Brescia University Announces 08 Recruiting Classes: Chelstrom Inks KY

Press Release

Brescia University Announces 08 Recruiting Classes:  Chelstrom Inks KY’s Largest Group of Signees

 

August 11, 2008 – Brescia University Department of Running Operations

Remember the following colors… blue, white, and black.  Kentucky distance running fans will see a whole lot of collegiate harriers sporting the shades of the Brescia University Cross Country team this season.  Just how many do you ask? Twenty-Six new runners will be joining the program this fall.     

Second Year Head Coach Dan Chelstrom is excited about the incoming group, “I was pretty pleased with our recruiting class for this season.  My philosophy has always been that cross country is a numbers game.  With numbers, athletes have training partners and multiple sources for intra-team competition.  Those are important components to teams that are able to get it done in November, when it counts.” 

Top Kentucky recruits include Ashley Miller on the women’s side and Matt Lowe, Chris Becker, and Shea Thrash on the men’s team.  Miller was the 3rd fastest senior at the 2007 State Cross Country Meet across all women’s divisions. 

“It goes without say that I am elated to have a young woman of Ashley’s caliber joining our program,” Chelstrom said.  “She is the top Kentucky woman of the 08 recruiting class to continue her education and racing career in state.  Aside from her talent as a runner, I think Ashley will actually bring more to our team in terms of her academic prowess, attitude, and energy.  She and her teammates on the women’s team will be a treat to work with.  Ashley typifies the attitude of our women’s team… students first, tenacious as athletes, and well rounded people.” 

Matt Lowe finished 5th in the 2007 Kentucky AA State Meet this past fall.  His time made him the 10th fastest among all males competing.  Chris Becker was one of the top runners in Class AAA last fall, while Shea Thrash was a scoring member of the Apollo team that placed second in Class AAA during the 2007 Fall Championships.  Thrash was also the fastest senior on the Apollo 4x800m relay that won the 2008 KY AAA State Championship and competed at Nike Track Nationals this past summer.                            (Pictured:  Owensboro High School’s Ashley Miller signs a letter of intent to compete with Brescia University starting in the Fall of 2008)

“Our men’s team will go extremely deep,” Chelstrom stated.  “Matt Lowe should be tough as he will be well suited to the higher mileage that is the signature of this program.  Becker is a born leader and a nice talent.  Both of these guys should be at the top of the KIAC immediately.  Shea Thrash is another guy to watch out for.  He is functionally strong and has nice range from 800 meters and up.  I think Shay will be right up there with Matt and Chris mixing it up.”

(Pictured: Webster County’s Matt Lowe has signed to compete with the Brescia Bearcats beginning in Fall 2008)

“Overall, I think the recruits have bought into the culture our program offers,” Chelstrom added.  “We are a family built off of hard work, an attention to academics, and have an all-for-one, one-for-all mindset.  We should be a tough bunch in November.”

The Bearcats open up their schedule with a time trial on August 30th.  Their first race is on September 17th at the Memphis Brooks Twilight Classic.   

For more information on the Brescia Cross Country Program go to www.bresciasports.com.

 

2008-2009 Brescia University Cross Country/Distance Signees      
Last First High School Events
Bartley Clyde Apollo XC, Distance
Becker Chris Butler Traditional XC, Distance
Blandford Cedric Arthur (IL) XC, Distance
Brown Marshall Meade County XC, Distance
Deig Emily Henderson County XC, Distance
Duff Katie Bishop Brossart XC, Distance
Farmer Larry Henry County XC, Distance
Hofmeister Adam North Harrison (IN) XC, Distance
Hybarger Brittney Henderson County XC, Distance
Hybarger Cody Henderson County XC, Distance
Lee Owen Apollo XC, Distance
Lowe Matt Webster County XC, Distance
Manzanares Gilbert Ida Baker (FL) XC, Distance
Marlin Joey Henderson County XC, Distance
Marlow Casey Taylor County XC, Distance
Miller Ashley Owensboro XC, Distance
Moschetti Phillip Bardstown XC, Distance
Nichols Jeff Fairdale XC, Distance
Phillips Justin Owensboro XC, Distance
Raney Josh Macon (TN) XC, Distance
Rasche Charlie Butler Traditional XC, Distance
Reynolds Julie Acad. for SMH (IN) XC, Distance
Stone Kenton Owensboro  XC, Distance
Tipton Matt Trinity XC, Distance
Thrash Shea Apollo XC, Distance
Turner Courtney Apollo XC, Distance