National Letter of Intent with Stanford University. While Darien started with jumps as freshmen, he found his passion in the decathlon. On the track, he seamlessly transitions from single to multi-events and off the track he is involved in associated student body, academic decathlons, community service and the National Honor Society. Darien has maintained a 4.1 plus GPA throughout high schools and looks forward to honing his skills both academically and athletically at Stanford!
Another great thrower is heading UCLA's way! Burroughs of Ridgecrest senior Kayla Kovar has penned with the Bruins and Coach Art Venegas just before kick-starting what promises to be another strong high school season for the Burros. Kayla, who holds personal bests of 43-00.25 for the shot put and 157-08 fopr the discus, is pictured here with (from l-to-r) Burroughs throws coach Charles Novascone and her parents, Jay and Alissa. Jay was an exceptional thrower in his athletic prime as well, including being an alternate for the U.S. Olympic Team! Congratulations Kayla!
Edison of Huntington Beach middle-distance standout Meghan Foley has decided to attend the University of Texas! Meghan, who started out her high school career as a talented prep in the state of Maryland, moved to California for her sophomore year and has evolved into an exceptional talent with an emphasis at 800 meters, where she has a best of 2:10.47!
Samantha Diaz (Ponderosa, Shingle Springs) signs her letter of intent with the University of Nevada at Reno. She is pictured here with Cross Country Coach at Ponderosa, Barbara Richardson. Samantha will join a good number of Golden Staters who have headed just over the Sierras to compete for the middle and long distance group for Coach Kirk Elias at Reno. Diaz impressed with a 2:14.74 Sac Joaquin Section Championship over 800 meters last May during a short career over the two lap distance, and she could be a suprise this spring with experience up through the state meet last campaign. Staci Foster from Orange Lutheran signs with the Buffaloes at the University of Colorado to continue her academic/athletic career. The Orange County senior was a CIF SS Division III Finalist last May over 1600 Meters in track with a best of 5:03.88. This Fall in Cross Country she was eighth in the State Meet Division III, and was a fifth place finisher at the Southern Section Finals at that level. The Orange County star will work with the others on the Big 12 squad for the next few years to continue their great tradition in the distances! Along with Staci (lower right) in the picture are: top- (L-R) Greg Foster (father), Sheri Foster(mother), Cody Foster(brother) bottom (L-R) Jack Preus (Coach) Staci Foster. Shafter High School senior Anna Jelmini signed her letter of intent to throw at Arizona State University for throws coach David Dumble. Anna signed Wednesday before a crowd of family, friends, teachers, coaches, and media. The reception was filled with excitement and support for Anna's accomplishments for 2008, which included: Junior Nationals champion in the discus and 4th place in the shot put; 19th place in the discus at the U.S. Olympic Trials; 7th place in the discus at the IAAF World Junior Championships, a sweep of the throws titles at both the California state meet and the Arcadia Invitational; and tied the #4 all-time mark in the discus. Her bests are 183-11 and 50-04.00.
Clovis East High's Michael Peterson, a 2008 state finalist and seventh place finisher in the pole vault and the runner-up at the Central Section Championships, signed last week to attend UC Davis in the fall. Michael established a lifetime-best 15-04.00 clearance in the event at the "Run For The Dream" meet in Fresno last month and is a 2009 preseason All-State First Team sel- ection. He will join his brother Jonathan, a distance runner who competed at Clovis High and currently competes for the Aggies.
Turquoise Thompson (Serra, Gardena) signs her letter of intent with UCLA. Turquoise is the nation's top 400 meter hurdler, with her USATF JO Young Women (17-18) win at 57.67, and is among the top fifteen returnees in the country in the flat 400 at 54.18. She will be the leader of a very strong Serra HS program this coming spring, then drive up the 405 Freeway to Bruin-land and hope for a fine collegiate career there.
Twins Ryan and Tyler Valdes (er, or is that Tyler and Ryan above?) sign papers with Stanford University as the Dana Hills High seniors map out their running careers for the next four years. The duo have been an integral part in the continued success of the Dolphins program, which has enjoyed back to back state championships at the Division I level in cross- country as well as a pair of trips to Nike Cross Nationals. More details coming. Both athletes have had great success in Track and Cross Country. Tyler was 6th in State last over 1600 meters with a best of 4:11.58, with Ryan a 1:54.31 while placing 7th in the Southern Section Finals over 800 meters. Tyler won the State Meet Division I in Cross-Country this past Fall, with Ryan 14th in that competition. The duo led the Dolphin squad to the #2 team time in Woodward Park course history, with the twosome helping lead the squad to 17th at the Nike Cross Nationals this past December.
Alex Dunne of San Clemente High has decided to continue her academic studies and athletic career at Stanford University, with the Tritons senior committed above alongside coaches Dave Proodian (left) and Michael Dunne, her father. Alex is one of the most successful distance runners ever to emerge from powerful Orange County, with the positive-minded youngster seeking to help the fine Cardinal distance tradition in the yars to come. More details on the way!
At left, University City of San Diego senior Mac Fleet signs with the University of Oregon while at right, Buchanan of Clovis' Sue Choi pens with San Francisco State. Mac, pictured along with parents Janna and Dale, was one of the nation's most sought-after distance recruits and is the state's premier middle distance talent while Sue was rebounded from injury to bcome a very key contributor in the Bears' cross-country program. Most details on both coming your way!
Katarina Ratkowiak signed her letter of intent to compete for the University of Neveada Reno Wolfpack. She will be joining some excellent runners and a program that is very much on the rise. She becomes Yucca Valley's first female cross country & track athlete to sign at the Div. 1 level. Katarina was 13th at the State Cross Country Meet Division III with an 18:27 clocking at Woodward Park, with an 11:00.60 3200 meter best from last spring's Track and Field season.. Pictured with Katarina are Coach Jay Stepp (Head Cross Country) & Coach Justin Monical (Head Track Coach)
 Kevyn Murphy (Mira Costa, Manhattan Beach) signs her letter of intent to continue her running at Arizona State for former Arroyo Grande star Coach Louie Quintana. Kevyn raced under 5:00 for 1600 meters during her prep career and has a clocking at Woodward Park still ranked among the top dozen frosh athletes in course history. This past Fall she was 30th in the Foot Locker West Regional competition. She is pictured with Kirtsen Leetch, former Palos Verdes HS State 3200 Champ and five-time NCAA All-American at UC Berkeley, who has advised Kevyn in her running.
 Jonathan Sanchez (Buchanan, Clovis) signs with Duke University. Jonathan has had a great career out of the Central Section, with the Bear squad finishing second in the State Meet to the great Dana Hills team, with the groups racing to the #2 and #3 team times in Woodward Park course history! Jonathan was third individually D1 at the State Meet, with the Buchanan group moving on to the NXN competition, finishing ninth overall there, with Jonathan 18th in that competition. On the track Sanchez had 1600 and 3200 meter bests of 4:17.48 and 9:10.38 last spring, with a ninth at the State Meet 3200 that followed Central Section individual runner-up efforts over 1600 and 3200 to Chris Schwartz (Foothill, Bakersfield)
 Michelle Anumba (Los Osos) also signs her letter of intent at ACC power Duke. Anumba is an impressive all-around talent who was second in the State Track Meet last May in the Shot Put. She made some fine improvement in that event during the summer and returns as the number two thrower in the State at 46-02, and among the top fifteen in the entire nation returning for the 2009 season! She is also a fine sprinter and hurdler, with a 4150 point total this summer in the Heptathlon while placing fourth in the USATF JO Young Women's division (ages 17-18). She is among the nation's top twenty in that multi-event during an abbreviated career here.
 Chloe Allen (Clovis West, Fresno) signs her letter of intent with the University of Arizona Allen was sixth this past Fall in the Central Section at the Division I level in Cross Country, with a fine early 17:29 at the Woodbridge Invitational. In track last year she was third in the Central Section in both the 1600 and 3200 meter events, with a 14th at the State Meet competition over the eight lap distance. She had 5:02.46 (1600) and 11:00.25 (3200) bests during the 2008 spring track season.
Justin Siena (Napa) all-around star Kevin Cardey signs with the Stanford Cardinals with an eye to a career in the muti-events. The North Coast star did the "multi" routine in 2008 at the NCS Class "A" Track and Field Championships, winning the 400, placing third in the Long Jump, and fourth in the High Jump!
 Andie Banuelos (Woodcrest Christian, Riverside) signs her letter of intent to continue her running at Cal Baptist (Riverside). Sixth runner on the Woodcrest State runner-up squad this past November, Banuelos has shown the ability to compete at the Collegiate level with continued work. She comes from one of the State's most successful programs in the harrier sport.
 Lexie Bravo (Los Osos HS, Rancho Cucamonga) signs her letter of intent with the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Bravo, the Los Osos Homecoming Queen this Fall, was fifth in the Baseline League Final competiton this past Fall, with a twenty-fifth place finish in the Stanford Girls Division I contest in late September. Lexie is pictured with all three CC coaches (L-R) Mike Volosin, Shelly Mendez, and Michael Oravets.
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