Feb. 13, 2009

ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis cross country/track and field head coach Jon Bell today announced that Jack Hostettler (La Grange, Ill./Lyons Township) and Julie Wykoff (Springfield, Ill./Sacred Heart-Griffin) have signed National Letters of Intent to attend the University and run for the Billikens. Their four years of eligibility begin with the 2009 cross country season.

"This is a nice start to our recruiting class," Bell said. "I think you will see that this class will be distance-oriented, and these two are good distance runners who should come in and contribute right away."

Hostettler helped Lyons Township to a fifth-place finish and drew All-State honors at the Illinois Class AAA state cross country meet by placing 23rd overall with a time of 14:58 (three miles). He also competed in track and field while in high school, participating in distance events in addition to the 4x800-meter relay.

"Jack is very mature, and I think he will immediately become a top runner for us," Bell said. "He is the first All-State cross country runner to join the men's program. I think his best event is ultimately going to be the 5,000 meters. He has gained invaluable experience racing in the Chicago area. Because of that experience, he will not be intimidated when races go out fast. It is going to be fun to watch him grow here at SLU."

Wykoff was a two-time team captain at Sacred Heart-Griffin and helped her team to two straight Class AA Illinois state titles. During her senior cross country season, she placed 33rd overall in the state meet and finished in the top 10 on seven occasions. On the track, she holds a PR of 2:18 in the 800 meters and was a state qualifier in the 1,600 meters and 4x800-meter relay.

"Julie is a great cross country runner and may be even be a little better on the track," Bell said. "I look for her to contribute in the 800 meters and the mile. She is continuing the trend of our program having good middle-distance runners. We are excited to have her join the program, and I expect her to have a great career here."