Long Beach State University Athletics
Beach Track & Field Inks Five During Early Signing Period
11/25/2014 12:00:00 AM | Track and Field
LONG BEACH - Long Beach State track & field head coach Andy Sythe has announced the signing of three high school and two community college standouts to National Letters of Intent. James Hubbard (Auburn, Calif.), Nicholas Hudson (Fresno, Calif.), Nash Parker (Dana Point, Calif.), Shelby Crider (Auburn, Calif.), and Courtne Davis (Corona, Calif.) will all join the Beach in 2015-16.
"All of these standouts are of the quality our program seeks to make a greater presence on the national scene in our sport," Sythe said. "We have such a strong tradition in the throws and James, Nicholas, Nash and Shelby will do a great job filling big shoes as they replace some of our most accomplished senior throwers. Courtne will also be adding to the growing success stories in our competitive sprints program, bringing talent, speed and a desired balance to our women's team."
James Hubbard (Throws, Jr., American River College/Placer HS)
Hubbard is in his second year at American River College where he competes in the hammer and discus. He was the top finisher among all freshmen in both events at the 2014 California Community College State Championships as he placed third in the hammer and seventh in the discus. Hubbard was also the NorCal Community College champion in the hammer throw. His personal best of 188-02 ranked second in the country among freshmen at the community college level, while his lifetime best of 159-04 in the discus was sixth. Both marks also put him among the all-time top-10 at American River College.
"James has impressive marks after his first year in junior college as he is one of the top throwers in the entire country in terms of returnees at the community college level," LBSU throws coach Cory Loebl said. "He is very strong in the weight room and his love for both Olympic and power lifting has enabled him to rise to a high level quickly."
Nicholas Hudson (Fr., Throws, Kings Christian HS)
Hudson is currently a senior at Kings Christian High School in Lemoore, Calif., where he is a two-time East Sierra League Field MVP. As a junior, he established a school record and ranked 16th in the nation with a lifetime-best 188-07 in the discus. He was also sixth in the state in the hammer throw with a personal-record 186-06. Hudson's mark in the discus is the second-best among returning high school student-athletes in California and the fifth-best in the country. Hudson also lettered in football, helping his squad to three Central Section Championships (2011, 2013-14) as a running back and linebacker.
"Nico is great example of how speed, power, and technique will enable a discus to travel far," Loebl said. "Entering his senior year as one of the best throwers in the country, I'm very excited to see him excel. He's also had great success in the hammer throw having minimal training. He's a versatile athlete with great potential."
Nash Parker (Fr., Throws, Dana Hills HS)
Parker is a senior at Dana Hills High School where he competes in the shot put and discus. He finished fifth at the South Coast League Championships and qualified for the CIF Southern Section prelims in the discus as a junior. Parker established a lifetime-best 155-10 at a dual meet with Trabuco Hills High School. He also placed among the top-five in the South Coast League finals as a freshman and sophomore.
"I consider Nash to be a diamond in the rough," Loebl said. "He made tremendous gains during his junior year and he has dedicated himself to training year-round for the throws as he currently works with Arete Throws Nation. Nash should undoubtedly have another year of tremendous improvements and be a top thrower in the state."
Shelby Crider (Jr., Javelin, American River College/Placer HS)
Crider is in her sophomore year at American River College where she was the 2014 NorCal Community College champion in the javelin. She also finished first in the community college division of the prestigious Mt. SAC Relays. Crider established a lifetime-best 137-07, which ranks third all-time at American River College. She returns as the top javelin thrower in the California Community College system and ranks fourth in the country.
"New to the javelin, Shelby has shown why she has found her new love in track & field," Loebl said. "A former pole vaulter who spent her entire high school career vaulting, switched over and found immediate success. Shelby comes from a track family, so she has developed a hard working foundation which has landed her the opportunity to be one of the best returning junior college javelin throwers in the U.S."
Courtne Davis (Fr., Sprints, Martin Luther King HS)
Davis was the 2014 CIF Southern Section Division IV champion, as well as the Riverside City champion, in the 100m and 200m at Martin Luther King High School. She also anchored her school's winning 4x100m relay team. Davis was selected to the 2014 Inland Empire All-Area Girls' Track & Field Team for her top performances. In addition, she competed in the seeded sections of the Arcadia Invitational (100m, 200m) and the USATF Junior Olympics (200m, 400m). Davis established personal records of 12.16 in the 100m, 24.24 in the 200m and 57.47 in the 400m.
"Courtne is a real talent that can be developed into a top performer at the national level," LBSU sprints coach LaTanya Sheffield said. "We are so excited to have her joining us next year and for the immediate impact we believe she can have on Long Beach State Track & Field."
2015-16 Beach Track & Field Recruiting Class - Early Signing Period
James Hubbard, Jr., Hammer Throw & Discus, Auburn, Calif. (American River College)
Nicholas Hudson, Fr., Discus, Fresno, Calif. (Kings Christian HS)
Nash Parker, Fr., Discus, Dana Point, Calif. (Dana Hills HS)
Shelby Crider, Jr., Javelin, Auburn, Calif. (American River College)
Courtne Davis, Fr., Sprints & Relays, Corona, Calif. (Martin Luther King HS)
