Cross Country coach Brad Herbster chats with runner Adu Dentamo before a race in the fall. |
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Cross Country Announces Signees for 2007 Season
May 4, 2007
Charlotte, N.C. - The Charlotte 49ers men and women's cross country programs signed several outstanding student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during the recent signing period with seven athletes joining the 49ers' programs next fall.
Dakota Lowery has made a name for himself among his peers and rivals in the state of North Carolina. In his senior campaign at West Johnston High School in Benson, NC, he boasted outstanding performances in cross country finishing 13th at the 2006 Footlocker South Championships in a time of 15:24. That was his second time hitting that mark during the season. Lowery has already run 4:14 and 9:21 this spring for the 1600 and 3200 meter runs respectfully.
"Getting Dakota was one of my focuses to solidify the needs of the team," said cross country head coach Brad Herbster. "Dakota brings great attributes and athletic ability to an already strong returning team."
Anticipating the loss of seniors Jane Daniels and Amelia Slagle the 49ers reloaded with what is probably the best recruiting class on women's side in team history. Herbster and the Niners are looking forward to the 2007 cross country season with great expectations.
Nicole Quagliana who signed during the early period last fall has excelled in the 800 meters running a personal best 2:15.10 as a junior at Mount Olive High School in Flanders, NJ. Quagliana will join the cross country team this fall and run middle distance for the track and field team next spring.
"Nicole was our first signee," said Herbster, "and helped lay the foundation to this great class that we are bringing in next fall, the team will benefit tremendously from her talent and drive."
Joining Quagliana is another New Jersey (Franklinville) standout from Delsea Regional High School, Amanda Goetschius. According to Dyestat.com Amanda finished her 2007 indoor track campaign with the 12th fastest 3200m time in the nation for high school girls in 10:52.05.
"Amanda will be an immediate impact within the program and the conference," said Herbster. "Goetschius is a special athlete that we are very excited about."
Another great pick up for the Niner's distance squad next fall is Keara Thomas, a senior from The Governor's Academy in Byfield, MA. Keara was undefeated throughout her high school cross country career in the state of Massachusetts and has run 5:14 for the mile.
"Keara's determination and will to win will bring huge success for us next fall," said Herbster. "She is a big addition and gives us great depth as a team. Being undefeated at any level is impressive."
From Rockville, MD, Magruder High School standout Laura McCary has also signed with Charlotte. McCary is expected to compete for a top seven spot and potentially crack the top five next fall. With personal best times in the 3200m and 1600m at 11:22 and 5:14, McCary will no doubt be looked to as a big contributor.
"Laura's form and work ethic are the perfect combination for her to do great things at Charlotte, and we are thrilled to get an athlete like her," said Herbster.
From nearby Huntersville and Monroe, the 49ers received letters of intent from two of the area's prominent middle distance runners.
Jackie Ross (Hopewell High School) in her first year of running track (having played soccer previously) has been unbeaten in every 800 meter race she has contested.
"Jackie was a great find, watching her compete sold me on her potential," Herbster added. "After talking with Jackie and getting to know her we knew instantly that she would also bring a raised level of determination to be successful at the collegiate level."
Christina Hobbs (Sun Valley High School) is a local talent that is sure to make headlines for the Niners. Hobbs was the NCHSAA AAA State runner-up last year in the 800 meter dash.
On Hobbs, Herbster said, "I've been following Christina's career since last year and she continues to impress us with her consistent performances. "She will be another integral component towards our achievements next season."
The Charlotte women finished third and the men fifth at the Atlantic 10 Cross Country Championships last fall.
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