Lady Bulldogs Add Trinidad Duo To Signing Class

STARKVILLE, Miss. ? Mississippi State University Head Track and Field Coach Al Schmidt has announced the signings of Janeil Bellille and Reyare Thomas of Trinidad, to a national letter-of-intent. Bellille and Thomas will begin their Lady Bulldog careers during the 2008-09 season.

Thomas ran a personal-best 11.78 seconds in the 100-meter dash to capture second place at the 2007 Hampton International Games. The Upper Level Education Institute senior followed up her second-place performance with a personal-best 23.90 in the 200-meter dash, taking first place.

"I am excited to have the opportunity to help these two talented young ladies reach their goals,” said assistant coach Bryan Fetzer. “They both have the abilities to be NCAA All-Americans and represent Trinidad on the international level for a long time."

Thomas has represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2007 Pan American Games, 2007 NACAC Championships and Carifta Games. She will be among the Trinidad and Tobago’s hopefuls for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

“I am looking forward to the experience of coming to Mississippi State,” said Thomas. “It will be a different atmosphere.”

Thomas is the daughter of Veronar Thomas.

Bellille is the current Trinidad and Tobago national junior record holder in the 400-meter hurdles. She is currently ranked sixth on the 2007 IAAF World Junior List. Bellille was named Trinidad and Tobago’s Junior Athlete of the Year in 2007 and represented her home country at the 2005 and 2006 Carifta Games, Pan American Games and at the World Youth Championships in 2005. Bellille joins Thomas as another one of Trinidad and Tobago’s hopefuls for the 2008 Olympics Games.

Bellille is currently ranked second in both the 400-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles. The Chaguanas Senior Comprehensive senior boosted a personal-best 53.43 in the 400-meter dash at the 2007 Hampton International Games. She also has a personal record of 56.94 in the 400-meter hurdles.

“Janeil is a jewel in this year’s signing class, she is ranked sixth in the world in the under 19 age group,” said Schmidt. “She has the chance to be an Olympian for her country before she steps on this campus. Janeil has performed on the world stage and will bring that experience into the SEC. Her signing is huge.”

The Chaguanas Senior Comprehensive senior boosted a personal-best 53.43 in the 400-meter dash at the 2007 Hampton International Games. She also has a personal record of 56.94 in the 400-meter hurdles.

“It will be a pleasure to come to Mississippi State,” said Bellille. “I am looking forward to furthering my studies and continuing my track and field career at Mississippi State. It will also be a great pleasure working with new people.”

Bellille is the daughter of Philcon Bellille and Julieta Griffith.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Lady Bulldogs Add Trinidad Duo To Signing Class