Rita Jorgenson
Memphis, Tenn.
White Station High School
Personal Bests: 2:13.94 (800 meters); 4:53.74 (1600 meters); 10:35.55 (3,200 meters); 17:41 (three miles, cross country); 17:23 (5,000 meters, cross country)
Jorgenson, one of the South's most accomplished and versatile distance runners, headlines the spring signees. A product of the same school that produced 2007 Vanderbilt football signee Chris Marve, Jorgenson has traveled the country competing against the nation's top prep runners.
Last November, after finishing second at the Tennessee state cross country championships, Jorgenson ran a superb race at the Foot Locker South Region meet in Charlotte, N.C., running a 5,000-meter personal record of 17:23 to claim eighth place overall. The finish earned Jorgenson a trip to San Diego two weeks later for the Foot Locker Nationals where she finished 38th overall.
On the track, the versatile Jorgenson produces outstanding performances at important occasions. Jorgenson's outdoor career bests at 800 meters, 2:13.94, and 1,600 meters, 4:53.74, came last year at the Tennessee state championships. Her best effort at 3,200 meters, 10:35.55, came at the Nike Indoor Nationals in Maryland.
Coach Keith of Jorgenson: "A high level of athletic accomplishment combined with some very nice academic credentials made Rita a very sought after recruit. I'm extremely happy and proud that Rita has decided to attend Vanderbilt. As a runner, I like Rita's range from the 800 up through 5K cross country. Rita should have an immediate impact both within our program and in the SEC."