Virginia Track and Field/Cross Country Adds To Recruiting Class

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April 30, 2013

CHARLOTTESVILLE –

The Virginia track and field and cross country programs announced six additions to the programs’ 2013 recruiting class Tuesday. Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Bryan Fetzer announced that these six athletes have signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the 12 women and six men who signed with the Cavaliers in February to form the incoming class of 2013-14.

“These additions make an already strong class even stronger,” said Fetzer. “One thing that can be said about this group that coincides with the one we already signed is that they are competitive and driven. Each student-athlete embodies those characteristics.”

Joining the men’s incoming class are sprinter Austin Chavez (Annandale, Va.), middle distance runner Nathan Kiley (Chantilly, Va.) and distance runner Ronnie Calkins (Richmond, Va.). The women’s class adds middle distance runner Alexa Cowne (Chantilly, Va.) and sprinters Chimere Ezumah (Gardena, Calif.) and Tori McKenzie (Chatham, Va.).

“Our staff talks regularly about finding the best `fit’ for UVa and for our program,” said Fetzer. “We feel this overall recruiting class meets those standards.”

VIRGINIA MEN’S TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY 2013 INCOMING CLASS

Ronnie Calkins
Distance
Richmond, Va. (Douglas Freeman)
• Prep Bests: 3200m – 9:14.28 (Indoors)
• Ranked No. 14 nationally in the 3200m indoors
• Virginia All-State

Austin Chavez
Sprints
Annandale, Va. (Annandale)
• Prep Bests: 500m – 1:06.69; 300m – 35.38
• Virginia All-State

Nathan Kiley
Middle Distance
Chantilly, Va. (Westfield)
• Prep Bests: 800m – 1:51.37; 500m – 1:04.94; 1000m – 2:29.08
• 2013 national high school indoor 800m champion
• Ranks No. 7 nationally indoors in 500m and No. 10 nationally indoors in 1000m
• Chose Virginia over Stanford and Georgetown

VIRGINIA WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY 2013 INCOMING CLASS

Alexa Cowne
Middle Distance
Chantilly, Va. (Chantilly)
• Prep Bests: 1600m – 4:58.53; 800m – 2:16.81; 1000m – 2:59.09
• Virginia All-State in both track and cross country
• Finished 15th at 2013 New Balance High School nationals in the mile

Chimere Ezumah
Sprints
Gardena, Calif. (Junipero Serra)
• Prep Bests: 400m – 52.97; 200m – 24.22
• California State 400m champion
• 2013 Simplot Games 400m champion
• Led her team to the 2012 CIF State Championship
• Chose Virginia over USC, UCLA and Stanford

Tori McKenzie
Sprints
Chatham, Va. (Chatham)
• Prep Bests: 100m – 11.96; 200m – 24.78
• Four-time Virginia high school state champion
• Virginia state runner-up in the long jump