SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Head cross country/track and field coach Bryan Jackson has announced the signing of four individuals to National Letters of Intent for 2009-2010. This is the first recruiting class for Jackson as he is finishing up his first year as head coach of the Terriers. On the women’s side Emily Gothberg, Nicole Kalsnic and Andrea Kelsey will join the Terriers while Trey Parker will suit up for the men.
“The sky is the limit for this recruiting class as a whole. There is a ton of talent and untapped potential in each one of these individuals. I am looking forward to getting them on campus and working with them next fall. This class is a strong addition to both the Wofford College cross country and track teams,” stated Jackson.
Emily Gothberg is from Ashville, N.C. and will join the Terriers by way of A.C. Reynolds High school where she was a seven time letter winner for cross country and track. She was captain of the outdoor track and field team her sophomore, junior and senior year as well as the cross country team her senior year. Gothberg Represented the United States during the summer of 2008 at the Down Under Sports International Invitational Track Meet in Sydney, Australia where she picked up a gold and silver medal. She was a Junior Olympics participant her sophomore and junior years as well as a regional and state qualifier. Emily is the daughter of Todd and Leeann Gothberg. (Personal Records): 400m (0:59), 200m (0:26), 300m (0:43), 500m (1:23), 4 X 400 anchor leg (team PR 4:06).
“Emily is a much needed addition to the team improving our depth in the long sprints. She will contribute in not only the individual events but will also give us a strong leg in all of the relays. She has the ability to eventually move up to the 800m distance,” noted Jackson.
Nicole Klasnic is a South Carolina native from Columbia, S.C. via Dutch Fork High School. Based on her result at the 2008 State Cross Country Championships, Klasnic is ranked the 6thbest senior runner in South Carolina. Klasnic was a three time state qualifier from 2006-2008 in cross country as well as a three time state qualifier in the 3200m. She participated in the Walt Disney World Classic and the Foot Locker South Regional where she placed 17thout of 167 runners. At the 2008 4A region 5 meet, Klasnic set her new personal record of 18:54.10, finishing just three seconds behind the leader. Niki is the daughter of Gary and Kim Klasnic. (Personal Records): 5K (18:54.10), 3200m (11:50), 1600m (5:22), 800m (2:22)
“I am very excited about Niki’s potential; she had a very impressive senior cross country season and will no doubt follow that with an equally as impressive track season,” said Jackson. “She will contribute instantly in cross country and add much needed depth in the mid-distance (800m and mile) events during track season.”
Andrea Kelsey will join the Terriers from Kettering, OH where she was an eight time letter winner in cross country and track and field at Kettering Fairmont High School. Kelsey was a state qualifier in cross country in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as well as a state qualifier in the 4x800m relay in 2008. She was a member of the All-Ohio Track Team in 2008 as well as All-Academic in 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2007, Kelsey was selected as the runner of the year in the GWOC (Greater Western Ohio Conference). Kelsey is a three time member of the All GWOC Cross Country Team and is also part of the 4x800m relay team that holds the school record. Off the track Kelsey was a member of the National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll Honor Society and Valedictorian of the senior class. Andrea is the daughter of David and Beth Kelsey and Lisa Kelsey (Personal Records): 5K (18:53), 3200m (11:23), 1600m (5:14).
“ I am excited to welcome Andrea to the team; she is a true competitor and a very hard worker. She has run some impressive times during her high school career and will continue to improve at this level. Andrea has great range come track season and will no doubt be competitive in all events from the 1500m to the 5000m. She will also be a contributor from the start in cross country,” mentioned Jackson.
Trey Parker is the lone newcomer to sign with the Terrier men for the fall of 2009. Parker is from Sumter, S.C. and is a product of Wilson Hall where he was a member of the varsity track and field team as well as the varsity cross country team from 2001-2009 (6th grade-Present).He was a member of the All-State Cross Country Team from 2001-2009 and a member of the All-State Track team from 2006-2009. Parker has been selected the SCISA and High School Sports Report Runner of the Year three times. He received the coaches award for cross country his freshman year and was named team MVP in 2007, 2008 and 2009. In track and field Parker was the state champion in the one mile, two mile and 4x800m relay. In the classroom he was a member of the honor role from 2005-2009, a member of the National Honor Society and a Coker College Scholar. Trey is the son of former Wofford graduate Bert and Stacy Parker. (Personal Records): 5k (15:40), 1mile (4:35), 2mile (10:05), 800m (2:03), 400m (0:52).
“The sky is the limit for Trey; he has tons of talent and potential. He has the integrity and maturity rarely seen in a freshman that will make him a leader instantly. Only the future can tell which event will be his strongest on the track. But there is no doubt that whichever event it is he will be a fierce competitor,” said Jackson.