MSU Track Adds National Record Holder Cherry To Talented Signing Class
STARKVILLE, Miss. ? Mississippi State Associate Head Track and Field Coach Steve Dudley has announced the signing of D’Angelo Cherry of Jonesboro, Ga. to a national letter-of-intent. Cherry will begin competing for the Bulldogs during the 2008-09 season.
Cherry became the 55-meter national high school record holder last weekend at the National Scholastic Indoor Championships in New York with his personal-best time of 6.14 seconds. Before Cherry broke the record, the record stood untouched since 1978. En route to his 55-meter superlative, Cherry won the 60-meter dash at the NSIC with his time of 6.66. The senior’s 60-meter time is now fourth all-time.
“I am extremely happy to announce that we have added D’Angelo Cherry to our team,” said Dudley. “He is a national champion and earning this title speaks for itself. D’Angelo is a class act kid and a person that wants to help bring our program to an even higher level. I look forward to working with him.”
Cherry is also the 2007 Georgia State champion in the 100-meter dash after clocking a time of 10.59. Cherry’s top 100 time was notched at the 2007 Golden South Classic (10.32). Cherry was also named to the 2007 Atlanta Track Club all-Metro team for his performances last season.
“I really enjoyed my visit to Mississippi State and I can’t wait to return to my home state and start college there,” said Cherry. “I am looking forward to competing in the Southeastern Conference and seeing how I measure up against the rest of the conference.”
Prior to moving to Georgia, Cherry resided in Biloxi, Miss. and still has family in the area. Outside of competing in track and field, he is a manager for the football and swim teams.
“I think it is a great opportunity for him to be able to compete against big time athletes in the SEC,” said Mt. Zion High School Head Track and Field Coach James Davis. “He is a hard worker and wants to be the best. The competition will bring out the best in him.”
Cherry is the son of Brunetta Cherry and intends on majoring in veterinary medicine.