MSU Track And Field Adds Amite County Duo
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Mississippi State University head track and field coach Al Schmidt has announced the signing of Amite County (Miss.) High School standouts Antrese Banks and Gabrielle Dillion to national letters-of-intent. The duo will begin competing for the Lady Bulldogs during the 2005-06 season.
The pair will work closely with assistant coach Mike Cunningham, who oversees women's sprints, jumps and hurdles.
"I'm very excited to get these two state champions from Amite County," Cunningham said. "It's always a great thing when we can land the top talent in the state of Mississippi. Both Antrese and Gabrielle have made excellent achievements in the classroom and on the track. I believe they will continue this tradition and represent Mississippi State with class."
Banks is an all-State and all-District selection for a combined eight years. This past weekend, she won the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A girls' 200- and 400-meter dash titles. Along with fellow signee Dillion, ACHS took home the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relay titles.
Her personal bests include 24.2 in the 200-meter dash and 56.0 in the 400-meter dash. While at ACHS, Banks has been named Most Valuable Runner and Most Seasoned. During summer track, her 4x100-meter relay squad finished second at nationals and Banks earned all-America honors in the 400-meter dash at the Junior Olympics.
Outside of track, Banks is senior class president at ACHS, president of the Christian Fellowship and involved with First Priority and the Beta Club. She is also actively involved with the dance troupe at her church.
"I'm looking forward to running against some of the best runners in the country," Banks said. "I like the environment in Starkville, and I'm hoping to get a good education."
Banks plans to major in physical therapy at State and is the daughter of Kathy and James Banks.
Dillion is a five-time all-American in the 100-meter dash (2002), 4x100-meter relay (2001, 2002, 2004) and 4x400-meter relay (2002). She has been an all-State selection in the 4x100-, 4x200- and 4x400-meter relays. This past weekend, she was a part of the ACHS team that took home the 4x100- and 4x200-meter relay titles at the state meet.
Her personal records include 11.78 in the 100-meter dash, 24.6 in the 200-meter dash and 56.0 in the 400-meter dash.
The six-time all-District selection has been named to Who's Who Among American High School Students and is a member of the junior drill team and usher board at her church.
"It's great to be able to stay in-state," Dillion said. "I'll be running at a different level so it will be more challenging. It's going to be fun. I hope to graduate, win and break records."
Dillon is the daughter of Dollie and L.S. Patterson and intends to seek a degree in psychology.