Eastern Michigan Athletics
Men's Track and Field Unveils Incoming Recruiting Class
7/27/2017 9:47:00 AM | Men's Track & Field
The 32 signees will carry on the tradition of excellence under the direction of Goodridge
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — With the fall fast approaching, Eastern Michigan University Head Men's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach John Goodridge has announced the signing of 32 future Eagles, Thursday, July 27. The talented and versatile group joins a class that already includes early signees, Owen Richardson and Matt Bull (Mentor, Ohio-Mentor), and ranges across 13 states and a total of four countries.
"I am very appreciative of the efforts of my staff, as well as the efforts of our current team members and athletic department staff who were part of the recruiting experience with this year's class, and of course to the incoming freshmen, their families, and coaches for joining the Eastern Michigan University track and field tradition," Goodridge said. "This is a large class with interesting and exciting potential. My assistants and I look forward to coaching these young men and seeing them put on our special uniform and compete as Eastern Michigan Eagles."
Joining the Green and White for the upcoming season will be: Charles Calhoun (Shaker Heights, Ohio-Shaker Heights), Ian Cook (Worthington, Ohio-Thomas Worthington), Solomon Costa (Columbus, Ohio-Gahanna Lincoln), Owen Day (Krefeld, Germany-International School of Dusseldorf), Dalton DeLancey (Senecaville, Ohio-Meadowbrook), Hayelom Fitsum (Denver, Co.–Denver School of Science and Technology), Kevin Fofanah (Providence, R.I.-Classical), Cameron Grace (Canton, Mich.-Salem), Rhys Grealish (Indianapolis, Ind.-Avon), Charles Hilsenbeck (Temparance, Mich.-Bedford Senior), Johnelle Joe (Claymont, Del.-Mount Pleasant), Derek Jones (Erie, Pa.-Cathedral Preparatory), Kyle Kerley (Jackson, Mich.-East Jackson), Zach Kubicki (Oregon, Ohio-Toledo Whitmer Senior), Skylar Lester (Kennesaw, Ga.-Marietta), LeRoy Lewis (Dowagiac, Mich.-Dowagiac Union), Ryan Long (Wimborne, Dorset, U.K.-Queen Elizabeth's), Dennis Manyeah (Yeadon, Pa.-Penn Wood), Hunter Moore (Westerville, Ohio-Olentangy Orange), Isaac Murdock (Boerne, Texas, Boerne Samuel V Champion), Donovan Myers (Erie, Pa.-Seneca), Phoenix Myers (Erie, Pa.-Seneca), Terrell Posada (Naples, Fla.-Naples), Gregory Potter (York, Pa.-Red Lion), Cameron Sorenson (Oshkosh, Wis.-Oshkosh North), Newlyn Stephenson III (Crown Point, Ind.-Thea Bowman Leadership Academy), Jarvis Stokes (Hampton, Va.-Daegu American), James "Pee Wee" Thomas (New Castle, Pa.-Union Area), Job Togom (Eldoret, Kenya-Paul Boit Boys School), Zach West (Fenton, Mich.-Fenton), Treston White (Lockport, N.Y.-Lockport), and Zach Young (Marion, Ill.-Marion).
Calhoun competed in a number events as member of the Shaker Heights High School program. His senior season he clocked in with a time of 40.45 in the 300m hurdles, logged a long jump of 21 feet 8-inches, and was named second team all-conference. Calhoun led Shaker Heights to a runner-up finish at districts and also competed on the football team.
"Charles is the son of one of our distinguished alumni, and he continued to improve during his senior year," Assistant Coach Sterling Roberts shared. "We're thrilled to keep him in the family, and look forward to watching him progress here at Eastern."
Cook, a Worthington, Ohio native, attended Thomas Worthington High School. There, he ran to a personal-best time of 16:56 as a senior and helped his team to conference, district, and regional championships, as well as Thomas Worthington to a fourth-place finish at the state meet while serving as a team captain.
"Ian is an Academic Presidential Scholar and understands and seeks the challenges ahead," Goodridge said.
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Costa attended Gahanna Lincoln High School. There, he set the school record in the 1600m with a time of 4:19 and earned both second team and honorable mention awards for cross country.
"Solomon is eager to develop and respectful of the challenges ahead," Goodridge stated.
Day makes the trek to Ypsilanti from Krefeld, Germany, where he attended the International School of Dusseldorf. In his final year, Day recorded a time of 3:44.38 in the 1500m. Named the Ottawa Lions Junior Athlete MVP in 2013, Day claimed a total of four top-three OFSAA medals. At the 2016 German Cross Country Championships, Day took home eighth-place.
"Before moving to Germany, Owen was coached by former EMU MAC Champion and All-American Josh Karanja, who alerted me to Owen's talent," Goodridge shared.
DeLancey prepped at Meadowbrooke High School and is a native of Senecaville, Ohio. A decorated pole vaulter, DeLancey cleared 14 feet 7-inches as a senior, marking a personal-best. An All-Ohio selection, the Senacaville, Ohio product won a district championship, finished runner-up at regionals, was a two-time Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Champion, and earned All-Eastern Ohio honors. Additionally, DeLancey has experience in the decathlon where he posted a score of 4986 points.
"Dalton, having experience in the multi's, has shined in the vault within his last few years," Assistant Coach Solomon Simmons said. "We hope to develop him and see which event his future lies."
Coming to Ypsilanti from Denver, Colo., Fitsum attended the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST). As a senior, Fitsum clocked in with the fastest 800m indoor time in the state. He holds the DSST records for the 400m, 800m, 1600m, and 5000m, and won the 400m, 800m, and 1600m league championships during his final two seasons. He also holds a personal-best 800m time of 1:52.86. A two-time first team all-league honoree, Fitsum was named the Air Force Academy 2017 Indoor Boys Track MVP. The 2016 Cross Country League Runner of the Year awardwinner, Fitsum was a three-time team captain for DSST.
"Hayelom is a talented middle distance runner who did not have a team to practice with," Goodridge exclaimed. "Coach Dan Reese has done a great job coaching and managing Hayelom's unusual situation."
A veteran hammer thrower, Fofanah hails from Providence, R.I. A four-year letterwinner at Classical High School, Fofanah posted season marks of 68 feet 9-inches in the weight throw and 184 feet 8-inches in the hammer throw. Reeling in all-class, all-divsion, all-state, and All-American honors through his high school career, Fofanah received the Al Moro Award and Coaches Award after serving as team captain for three seasons. Additionally, Fofanah was a member of the football team.
"Kevin joins us as an experienced hammer thrower," Simmons added. "We are excited to welcome Kevin into the EMU track family."
Remaining in the state of Michigan for his collegiate career, Grace comes to EMU from Canton, where he prepped at Salem High School. Grace's high jump of 6 feet 6.25-inches is the best in school history, while he also posted a senior year mark of 20 feet 2-inches in the long jump. Following a runner-up finish at regionals, Grace placed 18th in the high jump at the MHSAA state meet. A four-time division champion and two-time conference champion, Grace also played basketball.
"We are looking forward to Cameron devoting all his efforts to the high jump," Simmons said.
Grealish, a distance runner out of Indianapolis, Ind., joins the Green and White after a strong prep career at Avon High School. As a senior, Grealish turned in top times of 1:57.97 in the 800m, 4:28.18 in the 1600m, 9:48.65 in the 3200m, and 15:40.72 in the 5000m. He holds the Avon High School cross country record in the 5000m, while he also ranks inside the schools top-10 in the 3200m and 4x800m relay. A 2016 Team Indiana All-Star selection, Grealish was a three-time state qualifier in cross country and a two-time cross country MVP and fueled his squad to a sixth-place finish at the state meet. On the track side of things, he led Avon to runner-up finishes at regionals and state.
"Rhys very early determined his interest in us and is ready to get to work," Goodridge stated.
Hilsenbeck is another local talent, hailing form Temperance, Mich. where he attended Bedford Senior High School. Crossing the finish line with a 100m time of 11.06, 200m time of 22.06, and 400m time of 49.14, Hilsenbeck owns two school records in addition to the 200m Whitmore Lake meet record. Named Team MVP three consecutive years, he is a three-time state qualifier, all-region performer, and two-time SEC Champion.
"Charles is a very 'gutsy' runner, which will certainly help him at the collegiate level," Roberts exlaimed. "EMU has a long history of young men who aren't afraid to go after it, and Charles fits that mold."
Jetting west, Joe arrives in Ypsilanti after prepping at Mount Pleasant High School in Claymont, Del. There, he claimed the indoor and outdoor 800m state titles, highlighting an undefeated senior year in the event. While his time of 1:52.89 ranks as the best in school history, Joe's also the state record holder for his indoor 800m time at the state championship. An Academic All-State awardwinner, Joe also racked up all-conference and all-county honors.
"Johnelle is a fine middle distance runner who is very motivated to develop," Goodridge said.
Jones, a native of Erie, Pa., prepped at Cathedral Preparatory School where he posted times of 50.8 in the 400m and 1:54.04 in the 800m as a senior. He holds the school record in the 800m and was also a member of the school's 4x400m record holding relay. Jones holds the District 10 800m record and is a two-time District 10 800m All-Star. Named Team MVP, Jones finished eighth in the the state in the 800m.
"Derek is a fine middle distance talent with a soccer background," added Goodridge.
Kerley comes roughly 45 miles east on I-94 from Jackson, Mich. A talented thrower, Kerley owns career-best throws of 156 feet 10-inches in the discus and 50 feet 10-inches in the shot put. He was the conference champion in each event three times over the course of his prep career at East Jackson High School. An all-state selection, Kerley graduated as his class salutatorian and earned all-academic honors several times.
"Kyle has great size and capability in the throwing events," Simmons stated. "We look forward to helping him develop."
Kubucki treks north, joining the Eagles out of Oregon, Ohio. He attended Toledo Whitmer Senior High School where he logged a school record pole vault of 15 feet 7-inches. In addition to setting the Three Rivers Athletic Conference record and district record, Kubucki finished fifth at the state championships as a senior. He helped his team claim the TRAC and Division I District Championships, while also securing Third Team All-TRAC honors, and competing as a member of the football team.
"Zach comes in with a promising senior year under his belt after focusing on just vault," Simmons added.
A native of Kennesaw, Ga., Lester comes to Ypsilanti after prepping at Marietta High School. As a senior, Lester turned in a decathlon score of 6100 points. He also registered marks of 14.71 in the 110m hurdles, 39.63 in the 300m hurdles, and 6 feet 6.75-inches in the high jump. The Georgia Class 7A state runner-up in the high jump, Lester claimed sixth-place in the 110m hurdles at the state meet as a senior. He was also named first team all-county.
"Skylar will be a great addition to the multi's group," Solomons said. "He has a high level of athletic ability that will help as we improve on his technique."
Lewis is a high jumper out of Dowagiac, Mich. A two-year letterwinner at Dowagiac Union High School, Lewis set the school record with a high jump of 6 feet 8-inches.
"Leroy is an explosive jumper who will be a great addition to our group," exclaimed Roberts. "He had a great high school career, and we're excited he will be joining us this year."
Heading from across the pond, Long hails from Wimborne, Dorset, U.K. where he prepped at Queen Elizabeth's School. As a senior, Long posted marks of 11.15 in the 100m, 14.53 in the 110m hurdles, 7.00 meters in the long jump, 41.04 meters in the discus, and 6316 points in the decathlon. He finished sixth in the heptathlon at the England Athletics U-20 Indoor Combined Event Championships, while also claiming silver in the decathlon. In 2016, Long secured gold in the heptathlon at the South England Indoor Championships and bronze in the decathlon at the English Athletics U-20 Combined Events Championships.
"Ryan brings an enormous amount of experience with heptathlon," Simmons stated.
A Pennsylvania native, Manyeah has experience in a wide variety of events. He attended Penn Wood High School where he earned three outdoor state medals as a senior. Additionally, Manyeah holds five Penn Wood school records, including the 600m, the indoor and outdoor high jump, and the indoor and outdoor 4x800m, and has garnered All-American, all-state, and All-Delco honors.
"His range includes a 6 foot 8-inch high jump and a 1:53 800m," exclaimed Goodridge. "I am really looking forward to work with this young man."
Moore, a native of Westerville, Ohio, joins the Green and White after a four-year prep career at Olentangy Orange. In his final high school season, Moore posted times of 8:58 in the 3200m and 14:58 in the 5000m, while also winning the state 3200m title. Olentangy Orange's record holder in the 1600m, 3200m, 5000m, and 4x1600m relay, Moore has been named Most Valuable Runner and the Columbus Dispatch Scholar Athlete. A four-time all-state selection, Moore won the OCC Cross Country Championship in each of his final two seasons, adding to his three OCC 3200m titles and fourth-place 5000m finish at Outdoor New Balance Nationals.
"I am most appreciative of the opportunity to become Hunter's college coach," Goodridge added.
An experienced decathlete, Murdock travels to the Mitten from Boerne, Texas where he attended Boerne Samuel V Champion High School. This past season, Murdock turned in a score of 6,354 points in the decathlon, in addition to marks of 15.42 in the 110m hurdles and 39.20 in the 300m hurdles. He holds the school record in the long jump (22 feet 5-inches) and triple jump (42 feet 2-inches) and has helped Boerne Samual V Champion to three district championships and an area championship. A First Team Academic All-Texas selection, Murdock claimed the district and area crown in the 300m hurdles in 2017.
"Having experience in the decathlon, we expect Isaac to have a good transition to the event on the collegiate level," Simmons added.
Brothers Donovan and Phoenix Myers hail from Erie, Pa. where they attended Seneca High School. Donovan Myers posted senior year times of 1:54.72 in the 800m, 3:29.17 in the 4x400m and 7:48.92 in the 4x800m. He holds the school record in the 800m and was a part of the school record 4x800m relay. Donovan Myers reeled in multiple all-region and all-district awards, in addition to garnering all-state recognition once as a two-time 4x800 relay state champion and two time district champion.
"Donovan has good range from cross country to running legs on Seneca's 4x800 meter relay," Goodridge exclaimed.
Phoenix Myers, like his brother, was an accomplished track athlete at Seneca High School. There, he posted times of 4:18 (indoor) and 4:21 in the outdoor mile, and an 800m relay split time of 1:55. He holds the high school record in the 1600m with his indoor time and was also a member of the school record-setting 4x800m relay. Phoenix Myers earned first team all-region honors in three straight seasons, while also leading the cross country team to a third-place finish at the state championships.
"Phoenix's concentration has been in the middle distances and as an experienced relay racer," Goodridge shared.
Posada, a native of Naples, Fla., transfers to EMU from Evangel College where he claimed the 100m Heart of America Conference Championship title as a freshman. A graduate of Naples High School, Posada was a member of the track and football teams.
"We are very excited about Terrell and his potential," Roberts stated. "He is new to the sport, so his ceiling is very high."
Coming to Ypsilanti from York, Pa., Potter attended Red Lion High School. As a senior, he turned in a mark of 14 feet 9-inches in the pole vault, which was good for a second-place finish at the district championships. Additionally, he claimed the pole vault title at the county championships and wrapped up a fourth-place finish at the state meet. A two-time YIAA All-Star Team honoree, Potter holds the Red Lion High School pole vault record after clearing 15 feet 2-inches. He also won the cross country district title in 2016 and led his squad to a sixth-place finish at the state championships.
"Greg had a strong junior year in the vault having jumped 15'2," Simmons said. "Getting injured late in the year held him back from high jumps in his senior year, but he is now healthy and ready to compete."
Sorenson, a versatile jumper, joins the Green and White after a decorated career at Oshkosh, Wis. He attended Oshkosh North High School where he was an all-conference selection multiple times in track and also played football. As a senior, he registered a triple jump of 43 feet 8.5-inches and a long jump of 22 feet 1.75 inches. Sorenson qualified for the state meet in long jump, triple jump, and as a member of the 4x400m relay.
"Cameron shows some versatility in the jumps events," Roberts stated. "We're looking forward to watching him develop."
A native of Crown Point, Ind., Stephenson III prepped at Thea Bowman Leadership Academy. One of the top throwers in the state of Indiana, Stephenson III recorded throws of 50 feet in the shot put and 130 feet discus. The school record holder in both the shot put and discus
"Newlyn has a lot of potential in the throws," Simmons exclaimed. "We hope Newlyn with time and development will become an excellent addition in all of the throws."
Stokes treks to the midwest from Hampton, Va., where he attended Daegu American High School in South Korea. In his senior season Stokes posted a career-best long jump mark of 22 feet 8-inches. A two-time High School Pacific Far East Long Jump Champion, Stokes was also a decorated football player. On the gridiron, he was named Stars & Stripes All-Pacific and was selected to play on the Team USA High School football team for a game against Japanese high school players.
"Jarvis already has international competition experience, which I think will help him adapt quickly to the collegiate training and competition schedule," Roberts said. "We're very excited to have him join our jumps group!"
Thomas hails from New Castle, Pa. As a senior at Union Area High School, he notched a triple jump of 45 feet 8-inches, cleared 6 feet 6-inches in the high jump, added a long jump of 21 feet 10.5-inches, and recorded a hurdles time of 14.78. He also holds the school records in the hurdles, high jump, and triple jump. In 2016, Thomas secured the WPIAL high jump title. Then, in 2017 he won the WIAPL hurdles championship. A two-time PIAA state high jump silver medalist, Thomas compiled a total of five medals individually, while also leading his team to back-to-back undefeated dual meet records.
"We are excited to have an athlete like James "Pee-Wee" Thomas because of his raw abilities," Simmons stated. "He has experience in a multitude of jumps that will help improve our freshman class."
Togom travels all the way from Eldoret, Kenya after prepping at Paul Boit Boys School. There, Togom turned in incredible marks including times of 3:42 in the 1500m, 8:26 in the 3000m, 14:22 in the 5000m, nad 30:04 in the 10,000m.
"Job is very excited to be joining us as I am to welcome him to our university community," Goodridge stated.
West is another local product, joining the Eagles out of Fenton, Mich., where he attended Fenton High School. A two-year letterwinner and team captain, West won the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m, 4x200m, and 4x400m conference titles. A two-time all-state selection, West was also a four-time all-conference honoree. He finished third in state in the 400m and fourth in the 200m, while setting the school records in the 400m and 4x200m. Additionally, he also played football, basketball, and baseball, and was twice named all-conference and all-county as a wide receiver.
"Zach is another young man who is fairly new to the sport, yet has already found a great deal of success," Roberts said. "We're looking forward to watching him develop as an Eagle."
Heading to Ypsilanti from Lockport, N.Y., White attended Lockport High School. He holds the school records in the 300m, indoor 400m, outdoor 400m, and 600m. White was named All-Western New York, Indoor Track MVP, and Prep Talk Athlete of the Year, while also securing the Nine Sports Award. He claimed the state titles in the 400m and 600m, while also playing volleyball.
"Treston is a workhorse with great versatility," Roberts excalimed. "We're very much looking forward to working him into the program and expect him to excel here as an Eagle."
Rounding out the class is Young, a native of Marion, Ill., where he prepped at Marion High School. This past season, Young posted a mile time of 4:20, and also turned in times of 1:58 in the 800m, 9:41 in the 3200m, and a 51-second split in the 4x400m. He holds the school record in the 1600m and was named the cross country team's MVP three times. Named Most Valuable Track Athlete once, Young is a four-time first team all-conference cross country runner and two-time first team all-conference honoree in track. Named all-state in the 1600m, he helped his team to a South Seven Conference Championship.
"Zach immediately embraced our history and tradition and commitment of being an Eagle," Goodridge added.
"I am very appreciative of the efforts of my staff, as well as the efforts of our current team members and athletic department staff who were part of the recruiting experience with this year's class, and of course to the incoming freshmen, their families, and coaches for joining the Eastern Michigan University track and field tradition," Goodridge said. "This is a large class with interesting and exciting potential. My assistants and I look forward to coaching these young men and seeing them put on our special uniform and compete as Eastern Michigan Eagles."
Joining the Green and White for the upcoming season will be: Charles Calhoun (Shaker Heights, Ohio-Shaker Heights), Ian Cook (Worthington, Ohio-Thomas Worthington), Solomon Costa (Columbus, Ohio-Gahanna Lincoln), Owen Day (Krefeld, Germany-International School of Dusseldorf), Dalton DeLancey (Senecaville, Ohio-Meadowbrook), Hayelom Fitsum (Denver, Co.–Denver School of Science and Technology), Kevin Fofanah (Providence, R.I.-Classical), Cameron Grace (Canton, Mich.-Salem), Rhys Grealish (Indianapolis, Ind.-Avon), Charles Hilsenbeck (Temparance, Mich.-Bedford Senior), Johnelle Joe (Claymont, Del.-Mount Pleasant), Derek Jones (Erie, Pa.-Cathedral Preparatory), Kyle Kerley (Jackson, Mich.-East Jackson), Zach Kubicki (Oregon, Ohio-Toledo Whitmer Senior), Skylar Lester (Kennesaw, Ga.-Marietta), LeRoy Lewis (Dowagiac, Mich.-Dowagiac Union), Ryan Long (Wimborne, Dorset, U.K.-Queen Elizabeth's), Dennis Manyeah (Yeadon, Pa.-Penn Wood), Hunter Moore (Westerville, Ohio-Olentangy Orange), Isaac Murdock (Boerne, Texas, Boerne Samuel V Champion), Donovan Myers (Erie, Pa.-Seneca), Phoenix Myers (Erie, Pa.-Seneca), Terrell Posada (Naples, Fla.-Naples), Gregory Potter (York, Pa.-Red Lion), Cameron Sorenson (Oshkosh, Wis.-Oshkosh North), Newlyn Stephenson III (Crown Point, Ind.-Thea Bowman Leadership Academy), Jarvis Stokes (Hampton, Va.-Daegu American), James "Pee Wee" Thomas (New Castle, Pa.-Union Area), Job Togom (Eldoret, Kenya-Paul Boit Boys School), Zach West (Fenton, Mich.-Fenton), Treston White (Lockport, N.Y.-Lockport), and Zach Young (Marion, Ill.-Marion).
Calhoun competed in a number events as member of the Shaker Heights High School program. His senior season he clocked in with a time of 40.45 in the 300m hurdles, logged a long jump of 21 feet 8-inches, and was named second team all-conference. Calhoun led Shaker Heights to a runner-up finish at districts and also competed on the football team."Charles is the son of one of our distinguished alumni, and he continued to improve during his senior year," Assistant Coach Sterling Roberts shared. "We're thrilled to keep him in the family, and look forward to watching him progress here at Eastern."
Cook, a Worthington, Ohio native, attended Thomas Worthington High School. There, he ran to a personal-best time of 16:56 as a senior and helped his team to conference, district, and regional championships, as well as Thomas Worthington to a fourth-place finish at the state meet while serving as a team captain."Ian is an Academic Presidential Scholar and understands and seeks the challenges ahead," Goodridge said.
Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Costa attended Gahanna Lincoln High School. There, he set the school record in the 1600m with a time of 4:19 and earned both second team and honorable mention awards for cross country."Solomon is eager to develop and respectful of the challenges ahead," Goodridge stated.
Day makes the trek to Ypsilanti from Krefeld, Germany, where he attended the International School of Dusseldorf. In his final year, Day recorded a time of 3:44.38 in the 1500m. Named the Ottawa Lions Junior Athlete MVP in 2013, Day claimed a total of four top-three OFSAA medals. At the 2016 German Cross Country Championships, Day took home eighth-place."Before moving to Germany, Owen was coached by former EMU MAC Champion and All-American Josh Karanja, who alerted me to Owen's talent," Goodridge shared.
DeLancey prepped at Meadowbrooke High School and is a native of Senecaville, Ohio. A decorated pole vaulter, DeLancey cleared 14 feet 7-inches as a senior, marking a personal-best. An All-Ohio selection, the Senacaville, Ohio product won a district championship, finished runner-up at regionals, was a two-time Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Champion, and earned All-Eastern Ohio honors. Additionally, DeLancey has experience in the decathlon where he posted a score of 4986 points."Dalton, having experience in the multi's, has shined in the vault within his last few years," Assistant Coach Solomon Simmons said. "We hope to develop him and see which event his future lies."
Coming to Ypsilanti from Denver, Colo., Fitsum attended the Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST). As a senior, Fitsum clocked in with the fastest 800m indoor time in the state. He holds the DSST records for the 400m, 800m, 1600m, and 5000m, and won the 400m, 800m, and 1600m league championships during his final two seasons. He also holds a personal-best 800m time of 1:52.86. A two-time first team all-league honoree, Fitsum was named the Air Force Academy 2017 Indoor Boys Track MVP. The 2016 Cross Country League Runner of the Year awardwinner, Fitsum was a three-time team captain for DSST."Hayelom is a talented middle distance runner who did not have a team to practice with," Goodridge exclaimed. "Coach Dan Reese has done a great job coaching and managing Hayelom's unusual situation."
A veteran hammer thrower, Fofanah hails from Providence, R.I. A four-year letterwinner at Classical High School, Fofanah posted season marks of 68 feet 9-inches in the weight throw and 184 feet 8-inches in the hammer throw. Reeling in all-class, all-divsion, all-state, and All-American honors through his high school career, Fofanah received the Al Moro Award and Coaches Award after serving as team captain for three seasons. Additionally, Fofanah was a member of the football team."Kevin joins us as an experienced hammer thrower," Simmons added. "We are excited to welcome Kevin into the EMU track family."
Remaining in the state of Michigan for his collegiate career, Grace comes to EMU from Canton, where he prepped at Salem High School. Grace's high jump of 6 feet 6.25-inches is the best in school history, while he also posted a senior year mark of 20 feet 2-inches in the long jump. Following a runner-up finish at regionals, Grace placed 18th in the high jump at the MHSAA state meet. A four-time division champion and two-time conference champion, Grace also played basketball.
"We are looking forward to Cameron devoting all his efforts to the high jump," Simmons said.
Grealish, a distance runner out of Indianapolis, Ind., joins the Green and White after a strong prep career at Avon High School. As a senior, Grealish turned in top times of 1:57.97 in the 800m, 4:28.18 in the 1600m, 9:48.65 in the 3200m, and 15:40.72 in the 5000m. He holds the Avon High School cross country record in the 5000m, while he also ranks inside the schools top-10 in the 3200m and 4x800m relay. A 2016 Team Indiana All-Star selection, Grealish was a three-time state qualifier in cross country and a two-time cross country MVP and fueled his squad to a sixth-place finish at the state meet. On the track side of things, he led Avon to runner-up finishes at regionals and state."Rhys very early determined his interest in us and is ready to get to work," Goodridge stated.
Hilsenbeck is another local talent, hailing form Temperance, Mich. where he attended Bedford Senior High School. Crossing the finish line with a 100m time of 11.06, 200m time of 22.06, and 400m time of 49.14, Hilsenbeck owns two school records in addition to the 200m Whitmore Lake meet record. Named Team MVP three consecutive years, he is a three-time state qualifier, all-region performer, and two-time SEC Champion."Charles is a very 'gutsy' runner, which will certainly help him at the collegiate level," Roberts exlaimed. "EMU has a long history of young men who aren't afraid to go after it, and Charles fits that mold."
Jetting west, Joe arrives in Ypsilanti after prepping at Mount Pleasant High School in Claymont, Del. There, he claimed the indoor and outdoor 800m state titles, highlighting an undefeated senior year in the event. While his time of 1:52.89 ranks as the best in school history, Joe's also the state record holder for his indoor 800m time at the state championship. An Academic All-State awardwinner, Joe also racked up all-conference and all-county honors."Johnelle is a fine middle distance runner who is very motivated to develop," Goodridge said.
Jones, a native of Erie, Pa., prepped at Cathedral Preparatory School where he posted times of 50.8 in the 400m and 1:54.04 in the 800m as a senior. He holds the school record in the 800m and was also a member of the school's 4x400m record holding relay. Jones holds the District 10 800m record and is a two-time District 10 800m All-Star. Named Team MVP, Jones finished eighth in the the state in the 800m."Derek is a fine middle distance talent with a soccer background," added Goodridge.
Kerley comes roughly 45 miles east on I-94 from Jackson, Mich. A talented thrower, Kerley owns career-best throws of 156 feet 10-inches in the discus and 50 feet 10-inches in the shot put. He was the conference champion in each event three times over the course of his prep career at East Jackson High School. An all-state selection, Kerley graduated as his class salutatorian and earned all-academic honors several times."Kyle has great size and capability in the throwing events," Simmons stated. "We look forward to helping him develop."
Kubucki treks north, joining the Eagles out of Oregon, Ohio. He attended Toledo Whitmer Senior High School where he logged a school record pole vault of 15 feet 7-inches. In addition to setting the Three Rivers Athletic Conference record and district record, Kubucki finished fifth at the state championships as a senior. He helped his team claim the TRAC and Division I District Championships, while also securing Third Team All-TRAC honors, and competing as a member of the football team."Zach comes in with a promising senior year under his belt after focusing on just vault," Simmons added.
A native of Kennesaw, Ga., Lester comes to Ypsilanti after prepping at Marietta High School. As a senior, Lester turned in a decathlon score of 6100 points. He also registered marks of 14.71 in the 110m hurdles, 39.63 in the 300m hurdles, and 6 feet 6.75-inches in the high jump. The Georgia Class 7A state runner-up in the high jump, Lester claimed sixth-place in the 110m hurdles at the state meet as a senior. He was also named first team all-county."Skylar will be a great addition to the multi's group," Solomons said. "He has a high level of athletic ability that will help as we improve on his technique."
Lewis is a high jumper out of Dowagiac, Mich. A two-year letterwinner at Dowagiac Union High School, Lewis set the school record with a high jump of 6 feet 8-inches."Leroy is an explosive jumper who will be a great addition to our group," exclaimed Roberts. "He had a great high school career, and we're excited he will be joining us this year."
Heading from across the pond, Long hails from Wimborne, Dorset, U.K. where he prepped at Queen Elizabeth's School. As a senior, Long posted marks of 11.15 in the 100m, 14.53 in the 110m hurdles, 7.00 meters in the long jump, 41.04 meters in the discus, and 6316 points in the decathlon. He finished sixth in the heptathlon at the England Athletics U-20 Indoor Combined Event Championships, while also claiming silver in the decathlon. In 2016, Long secured gold in the heptathlon at the South England Indoor Championships and bronze in the decathlon at the English Athletics U-20 Combined Events Championships."Ryan brings an enormous amount of experience with heptathlon," Simmons stated.
A Pennsylvania native, Manyeah has experience in a wide variety of events. He attended Penn Wood High School where he earned three outdoor state medals as a senior. Additionally, Manyeah holds five Penn Wood school records, including the 600m, the indoor and outdoor high jump, and the indoor and outdoor 4x800m, and has garnered All-American, all-state, and All-Delco honors."His range includes a 6 foot 8-inch high jump and a 1:53 800m," exclaimed Goodridge. "I am really looking forward to work with this young man."
Moore, a native of Westerville, Ohio, joins the Green and White after a four-year prep career at Olentangy Orange. In his final high school season, Moore posted times of 8:58 in the 3200m and 14:58 in the 5000m, while also winning the state 3200m title. Olentangy Orange's record holder in the 1600m, 3200m, 5000m, and 4x1600m relay, Moore has been named Most Valuable Runner and the Columbus Dispatch Scholar Athlete. A four-time all-state selection, Moore won the OCC Cross Country Championship in each of his final two seasons, adding to his three OCC 3200m titles and fourth-place 5000m finish at Outdoor New Balance Nationals."I am most appreciative of the opportunity to become Hunter's college coach," Goodridge added.
An experienced decathlete, Murdock travels to the Mitten from Boerne, Texas where he attended Boerne Samuel V Champion High School. This past season, Murdock turned in a score of 6,354 points in the decathlon, in addition to marks of 15.42 in the 110m hurdles and 39.20 in the 300m hurdles. He holds the school record in the long jump (22 feet 5-inches) and triple jump (42 feet 2-inches) and has helped Boerne Samual V Champion to three district championships and an area championship. A First Team Academic All-Texas selection, Murdock claimed the district and area crown in the 300m hurdles in 2017."Having experience in the decathlon, we expect Isaac to have a good transition to the event on the collegiate level," Simmons added.
Brothers Donovan and Phoenix Myers hail from Erie, Pa. where they attended Seneca High School. Donovan Myers posted senior year times of 1:54.72 in the 800m, 3:29.17 in the 4x400m and 7:48.92 in the 4x800m. He holds the school record in the 800m and was a part of the school record 4x800m relay. Donovan Myers reeled in multiple all-region and all-district awards, in addition to garnering all-state recognition once as a two-time 4x800 relay state champion and two time district champion."Donovan has good range from cross country to running legs on Seneca's 4x800 meter relay," Goodridge exclaimed.
Phoenix Myers, like his brother, was an accomplished track athlete at Seneca High School. There, he posted times of 4:18 (indoor) and 4:21 in the outdoor mile, and an 800m relay split time of 1:55. He holds the high school record in the 1600m with his indoor time and was also a member of the school record-setting 4x800m relay. Phoenix Myers earned first team all-region honors in three straight seasons, while also leading the cross country team to a third-place finish at the state championships."Phoenix's concentration has been in the middle distances and as an experienced relay racer," Goodridge shared.
Posada, a native of Naples, Fla., transfers to EMU from Evangel College where he claimed the 100m Heart of America Conference Championship title as a freshman. A graduate of Naples High School, Posada was a member of the track and football teams."We are very excited about Terrell and his potential," Roberts stated. "He is new to the sport, so his ceiling is very high."
Coming to Ypsilanti from York, Pa., Potter attended Red Lion High School. As a senior, he turned in a mark of 14 feet 9-inches in the pole vault, which was good for a second-place finish at the district championships. Additionally, he claimed the pole vault title at the county championships and wrapped up a fourth-place finish at the state meet. A two-time YIAA All-Star Team honoree, Potter holds the Red Lion High School pole vault record after clearing 15 feet 2-inches. He also won the cross country district title in 2016 and led his squad to a sixth-place finish at the state championships. "Greg had a strong junior year in the vault having jumped 15'2," Simmons said. "Getting injured late in the year held him back from high jumps in his senior year, but he is now healthy and ready to compete."
Sorenson, a versatile jumper, joins the Green and White after a decorated career at Oshkosh, Wis. He attended Oshkosh North High School where he was an all-conference selection multiple times in track and also played football. As a senior, he registered a triple jump of 43 feet 8.5-inches and a long jump of 22 feet 1.75 inches. Sorenson qualified for the state meet in long jump, triple jump, and as a member of the 4x400m relay."Cameron shows some versatility in the jumps events," Roberts stated. "We're looking forward to watching him develop."
A native of Crown Point, Ind., Stephenson III prepped at Thea Bowman Leadership Academy. One of the top throwers in the state of Indiana, Stephenson III recorded throws of 50 feet in the shot put and 130 feet discus. The school record holder in both the shot put and discus
"Newlyn has a lot of potential in the throws," Simmons exclaimed. "We hope Newlyn with time and development will become an excellent addition in all of the throws."
Stokes treks to the midwest from Hampton, Va., where he attended Daegu American High School in South Korea. In his senior season Stokes posted a career-best long jump mark of 22 feet 8-inches. A two-time High School Pacific Far East Long Jump Champion, Stokes was also a decorated football player. On the gridiron, he was named Stars & Stripes All-Pacific and was selected to play on the Team USA High School football team for a game against Japanese high school players."Jarvis already has international competition experience, which I think will help him adapt quickly to the collegiate training and competition schedule," Roberts said. "We're very excited to have him join our jumps group!"
Thomas hails from New Castle, Pa. As a senior at Union Area High School, he notched a triple jump of 45 feet 8-inches, cleared 6 feet 6-inches in the high jump, added a long jump of 21 feet 10.5-inches, and recorded a hurdles time of 14.78. He also holds the school records in the hurdles, high jump, and triple jump. In 2016, Thomas secured the WPIAL high jump title. Then, in 2017 he won the WIAPL hurdles championship. A two-time PIAA state high jump silver medalist, Thomas compiled a total of five medals individually, while also leading his team to back-to-back undefeated dual meet records."We are excited to have an athlete like James "Pee-Wee" Thomas because of his raw abilities," Simmons stated. "He has experience in a multitude of jumps that will help improve our freshman class."
Togom travels all the way from Eldoret, Kenya after prepping at Paul Boit Boys School. There, Togom turned in incredible marks including times of 3:42 in the 1500m, 8:26 in the 3000m, 14:22 in the 5000m, nad 30:04 in the 10,000m.
"Job is very excited to be joining us as I am to welcome him to our university community," Goodridge stated.
West is another local product, joining the Eagles out of Fenton, Mich., where he attended Fenton High School. A two-year letterwinner and team captain, West won the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m, 4x200m, and 4x400m conference titles. A two-time all-state selection, West was also a four-time all-conference honoree. He finished third in state in the 400m and fourth in the 200m, while setting the school records in the 400m and 4x200m. Additionally, he also played football, basketball, and baseball, and was twice named all-conference and all-county as a wide receiver."Zach is another young man who is fairly new to the sport, yet has already found a great deal of success," Roberts said. "We're looking forward to watching him develop as an Eagle."
Heading to Ypsilanti from Lockport, N.Y., White attended Lockport High School. He holds the school records in the 300m, indoor 400m, outdoor 400m, and 600m. White was named All-Western New York, Indoor Track MVP, and Prep Talk Athlete of the Year, while also securing the Nine Sports Award. He claimed the state titles in the 400m and 600m, while also playing volleyball."Treston is a workhorse with great versatility," Roberts excalimed. "We're very much looking forward to working him into the program and expect him to excel here as an Eagle."
Rounding out the class is Young, a native of Marion, Ill., where he prepped at Marion High School. This past season, Young posted a mile time of 4:20, and also turned in times of 1:58 in the 800m, 9:41 in the 3200m, and a 51-second split in the 4x400m. He holds the school record in the 1600m and was named the cross country team's MVP three times. Named Most Valuable Track Athlete once, Young is a four-time first team all-conference cross country runner and two-time first team all-conference honoree in track. Named all-state in the 1600m, he helped his team to a South Seven Conference Championship."Zach immediately embraced our history and tradition and commitment of being an Eagle," Goodridge added.
Thank You from EMU Cross Country/Track & Field!
Monday, December 01
Giving Tuesday 2025 - EMU Cross Country/Track & Field
Monday, December 01
Giving Tuesday 2025 - Eastern Michigan Track & Field
Monday, December 01
2025 E-Club Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
Saturday, October 11