Photo by: Al Samuels
Track & Field Adds 11 Over Offseason
8/30/2017 3:43:00 PM | Women's Track & Field
CHARLESTON, S.C. – With eight members of the 2017 College of Charleston cross country and track & field programs graduating in May, the Cougars reloaded by adding 11 new student-athletes for the upcoming 2017-18 campaign.
William Barnett – Cross Country
Greenville, S.C. – Travelers Rest HS
William Barnett comes to the College from Travelers Rest HS, a 4A institution north of Greenville. The youngest of 10 siblings, Barnett claimed three All-Region nods and earned an Upper State cross country championship in 2015. He holds school records in the 1600m (4:28), mile (4:32) and 3200m (9:51), and is also an accomplished boxer with, having won the 2016 South Carolina Golden Gloves championship at welterweight. Barnett was a sought-after recruit, also being courted by USC Upstate, Charleston Southern, Presbyterian and others.
"We're looking for Will to add depth to our men's squad this year," head cross country and track & field coach Amy Seago said. "He finished his senior year in fine fashion with a 5th place finish at the SC State T&F Championships, and we believe he can develop into a solid contributor for us."
Jordan Dean – Sprints
Washington D.C. – Woodrow Wilson
Jordan Dean joins the College of Charleston from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., where she helped the Tigers to four straight indoor and outdoor DCIAA Championships. A sprint specialist, Dean established PRs of 26.24 (200m) and 59.99 (400m), and helped her 4x400m relay team crack a time of 58.2 from the lead leg position.
"Jordan is serious about track & field and is committed to doing what it takes to get better," Seago said. "She's definitely going to add an element of grit to our sprint crew."
Tyler Fish – Cross Country
Boiling Springs, S.C. – Boiling Springs HS
Another native of South Carolina, Tyler Fish comes to the College from Boiling Springs High School, the same as CofC rising senior Crew Kosiorek. Fish earned a medley of individual accomplishments in his high school career, including four All-Area, four All-County, three All-Region and two All-State nods. He owns a share of his school's 4x800m relay record, and has personal bests of 15:58 in the 5K, 4:28 in the 1600m, 1:59 in the 800m and 9:44 in the 3200m.
"We have been watching Tyler for a while as he and Crew (Kosiorek) were high school teammates," Seago said. "He is a team player and we believe he can develop into a leader in his time here."
Declan Hines – Cross Country
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Saratoga Springs HS
One of three recruits coming to CofC from the Empire State, Declan Hines attended Saratoga Springs HS, helping the Blue Streaks reach the cross country sectional championships in back-to-back seasons. A member of the National Honors Society, Hines finished 17th at the New York State Cross Country Championship, and finished off his high school career with PRs of 9:28 in the 3200m, 4:27 in the 1600m and 15:06 in the 5K. Hines turned down offers from Cornell and SUNY Geneseo to join the Cougars.
"Declan is an outstanding individual who excels in both the classroom and on the course," Seago said. "I have no doubt he'll help elevate our program on both accords. I am particularly impressed by his focus and desire to continue to improve."
Rachel Lentz – Middle Distance
Greer, S.C. – Riverside HS
Another recruit from just outside of Greenville, Rachel Lentz comes to the Cougars from 5A institution Riverside HS in Greer, S.C. A multi-sport athlete, she received All-Region and All-State acclaim in both track & field and swimming. An honor student, Lentz specializes in the middle-distance, holding shares of her school records in both the 4x800m relay as well as the distance medley relay.
"As a high school teammate of (fellow newcomer) Cate Ambrose, Rachel's background and personality gels well with our team dynamic. Her work ethic and desire to improve will help her to be a contributor in our program," Seago said.
Marissa Linkous – Sprints and Jumps
Richmond, Va. – Highland Springs HS
Marissa Linkous joins the College of Charleston from 5A institution Highland Springs HS in Highland Springs, Va. A threat in a wide variety of events, Linkous earned a conference championship in the pole vault, as well as All-Conference acclaim in the 200m, 400m, long jump and 4x400m relay. She holds her school record in the pole vault with a height of 11 feet, and also boasts personal bests of 25.83 (200m), 58.30 (400m), 17'1" (long jump) and 35'1" (triple jump).
"Marissa will add depth to our program in a wide range of events," Seago said. "She is not only a talented athlete, but also a hard-working student, coming in already having earned her associate's degree. We are excited about her sprint and jump background and equally excited that she has pole vault experience as well."
William McCann – Cross Country
New York City – Gonzaga College HS
A New York City native, William McCann comes from Washington D.C.'s Gonzaga College High School. He claimed All-State honors in cross country, indoor and outdoor track as a senior en route to leading the Eagles to a D.C. state championship, and was named to the WCAC first team in cross country during his junior campaign when he helped the team claim a CHSAA state championship. He owns personal best times of 4:35 in the 1600m, 9:43 in the 3200m and 16:20 in the 5K.
"Will's a guy we've identified as somebody that can help add depth to our program," Seago said. "We believe consistency in training and increased mileage will help him develop into a solid contributor for the Cougars.
Carlee Neel – High Jump
The Woodlands, Texas – The Woodlands College Park HS
Carlee Neel joins the College from The Woodlands, Texas. A high jump specialist, she'll look to step in to fill the void left by former CAA high jump champion Julisa Tindall who graduated over the summer. Neel boasts a personal best height of 5 feet, 4 inches, which ranked her first in her 6A district. A multi-sport athlete as well, Neel logged four years on her school's basketball team. A sought-after recruit, she was also courted by the liked of Abilene Christian, Lees-McRae and Drury.
"Carlee comes to us with a lot of potential," Seago said. "She's passionate about track & field and is a well-rounded student-athlete who we will look to contribute to the depth of our jumps squad at the CAA level."
Hannah Vanderwall – Sprints and Hurdles
Glen Rock, N.J. – Glen Rock
An honor student out of 2A institution Glen Rock High School in Glen Rock, N.J., Hannah VanderWall will help bolster CofC Track in the sprints and hurdles. VanderWall locked up All-County and All-Conference for her hurdling prowess, and was also part of a Panther cross country squad that secured a league championship. She comes to the Lowcountry with personal best times of 8.84 (55m hurdles), 15.31 (100m hurdles) and 60.5 (400m).
"We're excited to add somebody like Hannah to our hurdle squad," Seago said. "She's a team player who adds a great dynamic to our group, and we see her as somebody who will be a contributor for us in both the hurdles and the relays."
Eileen Vedder – Middle Distance
Virginia Beach, Va. – Floyd E. Kellam
Hailing from 6A institution Floyd R. Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Va., Eileen Vedder will come to the College as a middle distance specialist. An extremely accomplished athlete, Vedder was named All-Conference a whopping 20 times, as well as All-Region another 11 times. She won a pair of region championships in the 1600m, and owns a personal best time of 5:11 in the event. A winner both on the track and in the classroom, Vedder is an honor student with a 3.8 GPA.
"Eileen is a welcome addition to our distance core," Seago said. "She'll add depth for us in the middle distance on the track, but she's also somebody we think will develop nicely in the fall. We feel she will benefit from the consistent progression in training, and we see her as an individual who will continue to blossom through the years."
Madeline Weber - Throws
Scotch Plains, N.J. – Scotch Plains Fanwood HS
Joining the College from Scotch Plains Fanwood High School in Scotch Plains, N.J., Madeline Weber will help bolster the Cougars in the throws. Weber helped the Raiders achieve a conference championship in 2016, and won both county and sectional championships in the javelin throw in the same year. She advanced to groups in three events as both a junior and senior, and carries personal bests of 118'5" (javelin), 37.5" (shot put) and 105'11" (discus). Weber was also recruited by the likes of VCU, UMBC and Salisbury.
"We are fortunate to have Maddie join the Cougars," Seago said. "She's a hard worker with a very fun personality, and we believe her best years of throwing are ahead of her."
William Barnett – Cross Country
Greenville, S.C. – Travelers Rest HS
William Barnett comes to the College from Travelers Rest HS, a 4A institution north of Greenville. The youngest of 10 siblings, Barnett claimed three All-Region nods and earned an Upper State cross country championship in 2015. He holds school records in the 1600m (4:28), mile (4:32) and 3200m (9:51), and is also an accomplished boxer with, having won the 2016 South Carolina Golden Gloves championship at welterweight. Barnett was a sought-after recruit, also being courted by USC Upstate, Charleston Southern, Presbyterian and others.
"We're looking for Will to add depth to our men's squad this year," head cross country and track & field coach Amy Seago said. "He finished his senior year in fine fashion with a 5th place finish at the SC State T&F Championships, and we believe he can develop into a solid contributor for us."
Jordan Dean – Sprints
Washington D.C. – Woodrow Wilson
Jordan Dean joins the College of Charleston from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, D.C., where she helped the Tigers to four straight indoor and outdoor DCIAA Championships. A sprint specialist, Dean established PRs of 26.24 (200m) and 59.99 (400m), and helped her 4x400m relay team crack a time of 58.2 from the lead leg position.
"Jordan is serious about track & field and is committed to doing what it takes to get better," Seago said. "She's definitely going to add an element of grit to our sprint crew."
Tyler Fish – Cross Country
Boiling Springs, S.C. – Boiling Springs HS
Another native of South Carolina, Tyler Fish comes to the College from Boiling Springs High School, the same as CofC rising senior Crew Kosiorek. Fish earned a medley of individual accomplishments in his high school career, including four All-Area, four All-County, three All-Region and two All-State nods. He owns a share of his school's 4x800m relay record, and has personal bests of 15:58 in the 5K, 4:28 in the 1600m, 1:59 in the 800m and 9:44 in the 3200m.
"We have been watching Tyler for a while as he and Crew (Kosiorek) were high school teammates," Seago said. "He is a team player and we believe he can develop into a leader in his time here."
Declan Hines – Cross Country
Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Saratoga Springs HS
One of three recruits coming to CofC from the Empire State, Declan Hines attended Saratoga Springs HS, helping the Blue Streaks reach the cross country sectional championships in back-to-back seasons. A member of the National Honors Society, Hines finished 17th at the New York State Cross Country Championship, and finished off his high school career with PRs of 9:28 in the 3200m, 4:27 in the 1600m and 15:06 in the 5K. Hines turned down offers from Cornell and SUNY Geneseo to join the Cougars.
"Declan is an outstanding individual who excels in both the classroom and on the course," Seago said. "I have no doubt he'll help elevate our program on both accords. I am particularly impressed by his focus and desire to continue to improve."
Rachel Lentz – Middle Distance
Greer, S.C. – Riverside HS
Another recruit from just outside of Greenville, Rachel Lentz comes to the Cougars from 5A institution Riverside HS in Greer, S.C. A multi-sport athlete, she received All-Region and All-State acclaim in both track & field and swimming. An honor student, Lentz specializes in the middle-distance, holding shares of her school records in both the 4x800m relay as well as the distance medley relay.
"As a high school teammate of (fellow newcomer) Cate Ambrose, Rachel's background and personality gels well with our team dynamic. Her work ethic and desire to improve will help her to be a contributor in our program," Seago said.
Marissa Linkous – Sprints and Jumps
Richmond, Va. – Highland Springs HS
Marissa Linkous joins the College of Charleston from 5A institution Highland Springs HS in Highland Springs, Va. A threat in a wide variety of events, Linkous earned a conference championship in the pole vault, as well as All-Conference acclaim in the 200m, 400m, long jump and 4x400m relay. She holds her school record in the pole vault with a height of 11 feet, and also boasts personal bests of 25.83 (200m), 58.30 (400m), 17'1" (long jump) and 35'1" (triple jump).
"Marissa will add depth to our program in a wide range of events," Seago said. "She is not only a talented athlete, but also a hard-working student, coming in already having earned her associate's degree. We are excited about her sprint and jump background and equally excited that she has pole vault experience as well."
William McCann – Cross Country
New York City – Gonzaga College HS
A New York City native, William McCann comes from Washington D.C.'s Gonzaga College High School. He claimed All-State honors in cross country, indoor and outdoor track as a senior en route to leading the Eagles to a D.C. state championship, and was named to the WCAC first team in cross country during his junior campaign when he helped the team claim a CHSAA state championship. He owns personal best times of 4:35 in the 1600m, 9:43 in the 3200m and 16:20 in the 5K.
"Will's a guy we've identified as somebody that can help add depth to our program," Seago said. "We believe consistency in training and increased mileage will help him develop into a solid contributor for the Cougars.
Carlee Neel – High Jump
The Woodlands, Texas – The Woodlands College Park HS
Carlee Neel joins the College from The Woodlands, Texas. A high jump specialist, she'll look to step in to fill the void left by former CAA high jump champion Julisa Tindall who graduated over the summer. Neel boasts a personal best height of 5 feet, 4 inches, which ranked her first in her 6A district. A multi-sport athlete as well, Neel logged four years on her school's basketball team. A sought-after recruit, she was also courted by the liked of Abilene Christian, Lees-McRae and Drury.
"Carlee comes to us with a lot of potential," Seago said. "She's passionate about track & field and is a well-rounded student-athlete who we will look to contribute to the depth of our jumps squad at the CAA level."
Hannah Vanderwall – Sprints and Hurdles
Glen Rock, N.J. – Glen Rock
An honor student out of 2A institution Glen Rock High School in Glen Rock, N.J., Hannah VanderWall will help bolster CofC Track in the sprints and hurdles. VanderWall locked up All-County and All-Conference for her hurdling prowess, and was also part of a Panther cross country squad that secured a league championship. She comes to the Lowcountry with personal best times of 8.84 (55m hurdles), 15.31 (100m hurdles) and 60.5 (400m).
"We're excited to add somebody like Hannah to our hurdle squad," Seago said. "She's a team player who adds a great dynamic to our group, and we see her as somebody who will be a contributor for us in both the hurdles and the relays."
Eileen Vedder – Middle Distance
Virginia Beach, Va. – Floyd E. Kellam
Hailing from 6A institution Floyd R. Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Va., Eileen Vedder will come to the College as a middle distance specialist. An extremely accomplished athlete, Vedder was named All-Conference a whopping 20 times, as well as All-Region another 11 times. She won a pair of region championships in the 1600m, and owns a personal best time of 5:11 in the event. A winner both on the track and in the classroom, Vedder is an honor student with a 3.8 GPA.
"Eileen is a welcome addition to our distance core," Seago said. "She'll add depth for us in the middle distance on the track, but she's also somebody we think will develop nicely in the fall. We feel she will benefit from the consistent progression in training, and we see her as an individual who will continue to blossom through the years."
Madeline Weber - Throws
Scotch Plains, N.J. – Scotch Plains Fanwood HS
Joining the College from Scotch Plains Fanwood High School in Scotch Plains, N.J., Madeline Weber will help bolster the Cougars in the throws. Weber helped the Raiders achieve a conference championship in 2016, and won both county and sectional championships in the javelin throw in the same year. She advanced to groups in three events as both a junior and senior, and carries personal bests of 118'5" (javelin), 37.5" (shot put) and 105'11" (discus). Weber was also recruited by the likes of VCU, UMBC and Salisbury.
"We are fortunate to have Maddie join the Cougars," Seago said. "She's a hard worker with a very fun personality, and we believe her best years of throwing are ahead of her."
Players Mentioned
Jumps
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