http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=trackandfield&id=2036471
Associated Press FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Seven athletes have signed with the Arkansas track and field team, including three indoor national champions and the 2004 Footlocker Cross Country Champion, the university announced Wednesday. "This is the best recruiting class we've had in some years, as far as the depth goes," Arkansas coach John McDonnell said. "We're a little top heavy in the distances. But my philosophy has always been if there are good athletes out there you have to get them, no matter what event they compete in. Good athletes win championships." McDonnell has won 40 national championships. Among the signees, Arkansas inked six distance runners and one field athlete. Chris Barnicle of Boston highlights the class. The Newton North High School star currently has the best 3,200-meter (8:53.00) and two-mile (8:56.20) times in the U.S. and won the 2004 Foot Locker Cross Country Northeast Championship. Other indoor national champions signed on were Colin Costello, a distance runner from Meath County, Ireland, and Nkosinza Balumbu, a triple jumper from Union City, Calif. Distance runners Daniel LaCava from Hurst, Texas; Scott MacPherson from Plano, Texas, and Ben Schulz from The Woodlands, Texas, also signed on. J'Mee Samuels, a sprinter from Winston-Salem, N.C., signed with Arkansas last November. ENDS
