Nov. 26, 2002

University of Missouri track and field head coach Rick McGuire has announced the signing of three outstanding track athletes. They are thrower Melanie Uher, middle distance/ cross country runner Allison Werner, and decathlete Bjorn Sigurd Sommerfeldt.

Uher, a Wilber, Nebraska native, is the current national high school leader in the discus with her state record throw of 185 feet, 4 inches. This effort shattered the previous Nebraska record by over 20 feet, and is ranked #3 all-time on the U.S. high school list. Assistant Missouri track coach Brett Halter said, "I think that Melanie is a great fit for us. Her athletic accomplishments speak for themselves, but Melanie will bring more than that to our team. She's a great person. I've known her and her family for many years, and I am now thrilled to have them join the Tiger family."

Werner hails from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa where she has won two individual Iowa State championships in the 800 meters and anchored the distance medley relay to her third state championship. She has a personal best mark of 2:12. This fall, she led the Mt. Pleasant cross country team to the state championship. Rebecca Wilmes, assistant cross country coach said, "Allison is a tremendous young woman, who is not only a very good middle distance runner, but a great student and person. We're really excited about having her become a Missouri Tiger."

Sommerfeldt follows his brother and sister, Knut and Eli, from Norway to Mizzou. Like his siblings, Bjorn Sigurd is an accomplished decathlete, ranking as the leading Norwegian junior. He has already scored over 6900 points with the collegiate and international implements. His brother Knut is the current two-time defending Big 12 champion in the decathlon and his sister Eli earned All Big 12 honors six times as a heptathlete. "Obviously, we've known Bjorn and his family for a long time, and have waited anxiously for him to be able to be with us, also. He'll make an immediate impact at both the Big 12 and NCAA levels, but to continue this relationship with such an incredible family is what is most exciting for us," said Missouri head track coach Rick McGuire.

McGuire expects each of these athletes to make significant contributions to continued future successes of Missouri track and field, "These three each represent the very best of what we are looking for in our athletes - they are great athletes, outstanding students, and tremendous individuals. We have taken great pride in our athletes' successes, both on the track and in the classroom. Melanie, Allison, and Bjorn Sigurd will make significant contributions to continuing that tradition. We are very pleased that they have chosen to join us, and know that they are the cornerstones of a great 2003 recruiting class."