Eastern Michigan Athletics

2018-19 MTFXC Recruiting Class

Men's Track and Field/Cross Country Unveils Incoming Class

8/22/2018 1:37:00 PM | Men's XC, Men's Track & Field

The total incoming class includes 20 student-athletes

YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) - With the fall right around the corner, Eastern Michigan University Head Men's Cross Country and Track and Field Coach John Goodridge has announced the incoming group of 20 student-athletes Wednesday, Aug. 22. The talented and well-rounded lot includes early signees, Joseph Ingram (Cincinnati, Ohio-Anderson) and Andy Payne (Worthington, Ohio-Thomas Worthington).

"I am happy to announce our incoming class which is balanced across all event areas," Head Coach John Goodridge said. "The group includes three older transfers whose talent and experience are a welcome asset. Whether freshman or transfer the EMU history and tradition of excellence was a strong factor in their decision making."

Joining the Green and White for the upcoming season will be: Rondald Brandal (Huron, Ohio- Huron), Luke Brown ( Thornville, Ohio-Sheridan), Travis Burton (Bainbridge, Ohio-Paint Valley), Andrew Chant (Livonia, Mich.-Wayne Memorial (Madonna College)), Kendarius Coward (Lauderhill, Fla.-Hallandale), Chris Devaney (New Plymouth, New Zealand-New Plymouth), Alec Frymier (Hilliard, Ohio-Hilliard Bradley), Melika Ghali (Toronto, Canada-Jarvis Collegaite Institute (Boise State), Ingram, Teck Kirkpatrick (Crooksville, Ohio-Crooksville), Payne, Noah Perrin (Akron, Ohio-Woodridge)Baboucar Sallah-Mohammed (Arlington, Va.-Fishburne Military School (Bethany College))Kalani Sheridan (Nelson, New Zeland-Nayland College), Craig Thompson (South Haven-South Haven), Dominic Valdes (Brighton, Mich.-Brighton), Garrett Wade (Rio Rancho, N.M.-V. Sue Cleveland), Payne Wylie (Saskatchewa, Canada-Colonsay School), Charlie Young (Grand Haven, Mich.-Grand Haven), and Eddie Zuercher (Rocky River, Ohio-Rocky River).

Brandal, Ronald - MTF 2018 CommittHailing from Huron, Ohio, Brandal joins Eastern as a middle distance runner with additional experience in cross country. At Huron High School, under the direction of Coach Kelly VanCouwenberg, Brandal was a Sandusky Bay Conference (SBC) Champion in the 800m, 1600m, and 4x800 relay, while having qualified to the state championship in the 800m. Moreover, Brandal was also a four-year letterwinner in cross country, earning First Team All-SBC honors as a senior, and Second Team All-SBC honors as a junior. 

"Ronnie is a middle distance runner just discovering his potential," Goodridge said. 


Brown, a Thornville, Ohio native, attended Sheridan High School. There, he was a seven-time All-Ohio selection in cross country, indoor,Brown, Luke - MTF 2018 Committ and outdoor track and field combined. Brown served as a team captain for two years, bringing both leadership and experience after leading his team to a DII OHSAA State runner-up finish as a junior. Furthermore, Brown holds the Sheridan High record times in the 1600m (4:21), 3200m (9:15), and 5000m (15:24).

"Luke joins us with the motivation and desire we seek," explained Goodridge.


Burton, Travis - MTF 2018 CommittHailing from Bainbridge, Ohio, Burton adds depth to EMU's throws crew. He also joins the team with him championship and leadership experience, collecting a state championship to go along with two district, regional, and conference championships, as well as serving as a team captain in his final year. While at Paint Valley High, Burton was named to the all-league and all-district first teams, and earned three more varsity letters in football.

"Travis has a natural feel for the shot put and discus coupled with a strong sense of fluidity in movement," assistant coach Brian Korn said.

A transfer from Madonna College, Chant set school records in both the 200m and 400m as a freshman Crusader. Moreover, Chant qualified to the 2017 NAIA Outdoor National Championships, where he placed 12th in the 400m with a time of 49.65.

"A local talent, Andrew has been developing since graduating from Wayne Memorial HS," said assistant coach Sterling Roberts. "We're excited to work him in with our current group of 400 athletes." 

A hurdles and sprints specialist, Coward was a Florida State Champion in the 4x400 relay as a member of Hallandale High School. Additionally, he assisted that same relay quartet to district and regional titles, while holding a personal-best 300m hurdles time of 39.30, and a 600m time of 1:25.00.

"From the same club as Eagles Devonte Findlay and Roderic Wilson, Ken is a hard-worker and isn't afraid to hurt," exclaimed Roberts. "In the 400-hurdles, those are some of the best characteristics to have." 

Devaney, a New Zealand native, joins EMU with an impressive resume in distance events. Most recently in last year's competition,- MTF 2018 Committ Devaney placed fifth in the 3000m at the New Zealand Under 20 Championships, while also earning himself a place on the New Zealand Under 20 Cross Country Team. Moreover, he placed sixth in the U20 Australian 8k Cross Country Championships, finishing with a time of 25:23.

"Chris joins us with very solid cross country credentials having competed well with the best young harriers in New Zealand," Goodridge stated.


Frymier, Alec - - MTF 2018 CommittCoached by Ben Gadfield at Hilliard Bradley High School, Frymier will specialize in hurdles as he develops under assistant coach Sterling Roberts. While at HBHS, Frymier qualified to the state championships in every year except for his freshman campaign. Additionally, he was named to the all-district first team for the 60m dash and 60m hurdles as a senior, while earning first team honors for the 60m hurdles as a junior.

"Alec blossomed his senior year and finished 2nd in the state indoor Championship," explained Roberts. "We're excited to watch his continuing development. "

A graduate transfer from Boise State, Ghali comes to EMU having ran on the Broncos' cross country and track and field programs. Ghali looks to add experience to the middle distance crew, as he made the transition from distance to mid during last year's outdoor campaign. Albeit a late transition, Ghali was able to make an impact right away, having set career marks in the 1500m (3:50.61), as well as the 5000m (14:37.88), at the Mountain West Championships.

"Melika is an experienced middle distance runner seeking development," Goodridge commented.

Ingram, Joseph - MTF 2018 CommittAlthough physical ailments limited his participation during his senior year, Ingram is poised to becoming another threat as a member of both the cross country and track and field programs. His junior campaign saw him reel in a plethora of awards and achievements, including a district championship in the 1600m, First Team All-Eastern Cincinnati Conference honors in cross country and track and field (1600m and 3200m), and finishing second at regionals in track.

"After a promising junior track season Joe's senior year was disrupted by an injury during cross country and then illness at the end of his track season," Goodridge expressed. "He and Coach Lee have done a great job in overcoming these disappointments and setbacks."

Kirkpatrick acts as one of three incoming recruits dedicated to jumps. A member of Crooksville High School, Kirkpatrick racked up four all-league honors to go along with all-state, all-region, and all-district accolades. Additionally, Kirkpatrick won the Ohio DIII State Championship, and holds the school record in the long jump with a height of 6'9".

"Teck came on late, but he certainly came on strong, winning the Ohio D3 state meet and jumping higher than any other division winner," Roberts announced.

Another incoming freshman who will look to add talent to the dominant distance squad and cross country program, Payne made a name forPayne, Andy - MTF 2018 Committ himself as one of the top distance runners in Ohio as a student of Thomas Worthington High School. There, he earned indoor All-American honors for his performance in the 5000m, while capturing the DI Indoor State Championship in the 3200m during his senior campaign. Moreover, Payne was named to the all-state team in cross country and track in both his senior and junior seasons, while also qualifying to the cross country and track state championships as a sophomore.

"Andy joins us from a strong high school program and is eagerly welcoming the training and racing at the longer collegiate distances," said Goodridge.

Perrin, a four-time cross country All-Portage Trail Conference (PTC) selection and three-time track All-PTC honoree, joins Eastern with potential to make an impact as a distance runner. While competing at Woodridge High School under Coach Jeff Howard, Perrin earned All-State honors in cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. Additionally, he was a district and regional champion, won 1600m and 3200m PTC titles, and finished runner-up in the 3200m at the state championships. Furthermore, Perrin assisted his team to a Cross Country State Championship in 2016.

"Noah joins us from a tradition rich cross country program and experienced accomplished coaching," added Goodridge.

Sheridan, Kalani - MTF 2018 CommittAn international recruit from Nayland College in Nelson, New Zealand, Sheridan will join EMU's track and cross country programs in the fall as a freshman. While in New Zealand, Sheridan won the Lineham Cup from 2014 to 2017 for excellence in cross country, while claiming the Mckey Rainey Cup for excellence in track in 2017. Moreover, he was honored with the Howart Cup in 2016 and 2017, which is given to the Nayland College Sportsperson of the Year. Sheridan plans on majoring in computer science during his time at EMU.

"Kalani joins us from the same school and Coach of EMU Alum Harry Dixon. Coach Lautenslager is a very experienced and accomplished Coach who has created a solid foundation for Kalani," Goodridge shared.

A junior transfer from Bethany College, Sallah-Mohammed comes to Eastern as a jumps specialist. Sallah-Mohammed had a fantastic freshman year competing for the Bison. In just his first year, he claimed the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) DIII Outdoor Long Jump Title, won the high jump championship at the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Outdoor Championships, and the long jump title at the PAC Indoor Championship. Additionally, he garnered USTFCCCA Indoor All-Region honors, four ECAC/PAC Rookie of the Week honors, and was awarded one ECAC/PAC Field Athlete of the Week award.

"Babu has exciting potential in the horizontal jumps!  He's relatively new to the sport, and has already accomplished so much," stated Roberts.

Thompson, a South Haven, Mich. native, brings with him a plethora of experience in distance events. An incoming member of both theThompson, Craig - MTF 2018 Committ cross country and track program, Thompson qualified to the state championships in cross country and track as a senior and junior, while also qualifying to states in track as a sophomore, and cross country as a freshman. Coached by EMU alumna Lindsay Haqq, Thompson earned All-Conference honors in cross country and track & field in all four years of competition, and tied the 1600m school record with a time of 4:22.44.

"Craig's senior year in cross country and track was riddled with injuries but he and Coach Haqq, an EMU Alum, have done a great job rehabilitating Craig," explained Goodridge.

Valdes, Dominic - MTF 2018 CommittA Brighton, Mich. native, Valdes will help supplement and add depth to the Eagles' throws squad. At Brighton High School, Valdes was a two-year letterwinner in both track and field and basketball. On top of winning the shot put regional championship, Valdes earned All-County honors as a member of the Bulldog's varsity basketball program. Valdes enters EMU as a freshman with intentions to major in business.

"Dominic is a raw thrower with a good frame to build strength on, with a great pop and coordination," Korn shared. 

Joining Valdes as an incoming freshman who looks to make an impact in throws, Wade enters EMU after serving as a javelinWade, Garrett - MTF 2018 Committ specialist at V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There, Valdes was a state champion as a senior, while also bringing home the district championship as both a senior and junior. Along with being a member of the track and field team, Wade plans on majoring in business.

"Gifted with tremendous leverage to go along with good body awareness and general athleticism," Korn stated. "His young training age shows great upside with the javelin." 

Wylie, Payne - MTF 2018 CommittWylie, a native of Saskatchewan, Canada, enters his freshman year at EMU as an established hurdles and sprints specialist. Although he could not compete in his senior season due to physical ailments, Wylie was a Provincial Hurdle Champion in Grades 11 and 10, while also medaling in Grade 9. Additionally, Wylie was a Provincial 400m medalist in Grade 11, while medaling in the 200m and 4x100m relay in Grade 10. Most recently, Wylie competed at the 2018 New Balance Nationals, where he earned All-American honors.

"Payne is a combo hurdler among the best young hurdlers in Canada," said Roberts.

Coached by Joe Nelson at Grand Haven High School, Young joins the Eagles as a member of the sprints squad. While at Grand Haven, YoungYoung, Charlie - MTF 2018 Committ earned all-state honors in the 400m during his final season, while being named all-conference and all-region in both his senior and junior years. The incoming freshman also has experience on the national level, having qualified to the 2018 indoor and outdoor New Balance Nationals twice, as well as the AAU Junior Olympics. 

"Charlie had an impressive year in the 400 and seemed to get better with every meet!" Roberts exclaimed. "He works hard and his talent will continue to develop, which will really add to our long sprints group."

Zuercher, Eddie - MTF 2018 CommittAnother incoming freshman with plans on continuing the tradition of excellent distance runners at EMU, Zuercher was a three-time All-Ohio selection at Rocky River High School in Rocky River, Ohio. As a senior, Zuercher claimed the cross country individual title at the conference, district, and regional levels, as well as leading his team to a fifth-place finish at the OHSAA DII State Championship. Additionally, the incoming freshman placed 13th in the 1600m at the DI Indoor State Championship with a personal-record time of 4:23, and acted as a member of the 4x800 relay squad that placed seventh. Upon his arrival to Ypsilanti, Zuercher plans on majoring in mechanical engineering.

"A two sport athlete (hockey), Eddie looks forward to becoming a full time distance runner," Goodridge stated.

Eastern kicks off its 2018 cross country season at the Toledo Rockets Invitational Friday, Aug. 31, in Toledo, Ohio.

Players Mentioned

/ Men's XC
/ Men's XC
Hurdles
/ Men's Track & Field
/ Men's XC
/ Men's XC
/ Men's XC
/ Men's XC
Mid-Distance
/ Men's Track & Field
/ Men's XC
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