Hawkeye Freshmen Earn National Prep Honors

Aug. 19, 2011

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IOWA CITY, Iowa — A pair of incoming University of Iowa freshmen were named to the USA TODAY All-USA high school track and field team. Kayla Beattie, a native of Woodstock, Ill., and Gabe Hull, a native of Bloomington, Ind., were named to the publication’s annual list announced Thursday. Both student-athletes will join the Hawkeyes this fall.

To earn a spot on the All-USA team, prep athletes were judged on their rankings on USA TODAY and Track and Field News national lists, the number of top performances, and head-to-head competition during regular season and major postseason meets.

Beattie and Hull each recently captured titles at the 2011 Pan American Junior Championships. Beattie won the title in the 5,000 meters (16:29.92), and Hull won the discus event (194-8). Beattie was also recognized by USA TODAY for her top 2011 performance in the 3,000 meters (9:16.39), and Hull was recognized for his top shot put mark (62-6).

“This is really a tremendous honor for both Kayla and Gabe,” said Iowa assistant track and field coach Scott Cappos, who was a member of the USA coaching staff at the Pan Am Games. “The honor is reserved for the most elite athletes in the country and both Kayla and Gabe continue to prove they’re among the best.”