Southern Oregon University Athletics

Southern Oregon head track and field and cross country coach Brent Ericksen today announced the signing of 14 individuals to join the Raiders for the 2009-10 school year.

The 14 join Andrew Milne (Shasta College), Dennis McCaffrey (Ashland High School/Western Washington), Michaela Bishop (Ashland High School/Northern Arizona) and Denali Cox (Ontario High School/Rutgers) who all joined the program prior this Spring term.

“This is another step in getting to where I want to be as a program,” Ericksen said. “We are not finished recruiting by any means, but it is nice to bring in these kids who can really help us continue to get better.”
Cody Clifford (Sprints/Spanish Springs High School/Sparks Nev.), Brett Hornig (Distance/Amador High School/Sutter Creek, Calif), Peter Stice (Distance/Umatilla High School), Chris Daniels (Distance/West Linn High School), Kurtis Semph (Distance/Southridge High School), Josh Denson (Sprints/Deer Valley High School), Tyler Stanley (Distance/Lane Community College), James Johnstone (Distance/Butte Junior College), Erik Evasovic (Hurdles/McQueen High School/Reno, Nev.), Connor Donley (Distance/Danville, Calif./Monte Vista High School) will all be part of the men’s program next year.

“The men certainly added more depth in the distances,” Ericksen said. “Milne has great potential and Johnstone and McCaffrey are both transfers who are immediately ready for the 8k cross country distance. Hornig has tremendous potential among others. In the Sprints, Cody Clifford will make an immediate impact as he is the Nevada 4A Regional 200 and 400 meter Champion. While Erik Evasovic will join earlier signee, Zach Comphel, to strengthen the hurdle events.”

Holly Haga (Throws/Crater High School), Tamara Beardsley (Throws/Southwest Oregon Community College), Justine Cuthbertson (Throws/Southwest Oregon Community College) and Lindsey Harris (Sprints/Umatilla High School) join the SOU women’s program.

“On the women’s side we are adding three throwers, which is an area we just didn’t cover last season,” Ericksen said. “Holly Haga has the potential to make a big impact and was the 5A state leader this past season in the discus. We’ll take all the kids we can get from Crater High School – they have great kids and a super program.”

Haga is the daughter of SOU Hall of Famer Greg Haga.