@MIZ_TrackField Adds 19 to Fall Signing Class
12/4/2017 3:28:00 PM | Track & Field
Eight State Champions from six states, six world-ranked athletes from five international countries represented in the class
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Track & Field has added 19 student-athletes to its 2018 signing class on Monday, with head coach Brett Halter signing athletes from six states and five countries to join the program over the last fall signing period. The class includes numerous athletes with world rankings, as well as some of the best distance runners in the state of Missouri who chose to state home in the Show Me State.
"The 2018 class is a remarkable group of student-athletes assembled through the tireless efforts of our coaching staff," said Halter. "I am proud of our staff and thrilled for our current student-athletes. Their efforts were validated with an extraordinary early signing period. To a person, this year's recruiting was a collective effort to find the right people for our program. Our staff shared the vision and principles of Missouri Track & Field/Cross Country, while our student-athletes demonstrated the reality. Our efforts began inside the state of Missouri, expanded coast-to-coast and ultimately over five countries. The class consists of some of the best junior athletes in the world and, more importantly, good people. We will continue our 2018 efforts through the spring signing period and identify additional leaders who share our collective championship vison."
MEN'S SIGNEES
Roberto Vilches | Jumps
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
High Jump: 2.26m (7-5), Ranked 1st in the world U20 rankings in 2018
Triple Jump: 7.57m (24-10)
One of the best high jumpers in the world, Roberto Vilches chose to come to the United States to continue his jumping career in Black & Gold. With a high jump mark of 2.25m (7-4.5), the Mexico City native currently ranks No. 5 in the world junior rankings. This past July in Peru, Vilches won the high jump title at the PanAmerican Junior World Championships with a mark of 2.21m (7-3). He has also competed in the long jump, where his personal best mark is 7.57m (24-10). Vilches comes from a family deeply invested into the sport of volleyball, as his mom was a member of the Mexico National team, while his dad continues to coach volleyball.
"In addition to being one of the best high jumpers in the world, Roberto is a tremendous person," said jumps and multi-events assistant coach Iliyan Chamov. "A couple years ago, I was able to watch him compete at the world junior championship. He showed tremendous potential achieving personal best in the prelims and another personal best result in the final. This past summer, he proved himself again and won the high jump at PanAm Junior Championship."
Summer 2018 update: IAAF U20 World Champion in the High Jump (2.23m/7-3.75)
Mitch Weber | Throws
High School: Saint Clair High School
Hometown: Saint Clair, Minn.
Discus: 59.99m (196-10), Ranked 1st in 2017 nationally among class of 2018
Shot Put: 18.59m (61-0)
A three-time Minnesota State Champion, Mitch Weber will make the journey south from Saint Clair, Minn., to continue his academic and athletic career at Mizzou. Weber won his first state title as a freshman in 2015 in the discus, then he became a double champion in 2016 as a sophomore, winning the discus and shot put state titles. Weber posted a shot put personal record with the state title, recording a mark of 17.98m (59-0). As a junior in 2017, the Minnesota native posted the nation's top mark among throwers in his class in the discus at the Maple Invitational with a throw of 59.99m (196-10). Weber then went on to become a finalist in the discus at the USATF Junior National Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
"The entire program is really excited to have Mitch join the team," said throws assistant coach Ross Richardson. "Not only does Mitch come from a great family with values that fit our program, but he is the type of athlete we are always looking for. Mitch is not just a great thrower, but anchored his team's 4x100m and 4x200m relays to the finals at the state meet, and he holds his school's long jump record. The desire to help his teammates get to the state meet, and try and score as many points as they could as a team highlights the qualities of Mitch."
Summer 2018 update: Minnesota state champion in the discus (56.59m/185-8), runner-up in the shot put (18.59m/61-0).
Georgi Nachev | Jumps
Hometown: Yambol, Bulgaria
Long Jump: 6.98m (22-10.75)
Triple Jump: 15.75m (51-8)
A Balkan Game Champion and top-10 finisher at the Europen Youth Championship, Georgi Nachev will bring a wealth of experience in big international meets over to the United States with him as he joins the Mizzou program. Nachev has posted personal best marks of 6.98m (22-10.75) in the long jump and 15.75m (51-8) in the triple jump.
"Georgi is great competitor," said Chamov. "He knows how to compete against the best jumpers around the world. Every one of his personal best are achieved during big international competitions. He knows how to compete at the big stage, and the SEC will be second nature for him. Over the past few years, he has developed great qualities that will allow him to make impact at SEC championship and national stage."
Kieran Wood | Distance/Mid-Distance
Hometown: Cambridge, U.K.
800m: 1:53.75
1500m: 3:43.13
3000m: 8:11.00
Coming over the sea from the United Kingdom, Kieran Wood will enroll in graduate school at Mizzou after competing collegiately in Cambridge. Wood captured the 1500m title at the 2017 BUCS Championships and has posted personal best marks of 1:53.75 in the 800m run, 3:45.62 in the 1500m run and 9:08.02 in the 3000m run.
"Kieran gives us a very experienced runner with big time races under his belt," said cross country head coach and distance assistant coach Marc Burns. "He will have two years of eligibility remaining, and we feel he has a big upside. Kieran is a great young man who will be a strong leader in our program.
Martin Prodanov | Distance/Mid-Distance
Hometown: Bulgaria
800m: 1:51.48
1500m: 3:50.01
From Bulgaria and relatively new to the sport of track & field, Martin Prodanov will be able to develop into a solid runner while at Mizzou. Running in the 1500m run just four times in his career, Prodanov took fifth at the 2017 Balkan Championships, and ninth at the European Junior Championships, where he clocked a personal best time of 3:50.01. He's also posted a mark of 1:52.03 in the 800m. Prodanov comes from an athletic family, as his mom captured a Gold Medal in the Biathlon (cross country skiing and shooting) at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan.
"Martin comes from a soccer background and has a very young training age," said Burns. "We believe that he has tremendous potential and we look forward to working with him to grow as a student, athlete and a young man."
Victor Mugeche | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Blue Springs High School
Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
5K (XC): 15:11.40
3200m: 9:12.23
1600m: 4:18.45
With seven top-10 finishes at Missouri State Cross Country or Track & Field meets, Victor Mugeche will join Mizzou as one of the most sought-after distance runners in the state. In cross country, Mugeche finished runner-up to current Mizzou distance runner Austin Hindman at 2016 MSHSAA State XC Championships before claiming the state title for himself in 2017. His state title run helped lead his team, Blue Springs, to the team state title. Mughece has recorded back-to-back All-Regional honors at the Nike Cross National Midwest Regional, finishing 13th in 2016 and 10th in 2017, and posted a 5k personal record at the 2017 Greg Wilson with a time of 15:11.40. On the track, Mugeche has recorded four top-10 finishes over the last two state meets (2016 and 2017), including a runner-up finish in the 3200m and a third-place finish in the 1600m in 2017. Mugeche's older brother, Stephen Mugeche, currently runs for Mizzou.
"Victor is the premier distance runner in the state and led his team to their first state title in a long time this past season," said Burns. "He is a team-oriented guy who will fit in well and make us better the minute he steps on campus. Most importantly, Victor is a fantastic person and will make the entire community a better place on a daily basis."
Marquette Wilhite | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Warrensburg High School
Hometown: Warrensburg, Mo.
5K (XC): 15:42.27
1600m: 4:23.76
The 2017 Class 3 MSHSAA State Cross Country Champion, Marquette Wilhite is another talented runner who will add to the depth of the distance team for the Tigers. Wilhite posted his 5k cross country personal record in his 2017 State Championship performance, posting a time of 15:42.27. On the track, Wilhite has posted three top-10 finishes at the Missouri State meet, highlighted by a fifth-place finish in the 800m at the 2016 State meet.
"Marquette is another state champion, and is one of the best young talents in the state," said Burns. "He will continue to develop this spring and we feel he will be a key piece for us moving forward. We enjoyed his family on their visit and he really fit in well with our current Tigers."
Summer 2018 Update: Finished fourth in 3200m at Missouri state meet (9:20.78)
Oaklee Hauschild | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Blue Springs High School
Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
5K (XC): 15:48.80
3200m: 9:25.96
A teammate of Victor Mugeche, Oaklee Hauschild has recorded three top-10 finishes Missouri State meets in his high school career, including two in cross country. As a junior in 2016, Hauschild finished ninth before finishing seventh in 2017 as a senior. His top-10 finish in 2017 helped Blue Springs capture the 2017 state team title. The Blue Springs native posted his 5k personal record at the 2017 Rim Rock Farm High School XC Classic, crossing the finish line at 15:48.80. On the track, Hauschild finished fifth in the 3200m run at the 2017 Missouri State meet, posting a personal record time of 9:25.96.
"Oaklee is one of the top runners in the state, and we believe he will continue to develop over his time at Mizzou," said Burns. "He has a young training age, and is just now coming into his own. We are excited to see what he can do on the track this spring to finish his high school career."
WOMEN'S SIGNEES
Tori Findley | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Blue Springs South High School
Hometown: Blue Springs, Mo.
5K (XC): 17:33.09
1600m: 4:51.07
3200m: 10:35.25
With four top-10 finishes in cross country state meets, and three in track state meets, Tori Findley has decided to state in her home state to continue her academic and running career. At the Missouri Cross Country State meet, Findley finished sixth as a freshman, third as a sophomore, second as a junior and finally first as a senior in 2017. She has posted three top-15 finishes at the Nike Cross Nationals Midwest Regional, finishing 13th in 2015, 14th in 2016 and seventh in 2017. She set her 5k personal record at the 2016 Chile Pepper Festival, where she finished first with a time of 17:33.09. On the track, Findley won a state title in the 3200m run and finished runner-up in the 1600m run at the 2017 Missouri State meet. Findley clocked a 1600m run personal record in her runner-up performance, crossing the finish line at 4:58.52, while her 3200m run personal best is 10:40.51, which she set at the 2017 Kansas Relays.
"It is so exciting to attract the top runners from the state to the University of Missouri," said Burns. "Tori is a beast, and will continue to get better throughout her time at Mizzou. We have enjoyed getting to know her family throughout the recruiting process and are thrilled to have them supporting us. She is a wonderful person and will fit in well with our team and our Tiger Tough mentality."
Summer 2018 update: Missouri state champion in the 1600m (4:51.07) and 3200m (10:47.03).
Mikayla Reed | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Washington High School
Hometown: Washington, Mo.
5K (XC): 17:59.10
800m: 2:15.26
1600m: 4:58.21
3200m: 10:44.86
A three-time Missouri State Champion, Mikayla Reed is another talented in-state runner who chose to stay in her home state and run in the Black & Gold. Reed captured her first state title at the 2016 Missouri Cross Country State meet, where she claimed first with a time of 18:02.26. She then went on the finish 16th at the Nike Cross National Midwest Regional, where she posted a personal record with a time of 17:59.10. On the track, Reed was a double state champion at the 2017 State meet, finishing first in the 1600m run and the 3200m run, while also finishing third in the 800m. Reed posted personal records in the 800m run and the 1600m run at the meet, crossing the finish line at 2:18.22 and 5:02.52, respectively. As a sophomore in 2016, Reed posted a 3200m run personal record at the Class 5 District 2 meet, finishing second with a time of 10:44.86.
"Mikayla is a great all around addition to our program," said Burns. "She is not only one of the top runners in the state, but she also has strong leadership qualities. We feel like Mikayla exemplifies all that Tiger Tough stands for, and will be a pillar of strength in our program and the entire community."
Summer 2018 update: Missouri state champion in the 800m (2:15.26), 1600m (4:58.21) and 3200m (11:10.14).
Mirieli Santos | Jumps
Hometown: Mato Grosso, Brazil
Triple Jump: 13.81m (45-3.5), Ranked 7th in the world junior rankings
Long Jump: 5.91m (19-4.5)
A Brazilian National team member, Mirieli Santos has posted personal best marks of 13.21m (43-4) in the triple jump and 5.91m (19-4.5) in the long jump. Her triple jump mark is currently ranked No. 21 in the world junior rankings.
"Mirieli shoed consistency competing for the Brazilian National team the past couple of years," said Chamov. "She jumped over 43 feet and gained South America Champion Title. Education for Mirieli is equally important as track and field. This is great quality for us as team, and we value that in every one of our athletes. Mirieli had very limited training conditions in the past, but we are confident with everything Mizzou can provide for her, it will be amazing opportunity in her preparation and improve her personal best (43'4") very fast."
Summer 2018 update: Silver medalist in the triple jump (13.81m/45-3.5) at the IAAF U20 World Championships.
Arianna Fisher | Jumps
High School: Silver Creek High School
Hometown: San Jose, Calif.
Triple Jump: 13.03m (42-9), No. 2 in the U.S. in 2018
Long Jump: 5.89m (19-4)
A USATF Junior National Outdoor Track & Field Championships qualifier, Arianna Fisher joins Mizzou with a top-25 ranking in the world in the triple jump. Fisher posted her top-25 world youth mark at the 2017 Stanford Invitational in a first-place finish with a mark of 12.68m (41-7.25). The mark ranks third in the United States and 23rd in the world in the youth rankings. Fisher would go on to qualifier for the USATF Junior National Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the triple jump in June 2017 where she recorded a fifth-place finish. The San Jose native posted a long jump personal record at the 2017 K-Bell Invitational, where she jump 5.89m (19-4).
"Arianna is one of the youngest and most promising triple jumpers in United States," said Chamov. Her USA and world youth rankings are a proof of her athletic qualities. During the California State championship, she made an impression on me by competing very strong in triple jump and long jump. A few weeks later, she had another strong competition at USA Junior Championship. I was impressed with her personality and poise. During her visit, she showed a vision that aligns perfect with our ideals as a team. Arianna will be extremely valuable member of the Mizzou family, and will be a valuable athlete for the track & field program."
Summer 2018 update: California state champion in the triple jump (12.67m/41-7).
Suenomi Norinh | Jumps
High School: Zeeland East High School
Hometown: Zeeland, Mich.
High Jump: 1.75m (5-9.25), Ranked 6th nationally in 2017 among Class of 2018
Heptathlon: 4,809 points, Ranked 23rd in the world youth rankings
A two-time Michigan State Champion in the high jump, Suenomi Norinh will not only provide depth to the jumps group at Mizzou, but will also contribute to the multi-events as a Tiger. Norinh has capture back-to-back state titles in the high jump as a sophomore and junior in 2016 and 2017, and will look for a third title as a senior in 2018. She set her personal record mark in the high jump at the 2017 MHSAA LP Regional meet with a mark of 1.75m (5-9.25), a mark that ranks sixth in the United States. Overall, Norinh had a remarkable 2017 State meet, as she also posted a second-place finish in the long jump, a second-place finish in the 100m hurdles and a sixth-place finish in the 300m hurdles. In June 2017, Norinh competed in the heptathlon at the New Balance National Outdoor meet, where she posted a score of 4,695 points, which ranks fourth in the United States and No. 23 in the World Youth Ranking.
"Suenomi is amazing addition to our team competing in the heptathlon and high jump," said Chamov. "The most impressive thing about Suenomi is that she posted her world youth ranking after only competing once in the heptathlon. She has rich background playing different sports, as she is a great volleyball player, holds a black belt, and has competed in diving, which gives her great coordination. Her personal best in the high jump sets a great base to be an impact competitor at the SEC level."
Summer 2018 update: Michigan state champion in the high jump (1/73m/5-8) and long jump (5.53/18-1.75).
Reilly Revord | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Hinsdale Central High School
Hometown: Hinsdale, Ill.
800m: 2:14
1600m: 4:53.63
5K (XC): 16:43.40
Hailing from Hinsdale Central High School, Reilly Revord has posted personal records of 2:14 in the 800m run and 4:53.63 in the 1600m run. In addition, Revord finished third in the 1600m run at the 2016 ISHA Girls State T&F Championships and a sixth-place finish at the 2015 IHSA Cross Country State Championship, where she crossed the finish line with a personal record time of 16:43.40.
"Reilly comes to us from one of the top programs in Illinois," said Burns. "She has the tools to be a big-time athlete at the D-I level. Her qualities as a person are equally impressive, and we feel she can help us grow our program."
Morgan O'Neal | Sprints/Hurdles
High School: Sylacauga High School
Hometown: Sylacauga, Ala.
400m Hurdles: 59.65, Ranked 9th nationally in Class of 2018
400m: 56.05
A six-time Alabama State Champion, Morgan O'Neal will join the Tigers with a prestigious resume as a sprinter and hurdler. Competing for her club team, Speed City, O'Neal set a personal best in the 400m hurdles, running 59.91 at the AAU National Club Championship in July 2017. The performance is the 10th-fastest time ran by a high schooler in 2017. After capturing her first state title in 2015 in the 300m hurdles, O'Neal then became a triple champion in 2016 as a sophomore, winning state titles in the 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles and 400m dash. As a junior in 2017, O'Neal won two more state titles by claiming first in the 300m hurdles and the 400m dash. The Sylacauga High School product has posted personal best marks of 15.15 in the 100m hurdles, 43.37 in the 300m hurdles and 56.05 in the 400m dash.
"I am very much looking forward to working with Morgan," said sprints and hurdles associate head coach Natasha Brown. "She is such a tremendous person who has already done so much in the sport, and yet she remains motivated and excited to see how much faster she can go."
Summer 2018 update: Alabama state champion in 400m dash (56.34), 300m hurdles (42.40), runner-up in high jump (5-2), third in 200m dash (25.28).
Kate Ruediger | Javelin
High School: New Haven High School
Hometown: New Haven, Mo.
Javelin: 38.86m (127-6)
Competing at New Haven High School, Kate Ruediger has won back-to-back Class 1&2 Missouri State titles in the javelin in 2016 and 2017. Ruediger posted her personal best mark at the 2017 State meet with a mark of 38.86m (127-6).
"Kate has been well coached in a short period of time," said Halter. "She was one of Missouri's first state champions in the javelin in the inaugural year as a scored event at the state championship. She certainly has a terrific upside. It will be fun to see what she can accomplish in the upcoming years."
Summer 2018 update: Missouri state runner-up in javelin (35.59m/116-9).
Emma Roth | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Park Hill South High School
Hometown: Parkville, Mo.
800m: 2:15.42
Emma Roth emerged onto the scene at the 2017 Missouri State Track & Field Championships, posting a fifth-place finish in the 800m run with a time of 2:17.26. Roth followed up the performance with a seventh-place finish at the 2017 MSHSAA State XC Championships.
"Emma is a great fit for our program and believes in the team dynamic," said Burns.
Summer 2018 update: Missouri state runner-up in the 1600m (5:03.91) and bronze medalist in 800m (2:15.42).
Mollie Rogan | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Lafayette High School
Hometown: Wildwood, Mo.
3200m: 11:21.25
1600m: 5:12.23
From Lafayette High School, Mollie Rogan posted two top-10 finishes at the 2017 Missouri State Track & Field Championships, finishing ninth in the 3200m run and 10th in the 1600m run. Both performances were personal record marks, as she crossed the finish line at 11:21.26 and 5:12.23, respectively.
"Mollie has a lot of potential to grow in college," said Burns. "She has just started to see what she is capable of, and we believe she will turn some heads this spring on the track. We have a few kids from Lafayette in our program, and they believe in the team dynamic. Mollie is another great addition to our program and will help us continue to get better in the future."
Anna Sullentrup | Distance/Mid-Distance
High School: Washington High School
Hometown: Washington, Mo.
800m: 2:36.58
1600m: 5:37.06
3200m: 11:42.60
An experienced mid-distance runner, Anna Sullentrup has posted personal best marks of 2:36.58 in the 800m run, 5:37.06 in the 1600m run and 11:42.60 in the 3200m run.
"Anna comes from a Mizzou family and we are thrilled to have her joining our program," said Burns.
For all the latest on Mizzou Track & Field, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (MIZ_TrackField).
Players Mentioned
