Bowling Green State University Athletics
Snelling Adds Nine to Recruiting Class
May 24, 2012 | Women's Cross Country, Women's Track and Field
The Bowling Green State University track and field team, along with head coach Lou Snelling, has announced the addition of nine student-athletes to this year's recruiting class. Berrion Berry, Dana Gates, Kendra Kezur, Kera Lamotte, Tiera Parker, Brittany Sinclair, Demetra Taylor, Brea Tinney and Kayla Velasquez will join the Falcons for the 2012-13 academic year.
These nine Falcons will join 11 other student-athletes that were announced back on Feb. 23. To see those Falcons, CLICK HERE.
“These nine athletes move our total list of signees to 20 young women joining our program in the fall, said Snelling. “The common thread with this class continues to be the work ethic, both athletically and academically. Our talent level and depth take a big jump forward. We expect these athletes to help the program take the exciting steps we know are possible within the time they will be here. Everyone is looking forward to next year; especially once you factor in the ten returners coming off of red-shirting this year. The staff of James Williams, Andrea Pereira De Almeida, and Matt Conly has done a great job making this recruiting class happen and ultimately pushing this program to the next level. I would like to thank the administration and support staff for their assistance with this class and helping us all through our first year at Bowling Green.”
2012 New Signees
Name Event Hometown/High School/Previous School
Berrion Berry Sprint/Relays Detroit, Mich./Stoney Creek
Dana Gates Long and Triple Jump Wichita, Kan./Wichita East
Kendra Kezur Cross Country/Distance Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Southview/Cleveland State
Kera Lamotte Sprints/Relays St. Louis, Mo./Mason
Tiera Parker Sprints/Relays Southfield, Mich./Farmington Hills Harrison
Brittany Sinclair 200/400 Meters Lindenwold, N.J./Lindenwold/ Dusquesne
Demetra Taylor Sprints/Hurdles/Relays Ft. Wayne, Ind./Northrop
Brea Tinney Cross Country/Distance Osceola, Wisc./Osceola/ Illinois State
Kayla Velasquez Discus/Shot/Weight Throw Blacklick, Ohio/Licking Heights
Berrion Berry, Sprint/Relays, Detroit, Mich./Stoney Creek
Quote from James Williams on Berrion Berry
“Berrion is coming to BGSU with very lofty academic and athletic goals. According to her accomplishments in high school, I'd say she has the potential to reach them. She has earned both academic accolades and track honors leading into her senior year. Berrion will make major contributions in the 100, 200, 400, and the relays as a freshman. I also look forward to the national level experience she will bring to the program.”
Dana Gates, Long and Triple Jump, Wichita, Kan./Wichita East/Barton County Community College
Quote from James Williams on Dana Gates
“Dana Gates comes to us with a background filled with accomplishments. Any time you add an All-American to your program, you've taken a giant step towards reaching conference and national team goals. We are obviously excited about what she brings to the team athletically, but equally excited about her academic success and commitment.”
Kendra Kezur, Cross Country/Distance, Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Southview/Cleveland State
At Cleveland State: Spent one season at Cleveland State ... was the second runner across the line for Cleveland State at their conference and regional championship meet.
High School: Was a 2011 graduate of Sylvania Southview High School ... lettered three times in cross country... earned all-league and all-district honors as a sophomore, junior and senior... all-region pick as a junior when she also qualified for state meet... also earned all-league and all-district honors three times in track, setting a school record in the 4x400 as a sophomore.
Quote from Lou Snelling on Kendra Kezur
“Kendra returns to Northwest Ohio after competing at Sylvania Southview high school. She has a great attitude and work ethic; we look forward to her development over the next three to four years.”
Kera Lamotte, Sprints/Relays, St. Louis, Mo./Mason
High School: Is a 2012 graduate of Mason High School ... coached by Tony Affatato ... team captain ... earned All-Ohio honors as a junior and senior ... owns a personal-best time of 12.41 (100 meters) and 25.21 (200 meters) ... her mark in the 200 meters is a school record ... was part of the 4x100 and 4x200 relay, also school records ... team finished second in the 4x200 in 2011 at the state meet.
Quote from James Williams on Kera Lamotte
“Kera brings a winning tradition with her, from the many team accomplishments she helped Mason High School achieve at the state level. Kera has also experienced individual success on the Mason basketball team, track team, and in the classroom.We are very happy to have Kera bring her sprinting ability to BGSU and look forward to the contributions she will make.”
Tiera Parker, Sprints/Relays, Southfield, Mich./Farmington Hills Harrison
High School: Is a 2012 graduate of Farmington Hills Harrison High School ... coached by Mark Babcock ... earned all-state honors in the 200 meters in 2011 and in the 100 meters in 2010 ... was a member of the National Honor Society.
Quote from James Williams on Tiera Parker
“Tiera is an outstanding student and a very competitive athlete. Possessing the will to win will not only secure a very bright future for her as an individual at BGSU, but also the track and field team's future as well. I'm very happy that Tiera chose BGSU to continue her academic and athletic careers. I'm looking forward to her many contributions to the program.”
Brittany Sinclair, 200/400 Meters, Lindenwold, N.J./Lindenwold/Dusquesne
At Duquesne: Spent two season on the Duquesne track and field team.
High School: Is a 2010 graduate of Lindenwold High School ... coached by Mike Egan ...helped team to a 2010 NJ State Championship.
Quote from James Williams on Brittany Sinclair
“Brittany brings Div. 1 level experience to the program, as a transfer from Duquesne University. She enjoyed success at the sectional and state level during her high school days in New Jersey and will add depth and quality to our sprint program in the 100, 200, 400, as well as the 4 x 100 and the 4 x 400 relays. Brittany also has the experience of combining academic and athletic success in high school and college. We are very excited that Brittany has chosen to join us at BGSU and about the contributions she will make to the team.”
Demetra Taylor, Sprints/Hurdles/Relays, Ft. Wayne, Ind./Northrop
High School: Is a 2012 graduate of Northrop High School ... coached by Terry Milton and Tom Knudson ... earned all-state 10 different times during her high school career in the sprints and hurdles ... is the ISHAA sectional record holder in the 100 hurdles ... earned USATF All-American honors in the 400 meter hurdles.
Quote from James Williams on Demetra Taylor
“Demetra is very talented and will make major contributions to our sprint/hurdle crew. She has the confidence and ability to score in the MAC as a freshman and has her eyes firmly set on the NCAA championship meet. Demetra wants success in the class room and on the track, and understands the requirements for both.”
Brea Tinney, Cross Country/Distance, Osceola, Wisc./Osceola/ Illinois State
At Illinois State: Spent three seasons as a member of the cross country and track and field team ... this past season she ran to a sixth-place finish at the Hawkeye Invitational, posting a 4K time of 14:57.01 ... finished fifth at the Illinois Intercollegiate Championships with a personal-best 5K time of 17:46 ... ran a personal-best 6K at the Bradley Classic, finishing with a time of 22:44.46 ... ran a 19:02.4 5K at the 2011 State Farm MVC Championships.
High School: Is a 2009 graduate of Osceola High School ... four time all-state in cross country and three time all-state in track and field ... finished fourth at the 2008 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA) Division 2 Cross Country Championships in a personal-best time of 14:57.8 ... has finished in the top-ten at the cross country championships all four years including a second-place finish her sophomore year ... qualified for the 2008 WIAA Division 2 Track and Field Championships in three events ... took eighth place in the 800-meter run (2:21.35), fourth in the 1600-meter run (5:09.40) and anchored the 4x800-meter relay to a second-place finish (9:39.55) at the WIAA state meet.
Quote from Lou Snelling on Brea Tinney
“Brea brings a wealth of experience to our young squad. She has competed at multiple division one conference and NCAA Regional championships in cross country. With that experience she has the opportunity to step into a major athletic and leadership role immediately. I expect her to help this program take the next step over the two years she will be here.”
Kayla Velasquez, Discus/Shot/Weight Throw, Blacklick, Ohio/Licking Heights
High School: Is a 2012 graduate of Licking Heights High School ... coached by Suzanne Ketcham ... team captain ... was a two-time mid-state league member and a two-time Licking County champion ... qualified for regionals in the discus twice and owns the school record in the discus and weight throw ... was a USATF Junior Olympic National qualifier.
Quote from Matt Conly on Kayla Velasquez
“I am excited to add Kayla to our incoming class in the throws group. Kayla had a great end to her indoor season with a big PR in the weight throw. That has emerged as an event that she will be able to come in and add depth for us right away. Kayla will also add to a strong class of discus throwers. We now have three girls coming in that will be training together in discus and will have an immediate impact for us in that event. Before the end of the outdoor season I think that all three will continue to build on what they have done already and end up providing us with a lot of young depth in that event. Kayla has a high ceiling at this point and moving into the environment of training at this level will benefit her greatly.”
These nine Falcons will join 11 other student-athletes that were announced back on Feb. 23. To see those Falcons, CLICK HERE.
“These nine athletes move our total list of signees to 20 young women joining our program in the fall, said Snelling. “The common thread with this class continues to be the work ethic, both athletically and academically. Our talent level and depth take a big jump forward. We expect these athletes to help the program take the exciting steps we know are possible within the time they will be here. Everyone is looking forward to next year; especially once you factor in the ten returners coming off of red-shirting this year. The staff of James Williams, Andrea Pereira De Almeida, and Matt Conly has done a great job making this recruiting class happen and ultimately pushing this program to the next level. I would like to thank the administration and support staff for their assistance with this class and helping us all through our first year at Bowling Green.”
2012 New Signees
Name Event Hometown/High School/Previous School
Berrion Berry Sprint/Relays Detroit, Mich./Stoney Creek
Dana Gates Long and Triple Jump Wichita, Kan./Wichita East
Kendra Kezur Cross Country/Distance Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Southview/Cleveland State
Kera Lamotte Sprints/Relays St. Louis, Mo./Mason
Tiera Parker Sprints/Relays Southfield, Mich./Farmington Hills Harrison
Brittany Sinclair 200/400 Meters Lindenwold, N.J./Lindenwold/ Dusquesne
Demetra Taylor Sprints/Hurdles/Relays Ft. Wayne, Ind./Northrop
Brea Tinney Cross Country/Distance Osceola, Wisc./Osceola/ Illinois State
Kayla Velasquez Discus/Shot/Weight Throw Blacklick, Ohio/Licking Heights
Berrion Berry, Sprint/Relays, Detroit, Mich./Stoney Creek
High School: Is a 2012 graduate of Stoney Creek High School ... coached by Paul Duffy ...earned all-state honors in the 60-meters as a senior ... was named an emerging elite All-American ... was named to the German Honor Society.
Quote from James Williams on Berrion Berry
“Berrion is coming to BGSU with very lofty academic and athletic goals. According to her accomplishments in high school, I'd say she has the potential to reach them. She has earned both academic accolades and track honors leading into her senior year. Berrion will make major contributions in the 100, 200, 400, and the relays as a freshman. I also look forward to the national level experience she will bring to the program.”
Dana Gates, Long and Triple Jump, Wichita, Kan./Wichita East/Barton County Community College
At Barton CC: Spent two seasons at Barton Community College ... coached by Dave Schenek. High School: Is a 2009 graduate of Wichita East High School ... coached by Mark Babcock ... earned all-state honors as a sprinter and long jumper.
Quote from James Williams on Dana Gates
“Dana Gates comes to us with a background filled with accomplishments. Any time you add an All-American to your program, you've taken a giant step towards reaching conference and national team goals. We are obviously excited about what she brings to the team athletically, but equally excited about her academic success and commitment.”
Kendra Kezur, Cross Country/Distance, Toledo, Ohio/Sylvania Southview/Cleveland State
High School: Was a 2011 graduate of Sylvania Southview High School ... lettered three times in cross country... earned all-league and all-district honors as a sophomore, junior and senior... all-region pick as a junior when she also qualified for state meet... also earned all-league and all-district honors three times in track, setting a school record in the 4x400 as a sophomore.
Quote from Lou Snelling on Kendra Kezur
“Kendra returns to Northwest Ohio after competing at Sylvania Southview high school. She has a great attitude and work ethic; we look forward to her development over the next three to four years.”
Kera Lamotte, Sprints/Relays, St. Louis, Mo./Mason
Quote from James Williams on Kera Lamotte
“Kera brings a winning tradition with her, from the many team accomplishments she helped Mason High School achieve at the state level. Kera has also experienced individual success on the Mason basketball team, track team, and in the classroom.We are very happy to have Kera bring her sprinting ability to BGSU and look forward to the contributions she will make.”
Tiera Parker, Sprints/Relays, Southfield, Mich./Farmington Hills Harrison
Quote from James Williams on Tiera Parker
“Tiera is an outstanding student and a very competitive athlete. Possessing the will to win will not only secure a very bright future for her as an individual at BGSU, but also the track and field team's future as well. I'm very happy that Tiera chose BGSU to continue her academic and athletic careers. I'm looking forward to her many contributions to the program.”
Brittany Sinclair, 200/400 Meters, Lindenwold, N.J./Lindenwold/Dusquesne
High School: Is a 2010 graduate of Lindenwold High School ... coached by Mike Egan ...helped team to a 2010 NJ State Championship.
Quote from James Williams on Brittany Sinclair
“Brittany brings Div. 1 level experience to the program, as a transfer from Duquesne University. She enjoyed success at the sectional and state level during her high school days in New Jersey and will add depth and quality to our sprint program in the 100, 200, 400, as well as the 4 x 100 and the 4 x 400 relays. Brittany also has the experience of combining academic and athletic success in high school and college. We are very excited that Brittany has chosen to join us at BGSU and about the contributions she will make to the team.”
Demetra Taylor, Sprints/Hurdles/Relays, Ft. Wayne, Ind./Northrop
Quote from James Williams on Demetra Taylor
“Demetra is very talented and will make major contributions to our sprint/hurdle crew. She has the confidence and ability to score in the MAC as a freshman and has her eyes firmly set on the NCAA championship meet. Demetra wants success in the class room and on the track, and understands the requirements for both.”
Brea Tinney, Cross Country/Distance, Osceola, Wisc./Osceola/ Illinois State
High School: Is a 2009 graduate of Osceola High School ... four time all-state in cross country and three time all-state in track and field ... finished fourth at the 2008 Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association (WIAA) Division 2 Cross Country Championships in a personal-best time of 14:57.8 ... has finished in the top-ten at the cross country championships all four years including a second-place finish her sophomore year ... qualified for the 2008 WIAA Division 2 Track and Field Championships in three events ... took eighth place in the 800-meter run (2:21.35), fourth in the 1600-meter run (5:09.40) and anchored the 4x800-meter relay to a second-place finish (9:39.55) at the WIAA state meet.
Quote from Lou Snelling on Brea Tinney
“Brea brings a wealth of experience to our young squad. She has competed at multiple division one conference and NCAA Regional championships in cross country. With that experience she has the opportunity to step into a major athletic and leadership role immediately. I expect her to help this program take the next step over the two years she will be here.”
Kayla Velasquez, Discus/Shot/Weight Throw, Blacklick, Ohio/Licking Heights
Quote from Matt Conly on Kayla Velasquez
“I am excited to add Kayla to our incoming class in the throws group. Kayla had a great end to her indoor season with a big PR in the weight throw. That has emerged as an event that she will be able to come in and add depth for us right away. Kayla will also add to a strong class of discus throwers. We now have three girls coming in that will be training together in discus and will have an immediate impact for us in that event. Before the end of the outdoor season I think that all three will continue to build on what they have done already and end up providing us with a lot of young depth in that event. Kayla has a high ceiling at this point and moving into the environment of training at this level will benefit her greatly.”
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