First Athletes Sign for Track & Field

June 1, 2012

GAINESVILLE, GA - Recently hired to start the inaugural track and field program, Coach Rick Ludwig has hit the ground running to sign his first eight athletes for the 2013 Golden Tigers Track & Field team. Fortunately for Ludwig, he did not have to travel far to find the talent he was looking for and though the team will initially be young, it will be evident from the outset that this group of athletes should be able to compete with the best in the NAIA.

Though Coach Ludwig is still laying the groundwork for the program, it has been evident throughout the recruiting process that the program has attracted some of the best female athletes in the state. From pole-vaulters to sprinters and throwers, his main focus has been on gathering the best specialty athletes in the state and the region. Fortunately for Ludwig, he will be able to draw from the current Golden Tigers Cross Country team when it comes time to fill key slots for long distance positions.

Listed below are the 8 members of the inaugural track and field program:

Shelbee Carter is from Gainesville, GA, and was a member of the Gainesville High School track and field team. She comes to Brenau as a transfer from Jacksonville State University. Carter will be competing for Brenau in the long and triple jump, as well as, pole vault and sprints. Her athletic accolades include the following:

Triple Jump PR - 38' 2" Long Jump PR - 18' " Pole Vault PR - 9' 0"

4^th in STATE (2010) Triple Jump (36' 2.25)

7-AAA Region Champion (2010) Triple Jump (36' 9.5)

Coach Ludwig says, "Shelbee is a proven competitor with speed and strength. As a transfer, she will provide outstanding upperclass leadership."

Dana Cole comes from Acworth, GA, and attended Allatoona High School. She will be competing as a Thrower in discus, shot put, javelin and hammer for Brenau. Her athletic achievements include the following:

7^th in STATE - Dana got a PR of 37-0 in the Shot Put at the GHSA State Championships

7-AAA Region Champion, Shot Put (33-2.5)

Cobb County 2012 Champion, Discus (130' 4)

Carrollton Invitational Champion, Discus (129' 7)

Georgia Tech Coaches Invitational runner up, Discus (125'0)

Coach Ludwig remarks that Cole is "a very strong, very quick athlete dedicated to improving her technique every day. We are particularly excited to see what she can do in other throwing events."

Megan Dixon is from Jasper, GA, and attendedPickens County High School. She will compete in the pole vault and intermediate hurdles for Brenau. Her athletic achievements include the following:

4th in STATE - Megan vaulted 10' in the pole vault at the GHSA State Championships

7-AAA Region Champion, Pole Vault (11'0)

Ronnie McClurg Invitational Champion, 2012 (9'6)

Sharptop Track & Field Invitational Champion, 2012 (10'6)

"Megan is a fierce competitor and natural athlete," comments Coach Ludwig. "I have no doubt she will be a top conference competitor in pole vault and as well as other events she can master."

Dierdre Duncan graduated from McEachern High School (2009) in Marietta, GA, and is a transfer from Chattahoochee Technical College. Duncan is a Thrower/Sprinter for the Brenau team and will compete in all throwing events including: shot put, discus, javelin and hammer. She will also compete in sprints and the 4 x 100 relay. Her athletic achievements include the following:

2010 Academic All-American

2011 Indoor and Outdoor JC National Qualifier

5^th in NATION in Junior College Indoor Nationals 55M Dash (7.77)

Shot Put PR - 41'6" Discus PR - 120' 6" 100 meter-12.57

Coach Ludwig remarks, "Dierdre possesses a rare combination of strength and explosive speed. She is another transfer athlete with a strong history of success."

Alexa Osterloh graduated from North Forsyth High School in Cumming, GA. Osterloh is a multi-talented track athlete and will compete in the throwing events as well as pole vault. Her athletic accolades include the following:

8^th in STATE, pole vault (8'6")

Runner-up, Forsyth County Championships, shot put (31' 7)

"Alexa is a versatile, multi-event athlete with superior upper body strength," says Coach Ludwig. "She is able to compete successfully in a variety of events for Brenau."

Snowie Saunders graduated from West Forsyth High School in Cumming, GA. Saunders will compete in the high jump and hurdles for Brenau. Her athletic achievements include the following:

9^th in STATE - 5'2 in the high jump at the GHSA State Championships

6-AAAAA Region Runner-up (5'2)

Battle of the Branch Invitational Champion (5'4")

Collins Hill Open Invitational Champion (5'0)

Coach Ludwig comments that "Snowie is a natural vertical jumper with outstanding form. As she gets stronger and faster, she has tremendous potential in other events as well."

Lammy Sokunbi graduated from Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA. Sokunbi will run sprints and relays with emphasis on the 400 meter dash and 4 x 400 relay. Her athletic achievements include the following:

Runner-up - 5AAAAA Region Championships - 400 meter (59.54)

5^th place - 5AAAAA Region Championships - 200 meter (26.55)

100 meter PR - 12.68

"Lammy is a mentally tough sprinter with excellent endurance. She is our strongest 400 meter athlete and has limitless possibilities in other events," comments Coach Ludwig.

Jasmin Steen comes from Chattahoochee County High School in Cusseta, GA. Steen will compete in the long and triple jump as well as sprints for Brenau. Her athletic achievements include the following:

STATE CHAMPION, long jump (17' 10)

STATE RUNNER-UP, triple jump (35' 10.5)

5^th in STATE, 200 meter dash (26.55)

Coach Ludwig says, "Jasmin is a state champion jumper with great speed and body control. She is a tremendously gifted and poised competitor in pressure situations."

Athletic Director Mike Lochstampfor, commented, "Coach Ludwig has done a tremendous job in recruiting for the Brenau track and field team. We welcome all of these talented athletes to the Golden Tiger family, and we are excited to have them representing our university. We look forward to seeing their athletic prowess on the track and field in the upcoming year and wish them the greatest of success in their competitions."