Track Teams Announce 21 Spring Signees
EUGENE – The University of Oregon track and field teams announced Thursday that 16 men and five women have officially committed to the Ducks’ talented and deep 2006-07 newcomer class.
The Duck men’s distance newcomer class added seven of the nation’s top distance runners including four more Foot Lock National Cross Country Championships qualifiers, to go along with three sprinters, two pole vaulters, a pair of versatile Oregon state champions with strong marks in the sprints/hurdles/jumps, a shot put-discus thrower and another javelin thrower. Two of the additions are junior college transfers and 14 are incoming freshmen.
The Oregon women welcomed a group of five incoming freshmen that includes one of Canada’s top junior heptathletes, another top heptathlete prospect from the state of Oregon, one of the Northwest top’s top high jumpers, and two top West Coast distance runners.
The initial spring class additions ups the 2006-07 Oregon newcomer class to 20 men and nine women after four men and four women signed letters of intent in the fall.
The fall men’s newcomer class included fellow 2005 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships qualifiers Justin Harbor, Kenny Klotz and Isaac Stoutenburgh, and 2005 Oregon 4A high school state high jump champion Tyler Poppe. The Duck women’s fall class included California state 400m finalist Keshia Baker and 2005 Foot Locker qualifiers Nicole Blood, Keara Sammons and Bria Wetsch.
The list of spring additions follows, along with athlete profiles afterwards:
MEN’S SPRING SIGNEES
- Marshall Ackley, Sr., Nyssa H.S., Nyssa, Ore. – 110m Hurdles – 14.96; 300m Hurdles – 38.12; Pole Vault – 15-4.
- A.J. Acosta, Sr., El Camino H.S., Oceanside, Calif. – 800m - 1:53.27; 1,500m - 3:45.73; Mile – 4:10.32-indoors; 3,200m 8:51.30.
- Phillip Alexander, Jr.-TR, Lane CC/McNary H.S., Keizer, Ore. – 100m – 10.54; 200m – 21.00; 400m – 47.40.
- Zachary Ancell, Sr., Highlands Ranch H.S., Highlands Ranch, Colo. – 200m – 21.70; 400m – 49.10.
- Cameron Carter, Sr., Greeley West H.S., Greeley, Colo. – 1,600m - 4:19; 3,200m - 9:29. (at +5,000’)
- Eric Dettman, Sr., York H.S., Elmhurst, Ill. – 1,600m – 4:16.06; 3,200m – 9:07.94
- Matt Dettman, Sr., York H.S., Elmhurst, Ill. – 1,600m – 4:14.14a; Mile – 4:14.29.
- Marcus Dillon, Jr.-TR, Barton CC/Lane CC, Abramson H.S., New Orleans, La. – 400m – 46.79.
- Ashton Eaton, Sr., Mountain View H.S., Bend. Ore. – 100m – 10.84a; 200m – 21.69; 400m – 48.69; Long Jump – 24-1.
- Daniel Mercado, Sr., West Covina H.S., West Covina, Calif. – 1,600m – 4:14.71; 3,000m – 8:31.28; 5,000m – 14:37.74.
- Diego Mercado, Sr., West Covina H.S., West Covina, Calif. – 1,600m – 4:14.79; 3,200m – 8:55.20; 5,000m – 14:25.89
- Brian McGinty, Sr., Chaminade H.S., St. Louis, Mo. – Pole Vault – 16-4 1/4.
- Scott Penney, Sr., Lawrence H.S., Lawrence, Kan. –Shot Put – 56-11 3/4; Discus – 168-0.
- William Pua’a, Sr., Maui H.S., Kahului, Hawai’i – Pole Vault – 14-6; Long Jump – 21-3 1/2.
- Jamie Slade, Sr., Cleveland H.S., Portland, Ore. – Javelin – 198-1.
- Ryan Waite, Sr., St. Helens H.S., St. Helens, Ore. – 800m – 1:50.67; 1,500m – 3:58.66a.
WOMEN’S SPRING SIGNEES
- Erin Funkhouser, Sr., Sherman County H.S., Grass Valley, Ore. –400m – 59.43; 800m – 2:18.89; 300m hurdles – 46.59a; High Jump – 5-4; Long Jump – 16-4 3/4.
- Kathryn Gallagher, Sr., GP Vanier H.S., Courtenay, B.C. –100m Hurdles – 15.3; High Jump – 5-7 1/4; Long Jump – 17-9 1/4; Triple Jump – 39-1; Heptathlon – 4,554 points.
- Jasmine Kelly, Sr., Skyview H.S., Wash., Vancouver, Wash. – High Jump – 5-9.
- Erin Lewis, Sr., Modesto H.S., Modesto, Calif. – 1,600m – 4:57.24.
- Lauren Zaludek, Sr., Elmira H.S., Elmira, Ore. – 800m – 2:17.15; 1,500m – 4:38.7; 3,200m – 10:09.37.
MEN’S SPRING SIGNEE PROFILES
Marshall Ackley, Sr., Nyssa H.S., Nyssa, Ore. – As senior won Oregon 2A state titles in 110m hurdles (15.14, w:-1.3), 300m hurdles (38.12) and pole vault (15-4) – with meet records in the latter two events - and was second in 4x100m relay (44.16). Also qualified nine times for 2A meet in previous seasons and was top-three as a junior in the 110m hurdles (first, 15.36), 300m hurdles (second, 39.78), 4x100m relay (third, 44.70) and pole vault (first, 14-3), and as a sophomore in the 110m hurdles (third,). Currently ranks top-five in Oregon in 2006 in the 110m hurdles (fifth, 14.96), 300m hurdles (first, 38.12) and pole vault (second, 15-4).
Personal Bests: 110m Hurdles – 14.96 (2006); 300m Hurdles – 38.12 (2006); Pole Vault – 15-4 (2006).
A.J. Acosta, Sr., El Camino H.S., Oceanside, Calif. – National leader in 2006 in the 3,200m (8:51.30) outdoors and ranked third in the mile indoors (4:10.32). Last fall, won the 2005 Foot Locker Cross Country Championships national title as a senior and placed ninth as a junior. Won California state division I cross country title as senior, and was second as a junior. On the track, was a state qualifier in the 1,600m and 3,200m as a junior and senior, and also in the 1,600m as a sophomore.
Personal Bests: 800m - 1:53.27 (2005); 1,500m - 3:45.73 (2006); Mile – 4:10.32-indoors (2006); 3,200m 8:51.30 (2006).
Phillip Alexander, Jr.-TR, Lane CC/McNary H.S., Keizer, Ore. - Former Oregon 4A state champion as prep senior in 2003 in the 200m (21.48) and 400m (48.43), and was also top-three in 100m as senior (third, 10.98), and as a junior in the 200m (second, 21.70) and 400m (second, 48.64). Four-time NWAACC champion in 2004 and ’05 in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 4x100m relay.
Personal Bests: 100m – 10.54 (2005); 200m – 21.00 (2005); 400m – 47.40 (2005).
Zachary Ancell, Sr., Highlands Ranch H.S., Highlands Ranch, Colo. – Colorado 5A state placer as a senior in the 200m (fourth, 22.05) and 400m (fourth, 49.16) and as a sophomore in the 400m (eighth, 50.82). Also ran on relays in state meet as a senior in the 4x400m (second, 3:16.71) and junior in the 4x200m (second, 1:28.05) and 4x400m (eighth, 3:20.42).
Personal Bests: 200m – 21.70 (2006); 400m – 49.10 (indoors 2006).
Cameron Carter, Sr., Greeley West H.S., Greeley, Colo. – Four-time Colorado 4A state cross country qualifier, and a top-20 finisher in 2004 (eighth) and ’03 (18th). Also advanced to 4A state track meet in 1,600m and 3,200m as a senior in 1,600m (fourth/third) and junior (16th/9th).
Personal Bests (at +5,000 feet altitude): 1,600m - 4:19; 3,200m - 9:29.
Eric Dettman, Sr., York H.S., Elmhurst, Ill. – Three-time Illinois 2A state cross country qualifier (fifth in 2005, third in ’04, 21st in ‘03). Also is multiple state track qualifier as a senior with top-six finishes in 1,600m (sixth, 4:16.06), 3,200m (second, 9:15.86) and 4x800m (second, 7:41.81), and was also the state 3,200m runner-up as a junior (9:17.79). Took eighth in 2005 Nike Team Nationals in Portland, Ore., as his cross country team took second place, and helped squad win team title in same meet in 2004.
Personal Bests: 1,600m – 4:16.06 (2006); 3,200m – 9:07.94 (2005)
Matt Dettman, Sr., York H.S., Elmhurst, Ill. – Three-time Illinois 2A state cross country qualifier (seventh in 2005, second in ’04, 20th in ’03) like his twin brother Eric. State placer in track as a senior in the 1,600m (eighth, 4:16.11) and as a junior in the 1,600m (second, 4:15.42) and 4x800m relay (first, 7:51.59). Qualified for 2004 Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships.
Personal Best: 1,600m – 4:14.14a (2006); Mile – 4:14.29 (2005).
Marcus Dillon, Jr.-TR, Barton CC/Lane CC, Abramson H.S., New Orleans, La. – Competed in 2004 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Indoor Championships as a freshman and placed top six in the 400m (second, 48.68) and 4x400m relay (sixth, 3:17.92). Competed for Lane CC outdoors in 2006, and owned following season bests in 100m (10.66), 200m (21.96) and 400m (48.81). In recent 2006 NWAACC Championships, placed in the 100m (second, 10.83), 200m (first, 21.96), 4x100m (sixth, 59.00) and 4x400m (first, 3:15.78). Won 2002 Louisiana 5A state title as a junior in the 400m (48.35).
Personal Best: 400m – 46.79.
Ashton Eaton, Sr., Mountain View H.S., Bend. Ore. – Last weekend, won Oregon 4A state titles as a senior in 400m (48.69) and long jump (24-0 1/4w, w:2.1). Also was 4A state runner-up as senior in the 200m (22.10, w:-1.5) and as a junior in the long jump with a then-personal best (23-2 1/4, w:2.0). Leads the Oregon state long jump rankings in 2006 (24-1) and also ranks top-three in the state this season in the 100m (third, 10.84a), 200m (second, 21.69) and 400m (second, 48.69).
Personal Bests: 100m – 10.84a (2006); 200m – 21.69 (2006); 400m – 48.69 (2006); Long Jump – 24-1 (2006).
Daniel Mercado, Sr., West Covina H.S., West Covina, Calif. – Leads preps in 5,000m in 2006 with his time of 14:37.74. Capped senior cross country season with eighth-place finish in 2005 Foot Locker Championships after he took sixth in West Regional and sixth in California Division 1 state meet. In state track meet placed third in 3,200 as junior (9:09.15) and is a qualifier again as a senior. Took seventh in 2005 USA Junior Championships 5,000m.
Personal Bests: 1,600m – 4:14.71 (2005); 3,000m – 8:31.28 (2005); 5,000m – 14:37.74 (2006).
Diego Mercado, Sr., West Covina H.S., West Covina, Calif. – Two-time Foot Locker National Cross Country Championships qualifier and took 11th place as senior in 2005. Also a two-time USA Junior Championships competitor in the 5,000m (third in 2005, 14:25.89; seventh in ’04). In California state meets, was a two-time cross country qualifier (sixth in 2004, 13th in ’03) and on the track in the 3,200m in 2006 and 2005 (third).
Personal Bests: 1,600m – 4:14.79 (2005); 3,000m – 8:37.8 (2005); 3,200m – 8:55.20 (2006); 5,000m – 14:25.89 (2005)
Brian McGinty, Sr., Chaminade H.S., St. Louis, Mo. – Won Missouri Class 4 state pole vault as junior (14-9), and also finished top-four as a senior (fourth, 14-0) and sophomore (second, 14-3). Missouri state leader in pole vault in 2006 as a senior (16-4 1/4), and tied state class 4 state record as a senior (16-4 1/4) with mark that ranks 15th nationally among preps. Ranked second in state as a junior (15-5).
Personal Best: Pole Vault – 16-4 1/4 (2006).
Scott Penney, Sr., Lawrence H.S., Lawrence, Kan. – Won Kansas 6A state titles as a senior in the shot put (56-11 3/4) and discus (165-2) and as a junior in the shot put (52-5 1/2). Was also a state shot put qualifier in 2004 (fourth, 52-0 1/4) and 2003 (13th). Won regional titles in shot put and discus as a senior (55-0 1/4 / 168-0) and junior (56-6 1/2 / 152-2).
Personal Bests: Shot Put – 56-11 3/4 (2006); Discus – 168-0 (2006).
William Pua’a, Sr., Maui H.S., Kahului, Hawai’i – Won Hawai’i state pole vault title as a senior (13-9), and also placed fifth as a junior (13-0). Also competed in state meet as senior in long jump (16th, 21-3 1/2), and as a junior in the long jump and triple jump. Led state pole vault rankings as a senior in ’06 by a foot with his personal best (14-6).
Personal Bests: Pole Vault – 14-6 (2006); Long Jump – 21-3 1/2 (2006).
Jamie Slade, Sr., Cleveland H.S., Portland, Ore. – Made debut in 2006 Oregon 4A state championships in javelin (sixth, 168-5) at Hayward Field last weekend. Ranked third in state on season best list (198-1) and second in the 4A class, based on season bests.
Personal Best: Javelin – 198-1 (2006).
Ryan Waite, Sr., St. Helens H.S., St. Helens, Ore. – Won Oregon 4A state 800m title as a senior (1:50.67) and junior (1:52.52), and also anchored4x400m relay to top-three finishes as a senior (first, 3:21.28) and junior (third, 3:23.76). Led Oregon rankings in 800 meters as a senior (1:50.67) and junior (1:52.52) and ranks third in state in 2006 in 1,500m (3:58.66a).
Personal Bests: 400m – 49.76a (2006); 800m – 1:50.67 (2006); 1,500m – 3:58.66a (2006).
WOMEN’S SPRING SIGNEE PROFILES
Erin Funkhouser, Sr., Sherman County H.S., Grass Valley, Ore. – Five-time Oregon 2A state champion. Won state titles as senior in 300m hurdles (46.59), 4x400m relay (4:05.71) and high jump (5-4), and as a junior in 800m (2:20.610) and 4x400m relay (4:12.99). Among her other 13 state appearances placed top-five in 800m as a senior (2:18.89) and sophomore (2:20.19), in 400m as a junior (third, 59.92), sophomore (second, 60.64) and freshman (fourth, 60.50), in long jump as a senior (fifth, 16-4 3/4), and high jump as a junior (third, 5-2).
Personal Bests: 400m – 59.43 (2006); 800m – 2:18.89 (2006); 300m hurdles – 46.59a (2006); High Jump – 5-4 (2006); Long Jump – 16-4 3/4 (2006).
Kathryn Gallagher, Sr., GP Vanier H.S., Courtenay, B.C. – Two-time member of Canadian World Youth Team (2003 and ’05) in the long jump and heptathlon and team captain in 2005. Placed fifth in 2004 Canadian Junior Championships heptathlon (4,170) and was named to 2004 British Columbia Provincial Team in long jump, triple jump and 4x100 relay.
Personal Bests: 100m Hurdles – 15.3; High Jump – 5-7 1/4; Long Jump – 17-9 1/4; Triple Jump – 39-1; Heptathlon – 4,554 points.
Jasmine Kelly, Sr., Skyview H.S., Wash., Vancouver, Wash. – Won the Washington 4A state high jump title as a senior (5-6) and junior (personal best 5-9), and the latter mark ranked her 22nd nationally as a junior. Also placed in 4A state meet as a sophomore (fourth, 5-5) and freshman (eighth, 5-0). Owns 2006 season best of 5-8.
Personal Best: High Jump - 5-9 (2005).
Erin Lewis, Sr., Modesto H.S., Modesto, Calif. - Three-time Division 1 state qualifier in track in the 1,600m and finished ninth in 2005 and 16th in 2004. Three-time Division I state qualifier in cross country (including 11th in 2005 and 27th in’04).
Personal Best: 1,600m – 4:57.24 (2005).
Lauren Zaludek, Sr., Elmira H.S., Elmira, Ore. – Four -time Oregon 3A state qualifier in the 1,500m, including the runner-up in the 1,500m as a senior (4:46.25) and junior (4:38.70), and 10th and 12th as a sophomore and freshman. Also finished second as senior in the 3,000m (10:09.37) with an 11-second personal best. Finished fifth in 3A state cross country championships as a junior and senior and was also top-30 as a freshman (29th) and sophomore (17th).
Personal Bests: 800m – 2:17.15 (2006); 1,500m – 4:38.7 (2005); 3,200m – 10:09.37 (2006).
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