Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Women's Track And Field Signs Six
05/08/2003 | 12:00:00 | Track and Field
May 8, 2003
Carbondale, Ill. - Southern Illinois University's women's track and field coaches recently announced the signing of six athletes to a national letter of intent during the spring signing period. SIU's women's program signed five athletes during the fall.
Three middle distance and distance runners from Illinois will join SIU. Katie Birn, McHenry, Ill., McHenry East High School, will run cross country and track and field next year. Birn is a two-time all-state cross country selection and a two-time state meet qualifier in the 1600m with a personal best of 5:13.49.
"Look for Katie to compete for a top five spot on our improving cross country team," said head cross country coach Matt Sparks. "She has had good success in high school, and we look for her to continue that winning mentality at the collegiate level."
Sarah Rinker, Pontiac, Ill., Pontiac Township High School, is a three-time state qualifier in the 800m and 800m medley relay. She was the 2002 conference champ in cross country as well as a state qualifier, and an all-state performer in track in 2002. She was the 800m champion at the Illinois Indoor running 2:16.59.
"Sarah can step in immediately and help us in so many ways," said Sparks. "We expect her to be a major contributor in cross as well as track. She will be a great fit with our already strong middle distance group."
Katie Ringelestein, Normal, Ill., Normal Community High School, is a three-time state track meet qualifiers in multiple events (800m medley, 4x400m, 300m-hurdles). She is a two-time state cross country meet qualifier.
"Katie will help our program in a variety of areas ranging from the 400m-hurdles to potentially, the 3000m steeplechase," Sparks said.
Three sprinters will be added to the Saluki sprints crew. April Heath, Leavenworth, Kan. Leavenworth High School, was the state runner-up in the 400m in 2001 and was on the state championship 4x400m relay in 2000.
"April will step in immediately and be a key player in the conference in events ranging from the 100-400m and on relays," said sprint coach Lawrence Johnson.
SIU will pick up two more hurdlers for next season. Leslie Murillo, Kansas City, Mo., Ruskin High School, has run 44.8 in the 300m-hurdles and 14.7 in the 100m-hurdles. She also has a personal best of 25.01 in the 200m and was on the state championship 4x200m relay unit.
"Leslie is a very talented athlete who will help in the hurdles and will become a major factor in the heptathlon," said Johnson.
Maleah White, Dwight, Ill., Dwight Township High School, was the state runner-up in the 100m-hurdles last year with a personal best 14.5.
"With our developing hurdle group, Maleah will be given the opportunity to really see the limits of her potential," said Johnson.
