ASU Cross Country Signs Three

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Head Coach Adam Ward has announced that the Augusta State cross country team has inked three new runners -- Marybeth Sardinia, Lindsey Barber and Angela Griffin -- for the 2007 fall season.

Sardinia will come to ASU as a freshman via Independence High School in Charolette N.C. Her personal records include a 19:50 in the 5 kilometer, a 13:02 in the 3200 meter, a 5:53 in the 1600 meter and a 2:36 in the 800 meter. She was a two time All-Conference Team winner in cross country, and she won the Most Valuable Runner Award in 2004 and 2005.

Coach Ward said, "Marybeth has a lot of potential to grow in our program. She ran well in high school, but never got a chance to fully develop into the type of runner she is capable of becoming. I am excited to get the opportunity to help her realize her potential."

Barber, a six-time varsity letter winner, will also come to ASU as a freshman after graduating from Rockmart High School in Rockmart, Ga. Her personal records include a 20:42 in the 5000 meter race, a 13:02 in the 3200m, a 6:00 in the 1600m and a 2:41 in the 800m. She qualified for state in track and cross country in 2006 and ‘07. Barber also made the All-Region Cross Country Team in 2006 and ‘07, and was a member of the Region Champ 4x4 Team finishing at 4:24.26.

Lindsay comes in with a lot of experience in a short amount of time," said Ward, "She only competed for the last 3 years, but she has been a part of several championship teams. We will put this experience to work for us right away as we try to go for our first ever Conference Championship this fall and possibly a bid for the National Championships. Lindsey has a very bright future ahead of her at ASU."

Griffin, a local girl from Evans, Ga., will graduate from Evans High School and attend ASU in the fall as a freshman. Her personal records include a 20:40 in the 5K, a 5:50 in the 1600m and a 2:35 in the 800m. She received the Rookie of the Year Award in 2003 and got the Most Valuable Runner Award in 2004. Griffin made the All-Metro XC A-Team in 2004 and also made the B-Team in 2005.

Angela is already familiar with our program since her sister, Amanda, has been running for us for the past 3 years," said Ward, "Angela has had some ups and downs over the past year, but she comes to us refocused on her running. She is looking to have a break out fall and help us toward our goal of winning our first ever conference championship."

The Jags will be hosting their first cross country 5K meet on September 22, 2007 at their new home course at Blanchard Woods in Evans, Ga. ASU will also host the Peach Belt Conference meet on October 20, 2007.