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IOWA CITY, Iowa – The University of Iowa track and field team has signed 25 additions for the 2018 recruiting class, the team announced Wednesday. The class includes 14 women and 11 men, including 10 from Iowa.
“I’m extremely pleased about our fall 2018 recruiting Class. This is the best class we’ve ever signed, and this will continue to allow our program to reach the highest levels in the Big Ten conference and the NCAA as we continue to work towards winning Championships,” director of track and field Joey Woody said. “My staff has worked non-stop since last summer and recruited relentlessly to attain the best recruiting class in Iowa history. In the process, we recruited coast to coast throughout the country and have filled many of our needs across all the event areas. Recruiting and signing the best talent in the state of Iowa has been a mission of mine since taking over as the Director of Track and Field and cross country and we did a phenomenal job of that this fall. Both our Men’s and Women’s teams are now positioned to compete as elite programs in the Big Ten for years to come.”
Logan Akason (Waukee, Iowa) – Waukee High School
800M – 2:15.46
1500M – 4:47.60
Accomplishments: Placed 4th at the Iowa Class 4A State Championships in the 1500M
“I am so excited that I get to be Logan’s coach. I think she is such a good person and exactly the type of person I want to be a part of our program. She wants to continue to develop and grow as a student-athlete but is not boastful about her accomplishments. I think she has so much untapped ability as both a sprinter and mid-distance athlete. She has been one of my favorite people to talk to and recruit, she is going to be such a great addition to our now loaded mid-distance group and I can’t wait to see what she does her senior season.”
– Coach Jason Wakenight
Mariel Bruxvoort (Grand Rapids, Michigan) Grands Rapids South Christian
100H – 14.64
300H – 43.06
Accomplishments: Michigan Division 2 State Champion @ 100 hurdles/300 hurdles
“Mariel is one of the top ranked hurdlers in the nation who finished the year ranked 21st in the 300 hurdles for the 2018 class. She is a multi-sport athlete who I believe is untapped in her potential as a 400 hurdler. Mariel is a very dedicated and hardworking student and athlete that will be a great addition to our hurdle crew. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to coach Mariel throughout her collegiate career! ” – Coach Joey Woody
Lily Campbell (Clive, Iowa) – Waukee High School
400M (Split) – 55.20
800M – 2:11.78
Accomplishments: Iowa Class 4A State Championship Runner-up @ 800M
“Lily is going to be a fabulous mid-distance runner in college and fits perfectly into our program. Her talents and strengths match up really well with what we do here at Iowa, and her focus is fantastic. She is an awesome student and has a terrific understanding of what she wants to achieve both on and off the track. I really loved getting to know her and learning more about what drives and motivates her to be great. I am so lucky I get to be her coach next season, I think she is an athlete that can really help put us over the top.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Sophia Gilbert (Van Horne, Iowa) Benton Community High School
1500M – 4:52.45
3000M – 10:24.91
Accomplishments: Placed 5th at the 2017 Iowa Class 3A State Championship @ 3000M
“Sophia is not only an accomplished distance runner but a great student as well. She is a multiple time all state performer and I know she is already looking forward to being a part of our program. Sophia is going to benefit greatly from training with our team and will add high quality depth to our roster.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Emma Gordon Ankeny Centennial High School
1500M – 4:57.96
3000M – 10:59.21
Accomplishments:
“Emma is going to add quality depth to our program and is a key addition to this signing class. Emma will benefit greatly from being a part of a great training group. I am very confident that Emma will continue to improve in our program. She is a focused and disciplined young lady, these qualities are crucial to becoming a great distance runner.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Maria Gorham (Alleman, Iowa) – North Polk High School
200M – 25.97
High Jump – 5’8
Accomplishments: 2017 Iowa Class 3A State Champion in the High Jump
“Maria is no stranger to success. She prospers on and off the track, and is the kind of kid we are proud to make a Hawkeye. Her personality and work ethic fit right into the vertical jumps group, and we are all thrilled she will be joining us. Maria knows how to win, and I expect it will be no different at the Big 10 level.” – Coach Paige Knodle
Anna Hostetler (Wellman, Iowa) Mid-Prairie High School
1500M – 4:33.41
3000M – 9:47.52
Accomplishments: 2017 Iowa Class 2A State Champion @ 800M, 1500M, 3000M
“Anna’s commitment to the University of Iowa is very exciting. She has had an amazing career and is close to wrapping up one of the most successful prep careers in Iowa high school girls’ cross country and track history. Anna will make an immediate impact in our program. In addition to being very humble and wonderful young lady, Anna is the type of athlete that we can build a program around. She is excited to stay close to home and close to family. Her addition easily makes this one of the best recruiting classes, in some time, in regards to distance runners. We were very successful in signing some of the top talent in the state. Anna’s commitment solidifies a great recruiting class will also have very positive impact immediately.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Amanda Howe (Southington, Connecticut) Southington High School
Hammer Throw – 154’7
Discus – 144’8
Accomplishments: 2017 New Balance Emerging Elite National Champion in the Hammer Throw
“I am extremely eager to welcome Amanda Howe to Hawkeye Nation! Amanda has been able to quickly establish herself on the national level and has thrown her best when it mattered most. Amanda comes back this year as the sixth ranked senior in the hammer throw in the country and has shown the ability to learn quickly. Her attitude and grit will help establish her as an elite Big Ten thrower early on in her career.” – Coach Eric Werskey
Kylie Latham (Ottumwa, Iowa) Ottumwa High School
1500M – 4:52.23
3000M – 10:32.35
Accomplishments: 5th @ 2017 Iowa Class 4A State Cross Country Championships
“Kylie is going to be a great addition to our program. In addition to her running abilities, I see leadership qualities in Kylie. Kylie had a tremendous finish to her senior cross country season with a top five finish in the 4A State XC championship. She was instrumental in advancing her Ottumwa team to the state championship for the first time in years. Kylie will add great depth to our program and I am confident that she will continue to improve in our program.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Grace McCabe (Hinsdale, Illinois) Hinsdale Central High School
1600M – 4:55.78
3200M – 10:57.12
“Grace McCabe is a wonderful young lady who is going to make a great addition to the Hawkeye program. I enjoyed getting to know Grace and her family during this recruiting process. She is a humble young woman with a competitive spirit and she too possesses leadership qualities. Grace has great range and will be competitive from 800 meters on the track all the way up to 6,000 meters in cross country. She is very versatile and will be a lot of fun to coach.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Jessica McKee (Johnston, Iowa) Johnston High School
1500M – 4:49.37
3000M – 10:19.38
Accomplishments: 3rd @ 2017 Iowa Class 4A State Cross Country Championships
“Jessica was the first to sign in this class of distance runners and that really resonated with other prospects. Jessica has been the cornerstone of three Iowa Class 4A state cross country team titles. Jessica has also been a standout on the track. Coach Hennes has done a tremendous job with Jessica and we are very excited to have one of the states finest athletes join our program. Jessica’s consistency at such a high level is most impressive and she competes very well when it matters most. We are looking forward to Jessica joining us in the fall.” – Coach Randy Hasenbank
Jada Laye (Desoto, Texas) Desoto High School
100M – 11.60
200M – 24.07
Accomplishments: Placed 7th at the AAU Junior Olympic Games in the 100M
“The Hawkeye Family would like to welcome Jada Laye and her family. Jada is a young lady that we have had our eye on for quite a while. One of the things that really strikes me about Jada when I saw her compete was her fearlessness. I would like to thank Coach Viller, Coach Rossum and Coach Beattie for doing an awesome job in developing and mentoring Jada. Her primary event focus will be 100M/200m and sprint relays.” –Coach Clive Roberts
Payton Wensel (Marion, Iowa) Linn-Mar High School
400M – 54.84
400H – 61.52
800M – 2:13.22
Accomplishments: 3-Time Iowa Class 4A State Champion @ 400M
“I feel like I’ve been recruiting Payton since she was born, as her parents have been personal friends of ours for 20+ years. Payton is one of the top 400/400 hurdle prospects in the Country who is ranked #11 in the 400 Hurdles and #21 in the 400 for the 2018 class! Payton’s dad Marek has done a tremendous job coaching her to an extremely high level, but has kept the door open for continued improvement at the collegiate level. I think with the addition of Payton and Mariel, our 400-hurdle program has taken a huge step forward! I am thrilled to have the opportunity to coach Payton at the University of Iowa!” – Coach Joey Woody
Daniesha Woodside (Oakland Park, Florida) Northeast High School
200M – 24.63
400M – 54.85
Accomplishments: 2017 Florida Class 3A Regional Runner-Up @ 400M
“Daneisha Woodside – The Hawkeye Family would like to welcome Daneisha Woodside and her family. What a great addition to our program. I think this is a young lady that will surprise many folks. From the moment Daneisha stepped on campus, her personality won the day. Daneisha’s primary event focus will be 200M/400M and the sprint relays. “- Coach Clive Roberts
James Carter (Oak Creek, Wisconsin) Oak Creek High School
Long Jump – 23’6
Triple Jump – 48’6 ½
Accomplishments: 2017 Wisconsin Division I State Runner-up in the Long Jump and Triple Jump
“The Hawkeye Family would like to welcome James Carter Jr. and his family. James will add tremendous depth to our jumps group and compete to score in the conference immediately. We feel that once given the opportunity to focus on just track and field, James will be a game changer for this program. I would like to thank Coach Carter, Coach Keino Turner and Coach Rick Stack for doing a fantastic job of developing James into the young man he has become. “
–Coach Clive Roberts
Seth Groom (Aurora, Illinois) Marmion Academy
200M – 22.18
Long Jump – 22’10
High Jump – 6’8
Accomplishments: 5-Time Illinois Class 3A State Medalist in the Long Jump and High Jump
“Iowa Track and Field is honored to add Seth Groom to the program. His extreme discipline and great work ethic make him an ideal athlete for the rigorous 10 events compiled within the decathlon. Seth is a unique kind of kid, and has a sense of wisdom beyond his years. I have no doubt that he will be very successful at this level, and am looking forward to working with him!”
– Coach Paige Knodle
Spencer Gudgel – (Indiana) Carmel High School
400M – 48.59
800M – 1:55.08
Accomplishments: Placed 4th at the USATF Junior Olympic National Championships
“Spencer is so passionate about track. He wants to be a superstar and I can tell he has the tools to be an elite athlete at the national level. I loved his enthusiasm throughout the recruiting process and I think stylistically we are a perfect fit as athlete and coach. The way he carries himself and focuses on taking steps towards that next level, it is everything I look for in an athlete. He was hovering under the radar a little bit last year but he is about to burst onto the scene in a very big way after a 4th place finish at the USATF Junior Olympic National Championships to end his junior season.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Peyton Haack – (Westfield, Indiana) Westfield High School
60H – 8.33
Pole Vault – 14’3
Decathlon – 6406
Accomplishments: Placed 3rd at the USATF Junior Olympic National Championships in the Decathlon
“One of my goals when stepping into this coaching position was to establish one of the strongest multi-event training groups in the conference, and adding Peyton was an integral part of that plan. He has had the opportunity to have some exposure to the decathlon, which will only aid in his success at this level. He is a great kid who has a passion for track and field, and I could not be more excited that he is a Hawkeye!” – Coach Paige Knodle
Jordan Hawkins (Roxana, Illinois) Roxana High School
Discus – 178’7
Accomplishments: Placed 4th at the IHSA Class 2A State Championships
“We are extremely excited to announce the commitment of Jordan Hawkins! Jordan comes to us as one of the top returning seniors in the Midwest, and the nation. His physical attributes combined with his mentality exemplifies what Iowa Track and Field is about. Jordan has the skills to become one of the top players in the Big Ten within his first couple of years, and we expect him to become a factor at the national level as well. His exceptional attitude combined with his classroom success will set the bar high for our talented throws group for years to come.” – Coach Eric Werskey
Wayne Lawrence Jr. – (Dayton, Ohio) Meadowdale High School
100M – 10.63
200M – 21.29
400M – 46.67
Accomplishments: 2017 Ohio Division II State Champion @ 200M & 400M
“Adding Wayne to our roster is a huge game changer. For him to be added to the stable of 400 meter runners we already have will give us potentially the best group of quarter milers in the country. He is so eager to improve and get his academic and athletic career started. From the first moment I talked to him I could tell how much he cared about his future and his potential for greatness. Wayne is coming here to compete for a national title, he isn’t here to be anything less than spectacular and I am thrilled that I get to be his coach and mentor.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Quentin Linnan – Indianola High School
400M (split) – 48.54
800M (split) – 1:53.34
800M – 1:55.20
Accomplishments: Anchored Sprint Medley Relay to 2017 Iowa Class 4A State Runner-Up Finish
“Q is an amazing talent and is going to explode this season. He ran 1:55.20 as a sophomore and last year split 1:53 low at the state meet but never had the opportunity to run a fresh 800 meter to show everyone what he could do. I think he has some special abilities and with his eagerness to learn more about the sport and compete at an elite level, he is training harder than ever going into his senior year. I think Quentin has been one of the best mid-distance athletes in our state for years now and is about to make a name for himself nationally. I love this kid – he has black and gold running through his veins already and I can see him being one of the best ever at Iowa before he’s done.” – Coach Jason Wakenight
Sterling Mungro – (DeSoto, Texas) Iowa Central CC
Shot Put – 18.01m
Hammer Throw – 63.01m
Weight Throw – 20.00m
Accomplishments: 2017 NJCAA National Champion in the Hammer Throw and Weight Throw
“We are thrilled to add Sterling Mungro to the Hawkeye Family! Sterling comes to Iowa as the defending NJCAA champion in the hammer throw and weight throw, respectively. He comes from one of the top junior college throwing programs in the nation that has helped guide him to become a huge impact athlete in the Big Ten Conference immediately and the on national level within the upcoming year. With his athleticism and frame, Sterling will add depth to an already talented roster and help lift the Hawkeyes to an even higher level. “- Coach Eric Werskey
Tyler Olson – Muscatine High School
400M (Split) – 49.50
800M – 1:55.90
Accomplishments: Placed 4th at the 2017 Iowa Class 4A State Meet @ 800M
“Tyler was the most improved mid-distance runner in the entire state last season. He has grown from 5’4 to almost 6’0 tall in the last 12-14 months and his performance has grown right along with him. Finishing 4th at the Drake Relays and 4th in the Class 4A state meet, he has proven himself to be one of Iowa’s elite 800 meter runners and I knew after watching him compete that we really needed to add him to our team. He is a gritty competitor and an unbelievable student as well. He is just starting to figure out how good he can be and I think he’ll be running at the NCAA championships in the years to come.” –– Coach Jason Wakenight
Gratt Reed – (Atlantic, Iowa) Atlantic High School
110HH – 14.25
400H – 54.39
Accomplishments: Placed 4th at the 2017 Iowa Class 4A State Meet @ 110 High Hurdles
“Gratt is the best returning high hurdler in the state and we are lucky to have him join the program. He has so many great attributes that give me confidence in his ability to be a difference maker in the Big Ten. He is a fierce competitor and is extremely serious about breaking 14.00 this season which would make him one of the all-time great hurdlers our state has seen. I am looking forward to watching him compete his senior season and challenge to be one of the best incoming freshman nationally.” – Coach Joey Woody
Nathan Winters (Knoxville, Iowa) Indian Hills CC
Shot Put – 17.07m
Discus – 50.70m
Accomplishments: 2017 NJCAA National Runner-Up in the Shot Put and Discus Throw
“I am ecstatic to have Nathan Winters become a Hawkeye! Upon receiving this position, my goal was to keep the top Iowa talent in Iowa. Nathan has shown that he is a remarkable competitor as he is the reigning NJCAA runner-up in shot put and discus, respectively. His mentality is to be 100 percent bought in, and that alone takes him to another level during training and competition. Nathan will step in and have an immediate impact for us at the Big Ten level as well as the national level. The combination of his attitude, grit, and drive exemplifies that he has what it takes to become a champion.”
– Coach Eric Werskey
