 Billikens Ink Four to NLIs
May 6, 2008
ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis cross country and track and field coach Jon Bell today announced the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. The incoming freshmen begin their eligibility in the fall 2008 semester. Mallory Dugger (Bethalto, Ill./Civic Memorial) and Nora Naughton (Chicago, Ill./Loyola Academy) will join the women's program in the fall, while William Herrington (Sugar Land, Texas/Strake Jesuit) and Dahmar Smiles (Laurel, Md./Fort Mead) will bolster the men's roster. Dugger is one of the top sprinters in Civic Memorial history, holding school records in the 100 (12.70), 200 (27.0) and 400 meters (58.90). At SLU, she will primarily run the 400 meters in addition to competing on the Billikens' 4x400 relay squad. "Mallory is someone who we can build the track and field program around," Bell said. "She addresses an area that we do not have a lot of depth in. Once she gets into the program and involved in our training, I really think she could be a major player in the Atlantic 10 Conference." Naughton is expected to make an immediate impact as a sprinter on the track squad. At Loyola, she posted personal-best times of 12.44 in the 100 meters and 26.08 in the 200 meters. "Nora coming into the program gives us the ability to cover more short-sprint events," Bell said. "Currently, we have just one student-athlete to run short sprints, but Nora gives us options. The addition is also exciting because we can start to build a competitive 4x100 meter relay team." Herrington will be brought in to compete in both cross country and track and field. During high school, he posted personal bests of 4:28 in the mile, 15:40 for three miles and 16:15 in the 5K (cross country). "William could be a cornerstone of the cross country program in addition to bringing quality depth to the distance group on the track," Bell said. "He is a knowledgeable runner, and his passion for the sport will benefit him as he transitions to NCAA Division I cross country."
Smiles has roots in St. Louis and spent his freshman season at University City High School. At Fort Mead, he posted personal-best times of 38.90 in the 300 meters and 49.14 in the 400 meters. He is also a hurdler, posting top times of 14.95 in the 110-meter hurdles and 7.89 in the 55-meter hurdles. "Dahmar has the ability to become a regional qualifier in the 400-meter hurdles," Bell said. "He trains hard and is genuinely passionate about the sport. He will benefit immediately once he gets on campus and begins training with the current guys on the team." These four join the following student-athletes who signed NLIs earlier this year: Maria Drzcymski (Fort Dodge, Iowa/St. Edmund), Jordan Jennings (East Moline, Ill./Lincoln College), Hilary Orf (Ballwin, Mo./Marquette), Adair Quisenberry (Owensboro, Ky./Daviess County) and Jenna Romano (Omaha, Neb./Millard North). |
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