Women’s Cross Country and Track Adds Eight for 2011-12
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont women's cross country and track and field teams have added depth to their respective rosters with the addition of eight for the 2011-12 campaign. The newest Bruins hail from Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, and Tennessee.
"We are very excited about this class of signees and feel like we will be headed in a very positive direction as a program with these athletes," Head Coach Seth Sheridan said.
"We feel that with the experience gained by our returnees this past season, combined with an exciting, talented group of newcomers, that we will be a much better and deeper cross country and track team this upcoming season."
Nashville native, Maria "Mia" Elbon joins the Bruins after completing her career at Sovereign Grace Academy. A strong distance runner, she has personal records of 11:06 in the 3200m and 18:28 in cross country.
Despite being new to distance running, Ashley Linder has shown great potential to standout and perform well. The Mission Viejo, Calif., native just wrapped her career at Trabuco Hills High and brings with her personal records of 18:06 in cross country and 5:19 in the 1600m.
Grand Rapids, Mich., native Dana Veen rounds out the newest class of distance runners. The Grand Rapids Christian School graduate, who is also new to running, has a personal record of 19:23 in cross country.
"I'm very excited to see what the sprints/jumps group will do this upcoming season," said Assistant Coach Cameron Harvey, who works with the sprinters and jumpers. "I think we have a stellar class of girls to add to a very solid group of returners."
"My goal with recruiting was to bring in some sprinters that were going to be able to help out the team right away and I feel that I was able to do that. I'm also happy with how I was able to fill out to our field events as well. All of them have experience competing at big meets so I think they will be able to handle the transition to college track rather easily."
Adding to the Bruins' sprints and relay corps will be Alexandria, Ky., native Anna Carrigan. She had a very successful four-year career at Campbell County High finishing as a nine-time state champion and two-time NKAC Track Athlete of the Year.
"I'm looking forward to having Anna on the team next year," said Harvey. "She's going to be a big part of our sprints and relays for the next four years. She's a tough competitor that likes to win and knows what it's like to be a champion. Not only is she a great athlete individually, but she's a great teammate as well."
Murfreesboro, Tenn., native Emily Davis will also join BU's sprint and relay corps. During her three years at Oakland High, she helped her relay teams reach state in her first two years, before concentrating on individual events her senior year.
"Emily is going to be a great addition to our team," Harvey said. "With so little experience in the individual events, she has the potential for a lot of growth. Emily will be a big contributor on our relays as well as in the 200m and 400m."
Caylee North comes to Belmont after a successful career at Little Rock (Ark.) Christian Academy where she was a two-time state qualifier in the high jump.
"I think Caylee will benefit greatly with the opportunity to have some consistent coaching and will be able to contribute right away," Harvey said.
Bobbi Walters joins the Bruins after a very successful high school career in Nebraska. The three-time state qualifier in the pole vault at O'Neill High should make an immediate impact for the Bruins in the event.
"Bobbi brings a level of skill and consistency that Belmont has been missing in that area for the last couple of years," Harvey said. "She will be adding to a suddenly deep and competitive group of Belmont women's vaulters next year."
Nashville native TanishaWilliams rounds out the incoming class of sprinters for BU. A strong competitor in the 200m and 400m, the East Literature High graduate will also see action on the relay teams.
"Tanisha will be a great addition to our sprint group," Harvey said. "She is probably expressed more excitement about running her freshman year than any recruit I've ever dealt with. Tanisha has a lot potential and a determination to see herself and her teammates succeed."
