July 8, 2010
COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Mizzou track and field program has announced the signing of 19 additional student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Thursday (July 8). The 19 additional student-athletes go along with the 16 student-athletes that were inked by the program back in March, giving Mizzou a class of 35 heading into the 2010-11 season.
"We are thrilled with this group of athletes joining our team," interim head coach Brett Halter said. "As the flagship institution of the state of Missouri, it is our mission to represent the best that our state has to offer. They are all great examples of this connection and many come from all over the state of Missouri. This group of individuals is an exceptional group of students and people and will do well to uphold the high honor of the University of Missouri. We are expecting them to continue their hard work in the classroom and develop their athletic potential and performance to assist in increasing the competitiveness of our program. They have a strong desire to achieve and we expect a lot from them academically, socially, and athletically. We are looking forward to their contribution in writing the next chapter of Missouri Track and Field."
Below is a list of each of the Tigers' additional 19 recruits along with quotes from their respective event coaches. Halter commented on each of the throwers while assistant coach Dan Lefever provided commentary on each of the jumpers. Interim head cross country coach Rebecca Wilmes provided the assessments of each of the men's and women's distance and middle distance runners.
Personal Bests
Coach Wilmes: Eric is a very talented runner and a tremendous person. We are thrilled that he will be a Tiger next year! Eric comes from a very talented running family (His brother runs at Wake Forest on the track/cross country team.). He has also tried his hand at ice hockey and downhill skiing. Eric's gotten a taste of racing and competing on the international stage, finishing 11th in 2009 at the World Youth Championships. Eric will be a fantastic addition to our men's distance group.
Personal Bests
Coach Wilmes: Merid is an exceptional young man and student-athlete. He's a tough, tenacious competitor who will continue our strong tradition in the middle distance events. Also with an accomplished soccer background, Merid is well rounded and coming into his own on the track. We're thrilled to have Merid join us
Personal Bests
Coach Lefever on Miller: As a three-sport athlete (volleyball, basketball & track), Erika is just beginning to come into her own in track and field. She is a very fun and focused young lady who has a bright future ahead of her. She broke the 19-foot barrier this past season despite a stubborn season-long foot injury. A talented and hardworking student, she is a perfect fit for an academic university such as Missouri. Coming from a family of big-time Tiger fans, everyone is thrilled that they get to see her in the black and gold. We are excited to get her on campus.
Personal Bests
Coach Lefever: Tim is a very grounded person and has been taking care of business in school and in athletics his entire high school career. As a basketball and track athlete, he is among the best in his class academically and plans to study computer science at Missouri. Tim jumped 6-10 this year to be ranked amongst the top two jumpers in the state of Missouri and recognized among the top in the nation in that event. He will be a great addition to the high jump group.
Personal Bests
Coach Wilmes: We are very excited that Maggie will be a Tiger. She is well-rounded, played many different sports and wrapped up her high school academic career by being named the Scholar Athlete for Central Wisconsin. Maggie is a very focused individual who will be a great addition to our distance group and cross country team.
Personal Bests
Coach Halter: Sandra is a sensational athlete and a terrific person. She possesses a deep desire to achieve at the highest levels and is fulfilling a life long dream of becoming a Missouri Tiger. I believe it is likely Sandra will become a three-event thrower once she discovers and learns the hammer throw. We are all thrilled at the energy and competitive spirit Sandra will bring to our team.
Personal Bests
Coach Wilmes: We are very excited to have Jon wearing black and gold next year! He is a great competitor, and a tough Missouri kid with a lot of untapped talent. He is a great fit for Missouri and will contribute in our middle distance area.
Olamide Asekun "Lami"
Tim Gillman
Rosemary Semke
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