ODU Signs 35 As Part of First Track and Field Recruiting Class
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Head track and field and cross country coach Paul Benedict announced the signing of 35 student-athletes to comprise the first track and field recruiting class in school history. Of that group, nine will also run cross country, which is in its eighth year of existence at ODU.
"It would be an understatement to say I am excited for the first track and field team here at ODU," Benedict said. "With the recruiting class coming in, we should be able to compete right out of the box in every event. The enthusiasm that this class brings to campus is contagious, and this enthusiasm, mixed with their talent, will be very impressive."
The program, which was added in December, 2010, will compete for the first time as a full unit starting with the indoor season this winter. Several cross country runners competed in outdoor meets this past spring.
"Our drive and motivation will surprise a lot of teams, and I believe we can overcome a lot of 'first year' adversities and ultimately compete at a higher level," Benedict said. "I know these student-athletes will thrive in this opportunity."
The women's cross country team will be bolstered with the addition of four student-athletes to a squad that finished 12th in the GLIAC last season. The Panthers return 10 runners from last year's squad.
"The mixture of our senior leadership and experience with the incoming talent should allow us to turn a lot of heads and compete in every meet we attend this year," Benedict said. "The athletes coming in will provide not only talent but a step in the right direction towards establishing a competitive program. I don't think this team knows the potential they are capable of reaching and I know this will be exciting to watch. My goal is to have five women finish under 20 minutes and have fun doing it."
On the men's side, the Panthers bring back five runners from 2010 and will receive added depth with the incoming freshman class.
"With the freshman class coming in this, should be our best season as a team," Benedict said. "My goal this year is to have five guys finish under 30 minutes. We will now have depth on the men's side, which will help us compete in our conference and throughout the year. This team's dynamic is great, and I know will grow into something very special. When you have student-athletes who are willing to be coached, improvement and success comes easy."
Following are the bios of the signees, broken down by sport:
Men's Track & Field
Kenny Brown
Sprints
Westerville, Ohio/Big Walnut High School
Intended Major: Physical Therapy
High School: Ran for Eric Meyers at Big Walnut High School…Took titles in 400m and 4x200m at the 2010 Central District indoor meet…Recognized as team's most improved runner in 2009…Placed fourth in 4x400m and sixth in the 4x200m relay at the 2010 outdoor state meet…Helped team to 2009 district championship...Also played football and basketball.
Personal: Son of Mike and Teresa Brown…Has two brothers, Michael and Jack.
Don (Ashton) Hall
Sprints
Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne High School
Intended Major: Information Science
High School: Ran for Mike Fernandez at Wayne High School…Placed fifth at the Ohio Indoor State Meet…Also played football.
Personal: Son of Charlene Hall.
Tyler Fifer
Jumps
Westerville, Ohio/Big Walnut High School
Intended Major: Sport Management
High School: Jumped for Eric Myers at Big Walnut High School…Won state indoor title in triple jump, setting a state record, while finishing fourth in high jump and seventh in long jump…Set school records in high jump (6-10.25) and triple jump (45-7.5)…Won Division I district title in high jump…Also played football and bowled.
Personal: Son of Jack and Angela Fifer.
Sean James
Hurdles
Columbus, Ohio/Eastmoor Academy
Aaron Johnson
Hurdles
Troy, Ohio/Troy High School
Intended Major: Education
High School: Ran for Deon Metz at Troy High School…Voted 2011 Greater Western Ohio Conference North Track Athlete of the Year…GWOC North champion in the 110m hurdles and 300m hurdles…Two-time Division I regional qualifier in 110m hurdles…Elected team captain as senior, helping team bring home school-record six trophies... Also played football and basketball and ran cross country.
Personal: Son of Aaron and Stephanie Johnson…Has two siblings: Gregory and Gabrielle.
Trey Hammons-Scott
Hurdles
Huber Heights, Ohio/Wayne High School
Intended Major: Public Relations
High School: Ran for Mike Fernandez at Wayne High School…Earned First-Team All-Greater Western Ohio Conference honors…Two-time All-American Indoor honoree in 4x55 shuttle hurdles and 4x110m outdoor shuttle hurdles…2011 district champion in 110m hurdles…2011 state qualifier in 110m hurdles…2011 indoor state qualifier in 60m hurdles…Nike Track national qualifier in 2010…Personal-best of 14.54 in 110m hurdles…Also played football in high school.
Personal: Son of Beth Miller and Dwight Scott…Has four siblings: Bryson, Aubrey, Ryleigh and Iverson.
Xavier Leonard
Sprints
Atlanta, Ga./Alpharetta High School
Intended Major: Psychology
High School: Ran for Nichole Hudson at Alpharetta High School…Three-year varsity letter-winner…Helped guide team to a regional championship in 2011…Member of regional champion 4x400m and 4x100m relay teams…Regional runner-up in 100m dash…Seventh place finish in 4x400m relay at state meet…Also played football.
Personal: Son of LaKenya Wharton and Xavier Leonard, Sr. ...Has three siblings: Shekiera, De'juan and Dante.
Cameron Lowe
Middle Distance
Chillicothe, Ohio/Chillicothe High School
Intended Major: Exercise Science
High School: Ran for Keegan Rathkamp at Chillicothe High School...State qualifier in 4x400m relay as a sophomore and junior, 800m as a junior and 4x800m relay as a senior...Placed eighth in 4x400 at state meet as a junior...Won conference titles in 800m, 4x400m relay...Also played basketball and soccer.
Personal: Son of Wendell and Tamra Lowe...Has one brother, Donavan.
Jahleel Mullins
Throws
Columbus, Ohio/Africentric High School
Intended Major: Early Childhood Education
High School: Record holder in shot put and discus at Africentric...All-state, all-district and all-conference performer in football...Also played basketball and bowled...Member of National Honor Society.
Personal: Son of Miss Mullins...Has three siblings: Derrius, Aliyah and Kiani Mullins...Kiani is a member of the women's track and field team.
Dillon Seckman
Jumps/Sprints
Westerville, Ohio/Westerville Central High School
Intended Major: Journalism/Mass Communications
High School: Ran for Justin Rush at Westerville Central High School…Earned all-state recognition as a senior…Named second-team all-conference and second-team all-district as a senior…Helped guide team to a conference championship in 2011…Also played football and set school-record for most receptions in single-game.
Personal: Son of Jason and Wendy Seckman…Has one brother, Jason, Jr.
Jordan Singleton
Decathlon
Alpharetta, Ga./Alpharetta High School
Intended Major: Sociology
High School: Ran for Nichole Hudson at Alpharetta High School…Regional discus champion in 2011…Regional shot put runner-up in 2011…Fulton County shot put champion…Placed eighth and ninth at state meet in shot put and discus, respectively…Also played football.
Personal: Son of Darryl and Benita Singleton…Has two sisters, Mateika and Dominique.
Dominick Smith
Middle Distance
Dayton, Ohio/Northmont High School
Intended Major: Criminal Studies
High School: Ran for Anthony Broeing at Northmont High School…Made special mention all-conference as a member of 4x800m relay team as a senior…Qualified for regional meet in 4x800m.
Personal: Son of Kenneth Sr. and Jennifer Adams…Has two siblings, Imani Smith and Kenneth Adams, Jr.
Justin Trawick
Jumps
Canton, Ohio/GlenOak High School
Chris Witcher
Sprints
North Canton, Ohio/GlenOak High School
Intended Major: Criminal Justice
High School: Ran for Scott Ferrell at GlenOak High School…Member of the first place 4x200m relay team that took first at the Champions Orange Bowl Relays…Helped the 4x100m relay team finish first at the Poland Invitational Meet…Placed eighth in 4x200m relay at regional meet…Also wrestled.
Personal: Son of Ernest Witcher and Dionne Bell…Has one sister, Kristin Kirkland.
Aaron Yoe
Jumps/Sprints
North Lewisburg, Ohio/Triad High School
Intended Major: Sport Management
High School: Ran for Payton Printz at Triad High School…Named to All-Ohio Heritage Conference team and All-Champaign County team his senior year…Four-year varsity letter-winner…Named team MVP his senior year…Finished sixth in 200m dash at regional finals his senior year…Advanced to regional meet in 4x100m relay team as a sophomore…Also played football.
Personal: Son of Lisa Dodd and James Yoe…Has two sisters, Amanda and Shania.
Men's Cross Country
Michael Barber
Distance
New Franklin, Ohio/Manchester High School
Intended Major: Exercise Science
High School: Three-time all-district honoree in cross country and two-time all-district award winner in track…Three-time all-conference performer in cross country and track…Four-time all-district performer in soccer as well…Four-year Academic Award winner…Also played basketball.
Personal: Son of William and Ellen Barber…Has four siblings: Matthew, Maggie, Molly and Mary.
Eli Davis
Distance
North Lewisburg, Ohio/Triad High School
Intended Major: Exercise Science
High School: Ran for Doug Miller at Triad High School…Competed in cross country and track and also played football.
Personal: Son of Drew and Heidi Davis…Has one brother, Ethan.
Ethan Miller
Distance
Monclova, Ohio/Anthony Wayne High School
Intended Major: Pre-Health Professional
High School: Four-year letterwinner in track and cross country…Captain of both teams…Earned scholastic honors and Presidential Academic Award.
Personal: Son of Jeff and Vickie Miller…Has two brothers, Caleb and Noah.
Matthew Richardson
Distance
Columbus, Ohio/Bishop Watterson High School
Intended Major: Nursing
High School: Ran for Matt McGowan at Bishop Watterson High School…Earned All-Central Catholic League honors in 2008, 2009 and 2010 in cross country…First-team All-Central Catholic League in 2009, 2010 and 2011 in track…All-District cross country honoree in 2009…District champion in 1600m in 2011…Regional qualifier in 1600m in 2010 and 2011…Helped guide team to cross country district championship in 2009…Also played ice hockey.
Personal: Son of Rich and Patti Richardson…Has three siblings: Michael, Megan and Madeline.
Jason Williams
Middle Distance
Powell, Ohio/Dublin Scioto High School
Women's Track & Field
Marissa Clark 
Sprints
Dallas, Texas/Olentangy High School
Intended Major: Education
High School: Ran for Marty Hunt at Olentangy High School…Set freshman record on 4x100m relay team and sophomore record on 4x200m relay teams…Competed in Ohio Capital Conference championship and district championships all four years.
Personal: Daughter of Brian and Lisa Clark…Has three siblings: Brianna Thrash, Becca Clark and Estevan Clark.
Jayma Donovan
Throws
Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North High School
Intended Major: Education
High School: Threw for Nathan Geers at Pickerington North High School.
Personal: Daughter of Joe and Billie Jo Donovan…Has three siblings: Joe Joe, J.J. and B.J.
Elizabeth England
Sprints
Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington Central High School
Intended Major: Exercise Science
High School: Ran for Robb Hammond at Pickerington Central High School…Placed eighth at the state meet in the 4x200m relay and won district meet…Honorable Mention All-Ohio Capital Conference selection…Helped team to a pair of OCC titles…Distinguished Scholar…Also was a cheerleader.
Personal: Daughter of Dennis England and Kim Day…Has one brother, Nick, who plays football.
Kimberly Euman
Sprints
Whitehall, Ohio/Whitehall-Yearling
Intended Major: Special Education
High School: Ran for Zach White at Whitehall-Yearling High School...Set school records in 4x100m relay and 4x200m relay...Team MVP...Two-time all-conference performer in basketball and earned honorable mention all-conference in volleyball...Named "Most Athletic" in senior class...Honor roll student.
Personal: Daughter of Josie and Ken Euman...Has five siblings: Laura Koch, Jolene Eckstein, Stephen Euman, James Euman and Sarah Euman.
Charde Gaiter
Throws
Westerville, Ohio/Westerville Central High School
Intended Major: Criminal Justice
High School: Threw for coach Ryan Borlin at Westerville Central High School...Four-year letterwinner...Helped team to three district appearances...Three-time Outstanding Scholar Athlete award winner...Named team's Most Improved Athlete as a junior.
Personal: Daughter of Cynthia Lovelace-Gaiter and Antoine Gaiter.
Kiani Mullins
Throws
Columbus, Ohio/Africentric High School
Larresha Palmer
Sprints
Reynoldsburg, Ohio/Pickerington Central High School
Jaelyn Rhodes
Sprints
Louisville, Ky./Olentangy Liberty High School
Intended Major: Dentistry
Personal: Daughter of Kimberly and James Rhodes III…Has four siblings: Kevin, Matthew, James IV and Jashua.
Katlyn Rini
Distance
Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North High School
Intended Major: Exercise Science and Biology
High School: Ran for James Langenderfer at Pickerington North High School…Four-year varsity letter-winner in track…Lettered in cross country her senior year…Helped cross country team win Ohio Capital Conference meet…Distinguished Honor Roll all four years…Member of National Honor Society her junior and senior years…Also swam.
Personal: Daughter of Eric and Melisa Rini.
Cassie Stevens
Hurdles
Wheelersburg, Ohio/Notre Dame High School
Intended Major: Early Childhood Education/Intervention Specialist
High School: Ran for John Taylor at Notre Dame High School…Earned First-Team All-Southern Ohio Conference honors in track…Also earned Second-Team All-Southern Ohio Conference accolades in track during her career…Holds school record for 300m hurdles…Made Second-Team All-Southern Ohio Conference in swimming…Member of National Honor Society…Also played tennis and ran cross country.
Personal: Daughter of Cathy and Scott Stevens…Has one sibling, Corey.
Lindsay White
Hurdles/Sprints/Jumps
Pickerington, Ohio/Pickerington North High School
Intended Major: Graphic Design
High School: Ran for James Langenderfer at Pickerington North High School…Four-year varsity letter-winner in track…District qualifier…Named Ohio Capital Conference Athlete of the Month…High Honor Roll student.
Personal: Daughter of Dwayne and Linda White…Has one sibling, Laura Gillenwater…Great-uncle, Raymond Keim, pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Women's Cross Country
Rachel Collins
Distance
Dayton, Ohio/Chaminade Julienne High School
Paige Patrick
Distance
Hilliard, Ohio/Bishop Watterson High School
Intended Major: Early Childhood Education
High School: Ran for Matt McGowan at Bishop Watterson High School…Earned All-Central Catholic League honors in 2009…Recorded first-place finishes at Newark Catholic Invitational (2008), Northland Invitational (2009) and Whetstone Invitational (2009)…Second Team All-Central Catholic League performer in 2008…Named team's Most Improved Runner in 2008, Most Valuable Runner in 2009 and team captain in 2009…Personal best of 20:13 in 5K.
Personal: Daughter of Joe Patrick and Becky Szajnuk.
JaCinda Thompson
Distance
Manchester, Ohio/Manchester High School
Intended Major: Undecided
High School: Ran for Victor Bowman at Manchester High School…Named to All-Adams County Cross Country team and Southern Hills All-League Team…Also played basketball.
Personal: Daughter of Jim and Janice Thompson.
Tara Walker
Distance
Lewis Center, Ohio/Olentangy High School
Intended Major: Exercise Science
High School: Ran for Dwight Dewesse at Olentangy High School…Four-year letterwinner in cross country…Named Team MVP in cross country all four years…Elected team captain her junior and senior years…Helped team advance to regional meet.
Personal: Daughter of Laurie and Steve Walker.
Contact: Scott Miles
miless@ohiodominican.edu
