SIUE Women's Track Adds 10 Student-Athletes
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville track and field Coach Darryl Frerker and his coaching staff announced 10 additions to the 2002-2003 roster.
They are Rebecca Powers (Plainview), Jenny Smith (Colstrip, Mont.), Lindsey Mathias (Moline), Kate Mohn (Canton), Kathryn Purcell (West Point, Pa.), Suzanne Stelk (Davenport, Iowa), Heather Zipparro (Mt. Prospect), Priscilla Peach (East Alton), Amanda McDowell (West Covina, Calif.) and D'Andrea Cunningham (South Haven, Mich.)
Powers, of Piasa Southwestern High School, placed fourth in the shot put at the Class A state championships this past spring.
"Becky is a very strong young woman who has spent some time in the weight room already. Her strength is her greatest atrribute towards becoming a quality collegiate thrower," said Frerker.
Smith helped her prep team in Montana to the state championship in track two seasons ago. This season, she placed fourth in the 2A state meet.
"Jenny provides some depth for us in the throwing events. It will be interesting to watch her development as a collegiate athlete," said Frerker.
Mathias, of Moline High School, was a state finalist in the Class AA state meet in the pole vault. She already has leaped 11 feet, which would set a new school record at SIUE.
"Lindsey has come along quickly in just her second year of pole vaulting this track season. She is probably better than she even knows," said Frerker.
Mohn, of Illini Bluffs High School, is a two-time Class A qualifier in the shot put. She also ran relays for her prep team.
"She is an overall good athlete, and that is what you need to become a good thrower," said SIUE Assistant Coach Sandy Moran. "I expect her to develop well and reach a high level in NCAA Division II Track and Field."
Purcell, of North Penn High School in Pennsylvania, was a state qualifier her senior year in the javelin. Her most notable achievement was a 10th-place finish at the Penn Relays in the javelin.
"Kathryn also throws the shot and discus and can only add to our team's strengths in those events," said Frerker.
Stelk, of Davenport Assumption High School, ran a personal best 59.2 at 400 meters and was a two-time qualifier in the event in Iowa.
"She will be a key part of the 4X400-meter relay team next year and will contribute in the long sprints," said Frerker.
Zipparro, of Mt. Prospect, will focus on the cross country season first for the Cougars. She placed 42nd at the state cross country meet and is a two-time qualifier in Class AA. Zipparro also is a two-time qualifier in track.
"I see Heather as more of a 3,000-meter runner in college," said Frerker. "She has a nice speed base and is pretty tough in a racing situation. Heather will contribute immediately in cross country and challenge for a top five spot."
Peach, of Roxana High School, is a two-time Class A qualifier in track and field and a cross country qualifier once.
"Priscilla is a good middle distance runner who will fit in well with our team makeup," said Frerker.
McDowell, of West Covina, Calif., transfers into SIUE from Mt. San Antonio College with junior eligibility.
"Amanda is a 400-meter and 400-meter hurdle runner who is a strong heptathlete," said Frerker.
Cunningham, of South Haven, Mich., is a sprinter and will focus mainly on the 100- and 200-meter races.
"D'Andrea is a double transfer from Western Michigan and then Kalamazoo Junior College. We're excited to get her into the mix at SIUE," said Frerker.
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