Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Track and Field Welcomes Newest Wave of Recruits
9/7/2011 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
Sept. 7, 2011
HUNTINGTON, W.Va.- The 2011-2012 track and field season may not begin for several more weeks, but Head Coach Jeff Small and Assistant Coach Willie Johnson began preparing for it months in advance with the recruitment of the newest wave of track and field talent.
Crystal Walker - Dallas, TX - South Oak Cliff HS (Stephen F. Austin State University)
Collegiate Personal Bests:
Long Jump: 20'1 Triple Jump: 40'10
2011 Southland Conference Indoor Long Jump Champion
Coaches: "Crystal comes to us as a transfer from SFA; she is a veteran athlete that has competed at a high level on a very competitive team. Her experience as a winner should make an immediate impact within the group on and off the track."
Kearra Haynes - Dallas, TX - Skyline HS
HS Personal Bests:
100m: 11.83 200m: 24.45
Multiple time AAU relay champion, State Qualifier, & USATF and AAU National Qualifier
Coaches: "Kearra ran for a very competitive HS team and Track Club. She has competed on the big stage on multiple occasions, and brings valuable experience to the group. She is a former soccer player, so there is a ton of room for her to grow as she continues to dedicate her time fully to track and field."
Alanna Dawkins - Columbus, OH - Franklin Heights HS
HS Personal Bests:
60m: 7.68 100m: 12.21 200m: 24.69 400m: 56.56
6x State Qualifier, 2x Region Runner Up, 6x District Champion, 7x Conference Champion
Coaches: "Alanna is a versatile sprinter. She is very young in track age, and can run anything from the 60m up thru the 400m. I will allow her to find her niche, and then we will narrow our focus. Her versatility will be a welcomed asset to the Lady Herd."
Loren Dyer - Lorton, VA - South County HS
HS Personal Bests:
200m: 25.55 300m: 40.83 400m: 56.50 Long Jump: 18'6 Triple Jump: 38'4
10x State Qualifier, 2x Region Champion, 2x Region Runner Up, 4x District Champion
Coaches: "Loren's talents are spread across many events. She is a natural runner that has recently found her talent in the jumping events. As she continues to learn her craft, and perfect the technical aspects of the events she participates in, she will have a very bright future."
An'Drea Gaither - Berryville, VA - Clarke County HS
HS Personal Bests:
100m: 12.26 200m: 25.64
8x State Qualifier, State Champion, State Runner Up, Region Champion, Region Runner Up
Coaches: "An'Drea may be the gem of the Recruiting Class. She is a former basketball player that decided to concentrate on Track and Field. She has not run on a healthy knee the past couple of years, mainly as a result of the contact she went through as a point guard on the basketball court. None the less she has continued to run faster each year. She is going to be healthy when she arrives in Huntington, so we are excited for her future."
Shaylynn Dickens - Martinsburg, WV - Martinsburg HS
HS Personal Bests:
100m: 12.56 200m: 25.85
5x State Qualifier
Coaches: "Shaylynn was the surprise of the class. She was one of the better athletes in the state of West Virginia and is a lifelong Marshall fan that bleeds green!"
Taylor Kirchwehm - Lutheran South HS - St. Louis, MO
HS Personal Bests:
Pentathlon: 2300 Heptathlon: 2960
Coaches: "Taylor is a welcomed addition to the team. Her potential has yet to be tested. I look for her to do some really good things for us."
Celia Leonard - Mt. Vernon, OH - Mt. Vernon HS
HS Personal Bests:
800: 2:19 1600: 5:08
Coaches: "Celia was a two-time Ohio State Finalist in the 1600. She has a bright future."
Zoe Leonard - Mt. Vernon, OH - Mt. Vernon HS
HS Personal Bests:
800: 2:23 1600: 6:09
Coaches: "Zoe is a hard worker who will provide depth in the distance area."
Look for all of these athletes as they take to their respective tracks and fields for the upcoming season. This year promises to be an exciting one, so come out and support the track and field team at its next event, or follow the action on the official team page.
Players Mentioned
