Cross Country/Track: WVU Signs Six Runners
November 16, 2005 03:05 PM | General
November 16, 2005
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia track and cross country teams announced the signing of six new Mountaineers on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Head coach Jeff Huntoon revealed that one athlete will only participate in track, while the other five ladies will compete for both the track and cross country teams.
Kristen Loughry, a native of Hurricane, W.Va., helped lead her high school to a third place finish at the West Virginia state track meet in 2004 by winning the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 14.78. Loughry’s time almost broke the state record of 14.76. As a senior, she defended her 100-meter hurdle title, won the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, and finished second in the pole vault.
“Kristen may be one of the most talented in-state recruits in recent history,” Huntoon says. “She will instantly make an impact in the 100-meter hurdles and pole vault.”
Marie Louise Asselin, a native of Sarnia, Ontario, is one of Ontario’s premier distance runners. She has personal best times of 2:16 (800m), 4:34 (1500m), and 10:08 (3000m), respectively.
“Marie will continue the tradition of Canadian athletes excelling at WVU and her presence will motivate the WVU freshmen to greater heights,” cross country coach Sean Cleary says.
Keri Bland, of Fairview, W.Va., is a two time state cross country champion from North Marion High School. She also won the 800-meter race at the state track meet with a time of 2:17.50 this past year.
“Keri has the rare combination of speed and strength and is an exciting prospect for the future,” Cleary says. Morgantown native Maria Dalzot is the reigning state 3200-meter champion with a personal best time of 11:12.60. She was the state runner-up in cross country in 2002 and led her team to the state championship this past fall.
“Maria exhibits an uncanny desire to become the very best that her talents will allow for,” Cleary says.
Heather Saffel, a native of Elkins, W.Va., was a first-team all-state soccer player that won the Midfielder of the Year award after Elkins High won the soccer state championship. Saffel was the state runner-up in the 1600m and boasts a personal best time of 2:20.76 in the 800-meters.
“She is arguably West Virginia’s finest high school fall athlete,” Cleary says. “She is a talented, hard-working young lady who we are proud to have in this program.”
Valerie Peer, hailing from Berkeley Springs, W.Va., is a two time AA state cross country champion who also finished as the runner-up in 2004 and 2005. Peer won the state 3200-meter race in 2004 and has a best time of 11:24.65 in that event.
“A wonderful young lady who possesses maturity beyond her years,” Cleary says. “Valerie helped lead her team to the AA state cross country championships after sitting out six weeks with an injury.”
“This is the finest group of freshmen assembled from this state in recent memory,” Cleary says. “The core of this group will provide WVU with a bright future.”
