Published: July 18, 2008 04:03 pm            

OSU track welcomes six additions

Three state champions are on their way to Stillwater to run for Oklahoma State’s women’s track and field team next season.

Coach Rene Sepulveda recently announced the three champion recruits as well as three others who have proven themselves in the track and field world. Kendra Woodson (Farmington, N.M.), Brittani Johnson (West Plains, Mo.), Jessica Lewis (Crowley, Texas), Autumn Moses (Tulsa), Heather Estetter (Fort Smith, Ark.) and Mykka Jasper (Anadarko) will all join the OSU squad.

“Kendra has great potential as a 400-meter hurdler in college and will also work on her 100-meter hurdles and possibly compete in the heptathlon in the future,” Sepulveda said in a press release.

Woodson was the high scorer at the ’08 New Mexico state track and field championships, while becoming the state champion in the 100-meter hurdles and the 300-meter hurdles. She was also the state runner-up in the 200 meters and ran the anchor leg of the runner-up 4x200 meter relay.

Johnson was the Missouri individual state champion in cross country in both 2005 and ’06, and was a member of the state champion teams in ’04, ’06, and ’07.

Through her success, Johnson was named the Southwest Missouri Coaches Association Cross Country Athlete of the Year in 2005, ’06 and ’07.

“(Johnson’s) work ethic and leadership will be a big asset for the upcoming cross country season. She could be a big surprise when she moves to the 6,000-meter distance in cross country,” Sepulveda said.

“She’d like to focus on the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters during the track and field seasons.”

Estetter is the final state champion on the newest list of signees for Sepulveda. As the 2008 Arkansas Class 7A state champion in the 1,600 meters (5:08.21), Estetter also won the title in the mile at the 2008 Arkansas Meet of Champions.

“Heather improved by over 20 seconds in her mile time from the previous season,” Sepulveda said. “She has the potential to qualify for the U.S. Junior Nationals in the 1,500 meters her freshman year.”

Lewis, a thrower, comes to OSU will a personal best of 39’9” in the shot put and 120’2” in the discus throw, which was good enough for a fourth-place finish in the shot put at the regional meet her senior year.

“Jessica has the power and quickness to become an all-Big 12 performer in the hammer,” throws coach John Baumann said in the release. “Jessica will be a good fit to replace three-time all-Big 12 thrower Deleanor Kirkpatrick, who just graduated.”

Moses brings more to OSU than just speed for this season.

“Autumn has potential to be an all-Big 12 performer in the 400 meter hurdles and will be a big asset in our relays next season,” Sepulveda said. “We are excited to continue to build a good relationship and recruit additional track and field athletes from Booker T. Washington in the future.”

Moses earned a third- place finish at the Oklahoma 5A state meet in the 400 meters with a 57.91, while posting top-five finishes in three other relay events.

Jasper is the final recruit on the list that will be in orange and black this season. With plenty of natural ability, Jasper threw 120’ in the discus, without ever lifting weights.

“Mykka is a great addition to our incoming throws class,” Baumann said. “We are excited about her potential and see her as someone who can do well in a college program.”

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.