The largest recruiting class in Lee University cross country and track & field history will join the Flames for the 2015-16 school year, announced Lee University head coach Caleb Morgan.
"Recruiting is the cornerstone to developing and sustaining a successful program," Morgan said. "We have once again added freshman distance runners and a transfer to our roster who will help us become a top 15 team in DII cross country this fall."
"We have picked up a number of athletes who will compete in track & field events we haven't had athletes in before. The quality of the athletes we have brought in should make us a top 25 program in DII for this coming spring."
Josiah Brooks (Athens Christian -- Athens, Ga.)
Personal Records: Triple Jump (47'3), 200m (21.70), 400m (48.95) • Three-time Georgia State champion (Triple Jump, 4x100m, 4x400m)
• On state record setting 4x400m relay team 3:20.50
• Helped lead Athens Christian to back-to-back team championships in 2014 and 15
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Josiah is a versatile athlete. He will compete in a handful of events for us on the track as well as field. He should be a DII national qualifier as a freshman and win multiple conference championships."
Justin Brooks (Athens Christian -- Athens, Ga.)
Personal Records: 400m (47.97), 200m (21.81) • Four-time Georgia State Champion (400m 2014 & 15, 4x100m, 4x400m)
• On state record setting 4x400m relay team 3:20.50
• Helped lead Athens Christian to back-to-back team championships in 2014 and 15
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Justin is a phenomenal 400m runner. The time he ran in high school this year would have qualified him for DII nationals. We look for him to be a big part of our 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams."
Stephen Cannon (Cleveland High School -- Cleveland, Tenn.)
Personal Records: 100m (10.97), 200m (22.81) • Tennessee sub-section and sectional 100m champion
• 11
th at Tennessee State Championships 100m
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Stephen is a very underdeveloped athlete with a lot of potential. He will play a big role in our 4x100m relay, as well as the open 100m and 200m events."
Garrett Flores (Ooltewah High School -- Ooltewah, Tenn.)
Personal Records: 1600m (4:32), 3200m (9:53), 5k XC (16:20) • Named to Chattanooga's Best of Preps first team for cross country
• Three-time all-region cross country
• 1600m sub section champion
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Garrett was on our radar after having a break out junior year. His senior year he struggled with anemia and did not have the opportunity to improve on his personal bests. He is very talented and will flourish in a competitive team environment."
Colson Hagan (Hebron Christian -- Dacula, Ga.)
Personal Records: 1600m (4:32), 3200m (9:46), 5k XC (16:24) • All-state in cross country 2013 and 2014
• Lead Hebron Christian to 2014 cross country team championship
• Region runner-up cross country
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Colson is a great fit for Lee University. He brings leadership to our team, a passion for running and a strong desire to work hard. Colson will adapt well moving to the 8k distance for cross country. We look for him to be in our top seven."
Adrian Hart (Ooltewah High School -- Ooltewah, Tenn.)
Personal Records: 200m (22.60), 400m (49.90) • USATF region runner-up 400m
• Tennessee State qualifier 400m
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Adrian is a great 400m runner. We look for him to be part of our 4x400m relay team. Adrian had a great senior year and ran big personal bests in every event. We look for him to continue that improvement at Lee."
Davis Moore (Highlands High School – Highlands, N.C.)
Personal Records: 1600m (4:31), 5k XC (16:30) • All-state in cross country
• North Carolina state runner-up 1600m
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Davis was a late addition to our roster. He is a very talented runner that is relatively new to the sport. He is very strong on the cross country course. We look for him to make big gains in his first year as a Flame"
Brandon Raleigh (Mount Hood Community College -- Portland, Ore.)
Personal Records: 8k XC (24:58), 1500m (4:01) • NWAC all-conference cross country
• NWAC all-conference 1500m
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Brandon is a very strong cross country runner. The times he ran last year at Mount Hood would have made him one of our top three runners in cross country. He is a strong 1500m runner who will fit in well with our middle distance group."
Christian Smith (Fishers High School – Fishers, Ind.)
Personal Records: Shot Put (51'2)Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Christian will be our first male thrower. He has been one of the top throwers in Indiana the last two years. He has a good opportunity to win the GSC in the shot put as a freshman."
Josiah Schrade (Deland High School – Deland, Fla.)
Personal Records: Pole Vault (14'1), Discus (125'6) • All-Region pole vault
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Josiah will be our first ever pole vaulter. What he vaulted in high school would have ranked him No. 1 in the GSC this past year. He will also pick up points for us in the discus. We are excited to add this new element to our team."
Gus Whitman (Chattanooga Christian School – Chattanooga, Tenn.)
Personal Records: 5k XC (15:46) • Region Champion cross country
• 4
th Tennessee State meet
• 2
nd in Chattanooga runner of the year standing
Lee head coach Caleb Morgan said: "Gus has the fastest time of any incoming freshman for cross country at the 5K distance we have ever had. He is an extremely talented cross country runner. We look for him to be our top five this fall."
