March 25, 2008
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Iowa City, IA – The University of Iowa women’s track team has signed five student-athlete distance runners for the 2008-09 season. Lindsay Anderson, Betsy Flood, Brooke Eilers, McKenzie Melander and Danielle Berndt will all be joining the Hawkeyes.
“This is an outstanding group of young ladies and I am very excited about having them join our program,” said Head Coach Layne Anderson. “Not only have they proven they can compete at a high level, athletically, they are all excellent students and great individuals. This class will add to a very solid group of veterans and give our program a great opportunity to return to the NCAA Championships this fall. I anticipate each recruit will have an outstanding career at Iowa.”
Anderson, sister of current Hawkeye runner Krista Anderson, is a native of Leeds, ND. She’s been selected the North Dakota Gatorade Athlete of the Year twice. Anderson is an 11-time state champion, four in cross country, five in the 1,600 meters and twice in the 3,200 meters. She qualified for the Footlocker National High School Cross Country Championships during her sophomore and senior seasons. Anderson is currently ranked first in her graduating class and is a member of the all-state band squad. Her high school coaches were her parents Greg and Karen Anderson and Jeff Manley.
Flood is a native of Des Moines. She is one of the top all-around runners in the state, winning state titles in the 800 and 1,500 meters and the distance medley relay. Flood is a member of the AAU record setting 3,200 meter relay team. Entering her senior season her personal best in the 800 meters is 2:13 and 4:35 the 1,500 meters. Flood’s high school coach is Jim Kirby.
Eilers is a native of Holland, MI. She has received all-state accolades in cross country and track. Her has a personal best time of 4:59 in the 1,600 meters and 10:49 in the 3,200 meters. Eilers is an exceptional student. Her parents both graduated from the University of Iowa. She was coached by Greg DeKruyter.
Melander is a native of Apple Valley, MN. She posted a state runner-up performance in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters in 2007. Her personal best time in the 1,600 is 4:59 and in the 3,200 is 10:52. Melander’s high school coach is Jorjean Fischer.
Berndt is a native of Bloomington, MN. She is one of the top runners in Minnesota. She finished second in the state 3,200 meters with a time of 10:49 and fourth at the state cross country championships. Berndt is also an excellent nordic skier having recently qualified for the national championships in Alaska. She will major in engineering.
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