Published: July 22, 2008 07:29 pm      

OC signs eight tracksters

OKLAHOMA CITY —Oklahoma Christian University head track and field coach Randy Heath has announced the signing of five men and three women for the upcoming 2008-09 season.

Joining the Eagles are: Patrick Ballard (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Phillip Dale (Okmulgee), Renaldo Garrett (Edmond), Kurtis Hoffmeister (Broken Arrow) and Curtis Hunt (Jones).

Signees for the Lady Eagles include: Leah Kniffin (O’Fallon, Mo.), Denise Mattoon (Centennial, Colo.) and Stephanie Stewart (Edmond).

Hunt won the Oklahoma Class 3A state championship in the 300-meter hurdles while placing third in the 110-meter event. Garrett took third in both the 300 and 110 hurdle races at the Class 6A level with Edmond Santa Fe High School.

Both Ballard and Hoffmeister are slated to compete in sprints for Oklahoma Christian. Dale is long, triple and high jumper who joins the Eagles from Pittsburg State University (Kan.).

On the women’s side, Mattoon is a transfer from Western State Junior College (Colo.) where she competed in the throwing events. Kniffen is a sprinter and Stewart will see action in multiple events.

“These new recruits will have a major impact on our team’s success for the 2009 track and field season,” Heath said.

Heath will start his 30th year as the Eagles’ head coach and his 23rd year at the Lady Eagles’ post in 2008-09. Assistant coach Jeff Bennett is in his 20th season with the program.