MSU Track Caps Off Signing Class With Two All-Americans
STARKVILLE, Miss. ? Mississippi State Associate Head Track and Field Coach Steve Dudley has announced the signing of Dwight Mullings and Kevin Bowen of Essex College to a national letter-of-intent. Mullings and Bowen will begin competing for the Bulldogs during the 2008-09 season.
Mullings has achieved all-American status both seasons at Essex College in Newark, N.J. under the direction of veteran head coach Michael Smart. Mullings placed first in the 400-meter dash with a time of 47.33 seconds to propel his team to a NJCAA Indoor National Championship in 2007. The sophomore also finished fourth in the 200-meter dash, running a time of 21.65.
In 2008, Mullings took runner-up in the 400-meter dash with a time of 48.41 at the NJCAA Indoor Championships behind teammate Demetrius Pinder.
"Being able to sign Dwight has to cap off this year's recruiting class as one of the best classes in many years,” said Dudley. “Dwight is one if not the top Junior College recruit this year. His short and long sprinting ability will elevate our overall team relay placement at the national championships."
“I signed with MSU because when I came to visit I liked the training area and the weather,” said Mullings. “I also liked the study environment and I liked the way the coaches trained the athletes.”
Mullings is the son of Juliet Williams. His brother, Steve, lettered at MSU in 2005.
Bowen also comes to MSU after a standout career at Essex College. At the 2008 NJCAA Indoor Championships, Bowen posted a top-five finish in the 600-meter run, completing the race in 1:21.19. Bowen also ran the second leg of the runner-up distance medley relay team that finished in a time of 10:17.56. Bowen topped off his last NJCAA Indoor Championship, competing in the 4x800-meter relay, helping the Wolverines to a third-place finish.
"Kevin may be the steal of this year’s recruiting class,” said Dudley. “He had a fantastic indoor season and looks to make his country’s Olympic team this summer. He is a fantastic sprinter and also student.”
“I signed with MSU because when I came to visit two weeks ago, I enjoyed my visit,” said Bowen. “I saw they had a good program and education system. The way their athletic department manages and takes care of their athletes is also very good.”
When coming onto campus in the fall, Bowen plans on majoring in business and information systems. He is the son of Roslyn Bowen.