Jan. 6, 2003

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Charlotte 49ers track and field coach Robert Olesen announced today that Amelia Slagle and Amber Youngvall have signed national letters of intent to compete for the 49ers next season. The duo will compete in cross country in 2003 and track and field, beginning in 2004.

Slagle, who is from nearby Huntersville, N.C., is ranked 21st on the all-time North Carolina list for cross country as she finished runner-up at the state 4-A championships in 2000. Competing for North Mecklenburg High School, she placed 10th in the nation in the steeplechase during the High School Outdoor Championships in Raleigh in 2000. She is a four-time all-region selection and has been named all-state once. Slagle is the daughter of Charlie and Nancy Slagle. Her father served as men's soccer coach at Davidson for 21 years.

"Amelia is outstanding runner that will help immediately in cross country next season." Olesen said.

Youngvall will join the team from Hope Mills High School in Hope Mills, N.C. Last season, she broke school records in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs. She has earned all-conference and all-region accolades for both cross and track and field. She lists her top time in the 1,600 at 5:27 and has been timed in the 3,200 at 11:39.2. She is the daughter of Hiram and Malulani Grantham.

"Amber brings a lot of accomplishments with her," Olesen said. "She will make an immediate impact next year in cross country."