Red Wolves - IU East

The top of the Indiana University East women's cross country pack just got a little more crowded.

Carlie Rider, a recent Eaton (Ohio) High School graduate, has signed a letter of intent to compete in cross country and track and field at Indiana University East.

Red Wolves cross country coach Pam Mertz announced the signing June 10.

Rider recently qualified for the Ohio Division II regional with Eaton's 3200-meter relay.

She was 20th in a Division II cross country district meet this past fall. She finished sixth in the 2009 Southwestern Buckeye League cross country meet.

"She will definitely be a contender for our No. 1 spot," Mertz said. "Her best time is already under our school record time.

"She is one of three girls who will have a chance to be our No. 1 runner, and it will be up to whoever wants to work the hardest."

Rider has competed in distance running since middle school.

She heard positive reviews about IU East from friends and relatives.

"My friend goes here and says it is amazing," Rider said. "I'm hoping to have fun, and I'll do the best I can."

Carlie is the daughter of Cathy and Charlie Rider. She is the "oldest" - by a few minutes - of triplets.

She plans to major in exercise science. She qualified to compete at the Montgomery County Science Day with a high score at the Miami Valley Career Technology Center Science Fair.

"(IU East) was a great opportunity for me to stay at home and run," Rider said.

Rider is the third Eaton High School cross country/track and field athlete to sign with IU East in the last three weeks.

Thrower Cory McKinney and hurdler Alex Roach also will compete for the Red Wolves in 2010-11.

"We're hoping to get more Eaton cross country runners because it is a good school with a good cross country program," Mertz said.

Rider is the seventh member of IU East's 2010 women's cross country recruiting class. She joins Danielle Acton and Shawna Smith of Lynn, Jordyn Holland and Tiara Smith of Richmond, Shayna Gray of New Castle and Jasmine Frasher of Connersville.

IU East cross country practices officially begin Aug. 1.