Long Beach State University Athletics
Track and Field Announces First Four Signees
7/11/2008 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
July 11, 2008
Long Beach, Calif. - Long Beach State Head Coach Andy Sythe has announced the first four signees from the 2008-09 recruiting class. Two men will join the defending Big West Champions, as will two women in the upcoming season.
First on the list is Nate Koch, a junior transfer from Mt. San Antonio College. Originally hailing from Temecula, Calif., Koch will join returnee Collin Cram in the decathlon as the team looks to replace departing senior Chris Richardson. Koch was the California CC State Champion in the decathlon last year, scoring a lifetime-best 6,939, and is a two-time Southern California CC decathlon champ.
"Nate earned the title as California's best all-around junior college athlete and will join a program that has produced a number of successful multi-eventers," said Sythe. "It will not be long before Nate shines on the national stage and adds to his impressive resume."
Also joining the men's program is Cameron Gillett. Graduating from La Mirada High School, Gillett was the state champion in the Long Jump, setting a PR in the championship of 24'1.75". "Cameron has really impressed our staff with his ability to perform on the big stage," said Sythe. "At the state championship, he came up with the performance of his life to win one of the most difficult titles to attain in high school sports.
On the women's side, the 49ers will add two more jumpers to an impressive group, adding two top finishers from the 2008 California State Championships in the High Jump. Sara Macey comes to the program from Oceanside, Calif., where she was a four-year Avacado league champion at Vista High School. Her lifetime best in the high jump is 5'8.25", and she won the San Diego Masters meet to advance to the 2008 State meet.
Also a state championship contender in the high jump, Long Beach State welcomes the California runner-up Janelle Coulter for the 2008-09 season. Coulter matched her best in the event at the state meet, clearing 5'9" to take second place, capping an outstanding year where she was a league and section champion at Aptos High School while also setting the Santa Cruz County record.
"Adding Sara and Janelle means that we have the top two senior high jumpers in the state of California coming to the Beach, giving us a 1-2 punch in an important event," said Sythe. "Coach Dave Rodda is an exceptionally skilled coach, and he will help Janelle make an impact on the national scene. With Sara, her background in other track events and cross country should help her develop into a terrific heptathlete."
These four athletes are the first group of four in the 2008-09 recruiting class for Long Beach State. Additional signees will be announced next week.
Players Mentioned
