June 22, 2011

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford track and field program has added 15 new student-athletes to its squad for the 2011-12 season, head coach Rod Tiffin announced on Wednesday.

Tiffin said he was pleased with the class that he and his staff signed for this year.

"I feel like this is probably the best recruiting class we've had in terms of the number of quality athletes we signed," Tiffin said. "I think this says a lot about our program and our coaches, because they worked really hard this year to bring in quality athletes."

The additions to the men's team are Josh Davies, Josh McCombs, Lucas Sieb, Chase Owen and Cory Sears. The women's team welcomes Heather Ballew, Frances Bernard, Kelly Bickel, Morgan Biddy, Kristin Brining, Marie Demedicis, Kaitlyn Poole, Chelsea Treadway, Claire Goodson and Anna Irvine.

Davies (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) participates in the 110-meter hurdles (14.98), 300-meter hurdles (38.59), 400 meters (49.87), pentathlon (3532) and decathlon (6343). McCombs (Jacksonville, Fla./Episcopal HS) competes in the 110-meter hurdles (14.54), 300-meter hurdles (38.89) and high jump (6-5).

Sieb (Scottsboro, Ala./Scottsboro HS) is a two-time 5A state champion in cross country and a state champion in the 3200 meters. In addition to the 3200 meters (9:34.60), he also competes in the 5200 meters (15:39.40).

Owen (Nashville, Tenn./Montgomery Bell Academy) competes in the 400 meters, with a time of 50.20. He also participates in the long jump (22-2.5) and the triple jump (43-11). Sears (Oxford, Ala./Oxford HS) competes in the pole vault, with a vault of 14-6.

Ballew (Hallisville, Texas/Hallisville HS), is a pole vaulter, posting a vault of 12-8. Bernard (Ontario, Canada/Vincent Massey HS) competes in the 800 meters (2:19), 1500 meters (4:41) and 3000 meters (10:16).

Bickel (Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood HS) specializes in the 200 meters (25.13) and 400 meters (57.16). Biddy (Nashville, Tenn./Ensworth HS) competes in the discus (116-1) and shot put (37¬-5). Brining (Mobile, Ala./Mobile Christian HS) also participates in the discus (128-0) and shot put (35-6.75).

Demedicis (Mountain Brook, Ala./Mountain Brook HS) was a 6A state champion in the 800 meters (2:11.35). She also competes in the 400 meters (55.98) and 1600 meters (5:02.58). Poole (Calhoun, Ga./Calhoun HS) participates in the discus (104-1) and shot put (37-4.5).

Treadway (Bryson City, N.C./Swain County HS) is the state record holder and three-time state champion in the 800 meters (2:14.70). She also competes in the mile (5:04.44). Goodson (Norcross, Ga./Greater Atlanta Christian HS) transferred to Samford from the College of Charleston. She competes in the pole vault (11-10.5). Irvine (Cordova, Tenn./Evangelical Christian School) runs the 800 meters (2:16.72).