 | Track and Field |
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June 23, 2006 SIUE Men's Track and Field Signs Three EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's track and field looks to keep its momentum moving with the signing of three student-athletes to national letters of intent. SIUE Men's Assistant Coach Ben Beyers announced the signing of Jeremy Puckett (Fairfield), Corey Hopkins (Salem) and Nicholas Harold (Urbana). The SIUE men's track and field team is coming off a seventh-place finish at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Beyers said these signings will provide some help in some needed areas on the team. "Combining these recruits with our returning athletes and the signees we received earlier, I really feel that our teams have the potential to be even stronger than they were this past season," said Beyers. Puckett, the Class A state champion at 110-meter hurdles and third at 300 hurdles, was a standout at Fairfield High School. He also placed third in both of the same events at the 2005 state meet. His personal bests include 13.9 at 110 hurdles and 39.1 at the 300 hurdles. "Jeremy is a very tough competitor and really rises to challenges. I think he'll excel in college because he'll work hard and stay focused. He'll be an immediate help for us in both hurdles," said Beyers. Hopkins will provide help in the jumping events for the Cougars. He placed sixth in the Class AA triple jump this spring at Salem High School. He also finished third in the long jump at the 2005 Class AA state meet. His best jumps include 22 feet, 9 inches in the long jump and 46-3 in the triple jump. "Corey is really going to help fill a void in the jumping area. We lost two seniors there, and he'll be able to come right in and contribute as a freshman. I'm excited to see how much he will progress at the next level," said Beyers. Harold is a two-time state qualifier at Urbana High School. He holds personal bests of 48.1 at 400 meters in a relay event and 39.1 in a 300-meter hurdles sprint. "Nicholas is a guy that I'm really excited about. His high school performances have been good, but I really think he can improve a ton and be a major force for this team. He's still fairly raw and has a lot to learn, but if he is dedicated, I think he will be a guy a lot of coaches will be sorry they missed out on," said Beyers. -siue cougars- |