Red Wolves - IU East

The Indiana University East cross country and track and field programs picked up some strikes, some spares, and three new student-athletes during a bowling outing March 6 at Do-Re-Me Lanes in Richmond.

IU East cross country and distances coach Pam Mertz on March 6 announced Richmond High School seniors Tyler Stigleman and Tiara Smith and Connersville High School senior Jasmine Frasher have signed letters of intent to compete for the Red Wolves starting with the 2010-11 school year.

All three athletes will compete in both cross country and track and field.

"Jasmine should be fighting it out to be one of our top runners," said Mertz. "And Tyler and Tiara are the type of runners you have to have in your lineup to provide depth to win meets."

Frasher helped Connersville win Olympic Conference cross country titles and IHSAA sectional track and field titles during her time with the Spartans. She has earned two all-Olympic Conference medals.

She is the daughter of Justin and Kristy Frasher. Kristy is part of the staff at the IU East Bookstore.

"I chose IU East because it's close to home and I like the small classes," Frasher said.

Frasher's best 5K time is 20:47, which would have been good for second place at the 2009 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference cross country meet.

Frasher's track and field bests are 1:04 in the 400, 2:33 in the 800 and 5:51 in the 1600.

Smith runs sprints for the Richmond track and field team and also ran cross country.

Smith is the daughter of Anthony and Roberta Smith.

"I chose IU East because it's a great school and attending there will allow me to stay close to my family," Smith said.

Smith's best 5K time is 24:58, which would have placed in the top 20 at the 2009 KIAC cross country meet.

Smith and Frasher both were mental attitude award winners at their respective schools.

Stigleman runs cross country and track and field distance events for Richmond.

Mertz, IU East junior Vanessa Legg, and November signees Danielle Action, Jordyn Holland, Shayna Gray and Aaron Myers joined the newest Red Wolves on March 6 for a fun afternoon at the lanes.

The March 6 signings ensure IU East will be able to field a full women's cross country team for the 2010 season.

"And we're not done yet," Mertz said.

IU East sent two runners to the NAIA Cross Country National Championships during the 2009 season.

IU East will compete in a full track and field schedule for the first time during the 2010-11 school year.