Track and Field Sign Four to National Letters-of-Intent

[PonyPride]

Newest Mustangs to Compete in the 2007-08 Season

Nov. 16, 2006

DALLAS (SMU) - Head SMU track and field coach Dave Wollman and staff announced on Wednesday the signing of four student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Kristine Engeset (Oersta, Norway), Silje Fjortoft (Oersta, Norway), Samantha Means (McKinney, Texas/McKinney North), and Kylie Spurgeon (Owasso, Okla./Owasso) will join the Mustangs at the start of 2007-08 season.

"Our goal for the SMU track and field program is to win National Championships and these four new Mustangs are key pieces in the puzzle to make that happen," said Wollman. "We have come very close several times over the last 10 years. These four athletes each have the capability of raising their performance levels to the highest level in the NCAA. I feel very fortunate that they feel SMU is the place to continue to develop their talent and further their education. I can't wait to see each of them compete in the Mustang colors!"

Engeset, Fjortoft and Means will run track and and cross country at SMU.

Engeset has outdoor personal best times of 2:09.33 in the 800 meters, 4:19.58 in the 1500 meters and 9:27.75 in the 3000 meters. Engeset was a finalist in the 2006 World Junior Championships.

"Kristine is simply one of the most gifted young 1500 meter runners in the world," Wollman said. "Her pr's in the 1500 and 3000 steeple chase are already competitive with the best in the NCAA. She is a fierce competitor and has the training discipline that will raise the expectations and achievements of everyone she trains with. She is a significant addition to the Mustang track and field program."

Fjortfot, has an outdoor personal best time of 4:32.88 in the 1500 meters, 9:47.02 in the 3000 meters and 10:34.94 in the 3000 m steeple.

"Silje is a rare find," Wollman said. "She is an athlete that has all of her great training years ahead of her. She has been held back for so long relating to her growth spurts that she is like a lion released from its cage. Silje's potential is limitless. She is passionate about running and education. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with her positive character traits, dedication, discipline, focus, passion and competitiveness. It is truly rare to find all of these qualities in an athlete so young."

Means was the 2006 4A State Cross Country Champion at McKinney North High School in McKinney. Means has a personal 5K Cross Country best time of 17:38. On the track, Means is the 3200 meters state record holder with a time of 10:38 and placed third in the Texas 4A State Championships 1600 meters (5:03). Means is the reigning Texas Relays high school girl's 3200 meter champion.

"Samantha is the most focused and goal oriented athlete I have ever met for her age," Wollman said. "She learns from experience and never makes the same mistake twice. Samantha is a perfect match for SMU. She wants to achieve the highest levels in sport and education. She already has such a passion for the Mustangs. Her loyalty and patriotism to this University will be a tremendous asset to the rest of the team. I truly believe she has the physical and mental skills to develop into one of the premier distance runners in the US. "

Kylie Spurgeon will compete in the history rich throwing events for the Mustangs. Spurgeon comes in with an impressive resume and adds depth to an already strong group. The 2006 High School All-American is the Oklahoma State Girls High School Discus Record Holder with a personal best mark of 160'2". Spurgeon is the defending Oklahoma State Discus Champion.

[mustangxc]

Bring back SMU Men's Cross Country and Track & Field!

[mustangbill67]

Sounds like Wollman has the women on the right "track". I also would like to see a men's program. Title 9 aside, I do not see a revival of the program unless our revenue substantially increases in FB and BB.

[davidsmu94]

Bring Back Mens Track