July 20, 2004

Track Announces More Newcomers

Loper Men Have Big Class

            Kearney, NE – Nebraska-Kearney head track and field coach Andy Meyer announced the names of 12 athletes, eight men and four women, who will compete for the Lopers next season.

            The group joins Chris Campbell (Beatrice H.S.), Shayna Fruit (Ogallala H.S.) and Brett Shipp (DeWitt-Tri County H.S.), who each signed in the fall, as Loper recruits so far.

            “We’re excited to be adding these talented individuals to our program. They will help UNK maintain a strong presence in the RMAC and help build UNK to an even stronger national presence in the near future,” Meyer said.

            He added more recruits names will be announced soon.  

            On the men’s side, UNK has to replace an outstanding senior class that included several All-Americans and school record holders such as Nate Wheat, John Laux and Derek Bailey.

             Notable newcomers include Lucas Horn, who won three state titles (long and triple jump, 200-meter dash) for Overton High School at the 2002 state meet. He is a transfer from Nebraska.

            This past spring, Darrel Branz of York High was the Class B state champ, and all-class gold medal winner, in the 110 hurdles (14.40) while Chris Vacha of Pope John Central Catholic High was the Class D state champ in the high jump (6-6).

            For the Loper women, who will return All-Americans Kate Semin, Amber Tiefenthaler, Lesley Crutcher and Shauna Birchard next year, notable names include Ravenna’s Megan Heathers, who was runner up in Class C in the discus, and Lisa Elson of Medicine Valley, who placed fourth in the discus in Class D.

            The UNK men won six straight RMAC indoor titles (1998-03) while the Loper women won back-to-back RMAC outdoor titles in 2002 and 2003.

            The complete list of 12 newcomers is below, with notable achievements for each.