MSU Track & Field Announces 2011 Signing Class
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Mississippi State head track and field coach Steve Dudley announced on Tuesday 24 standout athletes have signed national letters of intent to join the Bulldogs beginning with the 2012 season.
“The 2011 track and field signees have to be one of the most talented groups we have signed,” Dudley said.
Nathan Arnett; Fort Dodge, Iowa (Iowa Central CC)
Dudley on Arnett: “We are very excited about adding Nathan to our team, anytime you add a national champion your team improves.”
Personal Highlights: National JUCO Champion in 400m hurdles … Multi JUCO All-American … Personal Records: 7.86 (60m hurdles (indoor), 51.01 (400m hurdles (outdoor)
Erica Bougard; Byhalia, Miss. (Byhalia HS)
Dudley on Bougard: “Erica is a very talented athlete in many different areas. She will make an immediate impact to our women’s program.”
Personal Highlights: Multi-time State Champion in long jump, 400m, triple jump, and hurdles … Personal Records: 19.45’ (LJ), 14.8 (100m hurdles), 55.25 (400m), 39’4.25’ (TJ), 2:20.85 (800m), 4658 (heptathlon).
Ebony Brinker; Pontotoc, Miss. (Pontotoc High School)
Dudley on Brinker: “Multi-talented athlete that also brings a championship attitude.”
Personal Highlights: 2010 4A State Triple Jump Champion … Multi-time State Champion … Personal Records: 19’1” (LJ), 38’3” (TJ), 16.70 (100m hurdles)
Austin Britton; Bucyrus, Ohio (Colonel Crawford HS)
Dudley on Britton: “We continue to try and improve in the field areas and Austin helps us in the throws areas.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Record: 170 ft (javelin)
Carmen Brothers; Hammond, LA (Saint Thomas HS)
Dudley on Brothers: “It is always great to get a state champion. Carmen is one of the best runners in Louisiana and we are extremely happy to have her join the bulldog family”
Personal Highlights: LA 2A State Cross Country Champion…Personal Record: 11:32 (3200m), 18:38 3 (mile XC)
Jenika Buckhalter; Olive Branch, Miss. (Center Hill HS)
Dudley on Buckhalter: “The state of Mississippi had several talented horizontal jump athletes this year with Jenika being one of them.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Record: 18’9” (LJ)
Jessica Comer; Caledonia, Miss. (Caledonia HS)
Dudley on Comer: “We are really excited to sign Jessica. It is always important for our program to sign the best young athletes from our state. Jessica is a multi-time state champion and will be an exciting addition to our program.”
Personal Highlights: 2010 MS High School Cross Country State Champion … 2010 800m State Champion … Third place in the 1600m and 3200m at the 2010 MS State Cross Country Championship… Personal Records: 2:21.75 (800m), 5:28.7 (1600m), 12:09.5 (3200m), 15:32 (4K XC)
Sam Cox; Memphis, Tenn. (Memphis University School)
Dudley on Cox: “”Sam is another state champion that brings talent in the pole vault event.”
Personal Highlights: Tennessee D-II Pole Vault Champion … Personal Record: 14’6” (pole vault)
Abbie Dill; Dayton, Tenn. (Baylor HS)
Dudley on Dill: “Multi-time state champion in the high jump that will help the field event area immediately.”
Personal Highlights: Two-Time Tennessee State D-II High Jump Champion … Personal Record: 5’7” (HJ)
Mathew Dunn; Decatur, Ala. (Austin HS)
Dudley on Dunn: “Mathew is one of the best distance runners in Alabama and we are excited to add him our cross country squad and our track and field team.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 4:34.36 (1600m), 15:40.52 (5000m XC)
Dianna Eddington; Riceville, Tenn. (McMinn Central HS)
Dudley on Eddington: “Dianna is a very talented and versatile distance runner with effective range from the mile up through cross country. She is a great addition in both cross country and track and field.”
Personal Highlights: Four-time All-State cross country … Two-time 1600m Tennessee Runner-Up … Personal Records: 5:12 (1600m), 11:30.83 (3200m), 5:05.33 (mile), 63:94 (600m), 2:25.38 (800m)
Jacob Fuller; Huntsville, Ala. (Huntsville HS)
Dudley on Fuller: “A talented distance runner that has huge potential and we expect to be a big contributor to our program.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 15:50.99 (5K XC), 4:31.23 (1600m)
Katie Gentry; Pontotoc, Miss. (Pontotoc, MS)
Dudley on Gentry: “State champion pole vaulter that brings not only her talent but her love for the Bulldogs to Starkville.”
Personal Highlights: 2010 4A State Pole Vault Champion … Personal Record: 10’2” (pole vault)
Maureen Gross; Greismer, LA (Dutchtown HS)
Dudley on Gross: “Talented throw athlete that should develop into a quality hammer and weight thrower.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 130’7” (Discus), 33’4 (shot)
Tarique Hill; Centennial, CO (Eaglecrest HS)
Dudley on Hill: “Juco all-american that adds depth to our short hurdle areas.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 14.04 (110m hurdles (college)), 13.97 (110m hurdles (high school))
Jasmyn Johnson; Horn Lake, Miss. (Horn Lake High School)
Dudley on Johnson: “Another in state horizontal jumper that we are very excited to get on campus.”
Personal Highlights: Multi-time All-State in long jump and 100m … Personal Records: 18’10” (LJ), 12.20 (100m) …Team basketball Championship
Jodie McGuff; Tallahassee, FL (Lawton Chiles HS)
Dudley on McGuff: “A talented distance runner that comes from a very successful championship high school program. She will bring not only a lot of talent but a championship attitude as well.”
Personal Highlights: 10th at Florida State Cross Country Championships … Eighth place in 3200m at Florida State Championships … 3 time state champion … Personal Records: 5:28 (1600), 11:32.03 (3200), 18:43.52 (5K)
Emma Neigel; Athabasca, Canada (Edwin Parr Comp. School)
Dudley on Neigel: “Emma brings to Mississippi State an enormous amount of talent and work ethic that is going to propel her to great accomplishments. Emma is going to be an important part of our team in the coming years.”
Personal Highlights: Fourth at 2010 Alberta Athletic Association Cross Country Championships … Third at 2009 Alberta Athletic Association Cross Country Championships … Personal Records: 10:32 (3K), 4:49 (1500m), 16:55 (5K XC)
Megan Rayford; Byhalia, Miss. (Byhalia High School)
Dudley on Rayford: “Very athletic track and field athlete that has huge potential to become a national athlete.”
Personal Highlights: Multi-time All-State … Personal Records: 15.94 (100m hurdles), 49.36 (300m hurdles)
Steve Shoto; Pearl, Miss. (Pearl High School)
Dudley on Shoto: “A huge talent that will have an immediate impact in our distance events.”
Personal Highlights: Multi-time State Champion in 800m and relays … 48.66 (400m), 1:53.81 (800m)
Madeleine Takahashi; Sturgis, SD (Sturgis HS)
Dudley on Takahashi: “Madeleine brings some great running credentials with her to MSU. Her experience winning both individual and team state championships in South Dakota will be a great asset to our team.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 11:08 (3200m) and 5:02 (1600m), 14:57 (4K), 11:08 (3200m)
Morrie Turner; Batesville, Miss. (Hinds Community College)
Dudley on Turner: “Juco all-american long jumper that will help to continue to improve our field areas.”
Personal Highlights: JUCO All-American in long jump … Personal record 24’3” (LJ)
Katelyn Walker; Madison, Miss. (Madison Central HS)
Coach on Walker: “Katelyn is one of the best young distance girls in Mississippi. We know how important it is to try to get as much of the in state talent that we can. We are really excited to add Katelyn to our women’s program.”
Personal Highlights: Third place at 2010 Mississippi State Track and Field Meet in the 1600m … Personal Records: 5:24 (1600m), 2:23 (800m)
Matthew Weickert; Suwanee, GA. (Peachtree Ridge HS)
Dudley on Weickhart: “Matt is a talented young distance runner that brings a lot of desire and toughness with him.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 9:38.29 (3200m), 15:45.52 (5K XC)
“The 2011 track and field signees have to be one of the most talented groups we have signed,” Dudley said.
Nathan Arnett; Fort Dodge, Iowa (Iowa Central CC)
Dudley on Arnett: “We are very excited about adding Nathan to our team, anytime you add a national champion your team improves.”
Personal Highlights: National JUCO Champion in 400m hurdles … Multi JUCO All-American … Personal Records: 7.86 (60m hurdles (indoor), 51.01 (400m hurdles (outdoor)
Erica Bougard; Byhalia, Miss. (Byhalia HS)
Dudley on Bougard: “Erica is a very talented athlete in many different areas. She will make an immediate impact to our women’s program.”
Personal Highlights: Multi-time State Champion in long jump, 400m, triple jump, and hurdles … Personal Records: 19.45’ (LJ), 14.8 (100m hurdles), 55.25 (400m), 39’4.25’ (TJ), 2:20.85 (800m), 4658 (heptathlon).
Ebony Brinker; Pontotoc, Miss. (Pontotoc High School)
Dudley on Brinker: “Multi-talented athlete that also brings a championship attitude.”
Personal Highlights: 2010 4A State Triple Jump Champion … Multi-time State Champion … Personal Records: 19’1” (LJ), 38’3” (TJ), 16.70 (100m hurdles)
Austin Britton; Bucyrus, Ohio (Colonel Crawford HS)
Dudley on Britton: “We continue to try and improve in the field areas and Austin helps us in the throws areas.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Record: 170 ft (javelin)
Carmen Brothers; Hammond, LA (Saint Thomas HS)
Dudley on Brothers: “It is always great to get a state champion. Carmen is one of the best runners in Louisiana and we are extremely happy to have her join the bulldog family”
Personal Highlights: LA 2A State Cross Country Champion…Personal Record: 11:32 (3200m), 18:38 3 (mile XC)
Jenika Buckhalter; Olive Branch, Miss. (Center Hill HS)
Dudley on Buckhalter: “The state of Mississippi had several talented horizontal jump athletes this year with Jenika being one of them.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Record: 18’9” (LJ)
Jessica Comer; Caledonia, Miss. (Caledonia HS)
Dudley on Comer: “We are really excited to sign Jessica. It is always important for our program to sign the best young athletes from our state. Jessica is a multi-time state champion and will be an exciting addition to our program.”
Personal Highlights: 2010 MS High School Cross Country State Champion … 2010 800m State Champion … Third place in the 1600m and 3200m at the 2010 MS State Cross Country Championship… Personal Records: 2:21.75 (800m), 5:28.7 (1600m), 12:09.5 (3200m), 15:32 (4K XC)
Sam Cox; Memphis, Tenn. (Memphis University School)
Dudley on Cox: “”Sam is another state champion that brings talent in the pole vault event.”
Personal Highlights: Tennessee D-II Pole Vault Champion … Personal Record: 14’6” (pole vault)
Abbie Dill; Dayton, Tenn. (Baylor HS)
Dudley on Dill: “Multi-time state champion in the high jump that will help the field event area immediately.”
Personal Highlights: Two-Time Tennessee State D-II High Jump Champion … Personal Record: 5’7” (HJ)
Mathew Dunn; Decatur, Ala. (Austin HS)
Dudley on Dunn: “Mathew is one of the best distance runners in Alabama and we are excited to add him our cross country squad and our track and field team.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 4:34.36 (1600m), 15:40.52 (5000m XC)
Dianna Eddington; Riceville, Tenn. (McMinn Central HS)
Dudley on Eddington: “Dianna is a very talented and versatile distance runner with effective range from the mile up through cross country. She is a great addition in both cross country and track and field.”
Personal Highlights: Four-time All-State cross country … Two-time 1600m Tennessee Runner-Up … Personal Records: 5:12 (1600m), 11:30.83 (3200m), 5:05.33 (mile), 63:94 (600m), 2:25.38 (800m)
Jacob Fuller; Huntsville, Ala. (Huntsville HS)
Dudley on Fuller: “A talented distance runner that has huge potential and we expect to be a big contributor to our program.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 15:50.99 (5K XC), 4:31.23 (1600m)
Katie Gentry; Pontotoc, Miss. (Pontotoc, MS)
Dudley on Gentry: “State champion pole vaulter that brings not only her talent but her love for the Bulldogs to Starkville.”
Personal Highlights: 2010 4A State Pole Vault Champion … Personal Record: 10’2” (pole vault)
Maureen Gross; Greismer, LA (Dutchtown HS)
Dudley on Gross: “Talented throw athlete that should develop into a quality hammer and weight thrower.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 130’7” (Discus), 33’4 (shot)
Tarique Hill; Centennial, CO (Eaglecrest HS)
Dudley on Hill: “Juco all-american that adds depth to our short hurdle areas.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 14.04 (110m hurdles (college)), 13.97 (110m hurdles (high school))
Jasmyn Johnson; Horn Lake, Miss. (Horn Lake High School)
Dudley on Johnson: “Another in state horizontal jumper that we are very excited to get on campus.”
Personal Highlights: Multi-time All-State in long jump and 100m … Personal Records: 18’10” (LJ), 12.20 (100m) …Team basketball Championship
Jodie McGuff; Tallahassee, FL (Lawton Chiles HS)
Dudley on McGuff: “A talented distance runner that comes from a very successful championship high school program. She will bring not only a lot of talent but a championship attitude as well.”
Personal Highlights: 10th at Florida State Cross Country Championships … Eighth place in 3200m at Florida State Championships … 3 time state champion … Personal Records: 5:28 (1600), 11:32.03 (3200), 18:43.52 (5K)
Emma Neigel; Athabasca, Canada (Edwin Parr Comp. School)
Dudley on Neigel: “Emma brings to Mississippi State an enormous amount of talent and work ethic that is going to propel her to great accomplishments. Emma is going to be an important part of our team in the coming years.”
Personal Highlights: Fourth at 2010 Alberta Athletic Association Cross Country Championships … Third at 2009 Alberta Athletic Association Cross Country Championships … Personal Records: 10:32 (3K), 4:49 (1500m), 16:55 (5K XC)
Megan Rayford; Byhalia, Miss. (Byhalia High School)
Dudley on Rayford: “Very athletic track and field athlete that has huge potential to become a national athlete.”
Personal Highlights: Multi-time All-State … Personal Records: 15.94 (100m hurdles), 49.36 (300m hurdles)
Steve Shoto; Pearl, Miss. (Pearl High School)
Dudley on Shoto: “A huge talent that will have an immediate impact in our distance events.”
Personal Highlights: Multi-time State Champion in 800m and relays … 48.66 (400m), 1:53.81 (800m)
Madeleine Takahashi; Sturgis, SD (Sturgis HS)
Dudley on Takahashi: “Madeleine brings some great running credentials with her to MSU. Her experience winning both individual and team state championships in South Dakota will be a great asset to our team.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 11:08 (3200m) and 5:02 (1600m), 14:57 (4K), 11:08 (3200m)
Morrie Turner; Batesville, Miss. (Hinds Community College)
Dudley on Turner: “Juco all-american long jumper that will help to continue to improve our field areas.”
Personal Highlights: JUCO All-American in long jump … Personal record 24’3” (LJ)
Katelyn Walker; Madison, Miss. (Madison Central HS)
Coach on Walker: “Katelyn is one of the best young distance girls in Mississippi. We know how important it is to try to get as much of the in state talent that we can. We are really excited to add Katelyn to our women’s program.”
Personal Highlights: Third place at 2010 Mississippi State Track and Field Meet in the 1600m … Personal Records: 5:24 (1600m), 2:23 (800m)
Matthew Weickert; Suwanee, GA. (Peachtree Ridge HS)
Dudley on Weickhart: “Matt is a talented young distance runner that brings a lot of desire and toughness with him.”
Personal Highlights: Personal Records: 9:38.29 (3200m), 15:45.52 (5K XC)