ETTRICK, Va.- Although they are prepping for the upcoming 2016-17 season, VSU's head Cross Country/Track and Field coach Jason-Lamont Jackson and his staff are optimistic about the recruiting class they have put together. The class consists of 28 recruits, with the anticipation of have having several more raw talent walk-ons to join the group.

"For both our men's and women's programs, it was very important that we not only attempt to bring in a few student-athletes to fill spots of those who have graduated, but the staff and I wanted to make a concerted effort on doubling and in some cases tripling in many event areas," expressed Coach Jackson.

Snagging a few great student-athletes from out-of-state and scouting locally for the remaining A1 recruits, Coach Jackson and his staff are confident with the talent that will be bought to the group of Trojan returners. "I am very pleased with what we are adding to an excellent and motivated returning class of student-athletes," said Coach Jackson.  "We've graduated two NCAA All-Americans, four NCAA Qualifiers, three CIAA Champions, and four school record holders – so it was important that we brought in enough academic and athletic talent to reload and keep our returners honest and ready to lead this young group of talented freshman and transfers to Academic, CIAA and NCAA Championship Excellence."

After racking in several high honors last season, the VSU Trojans cross country and track and field teams look to begin their season at home on September 9 for the VSU Fall Cross Country Opener.

For more information on VSU Trojans Cross Country/ Track and Field teams follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.

2016 Cross Country/ Track and Field Recruiting Class
1.            Acey Calhoun (DC / Woodrow Wilson / NC State)
2.            Alexis Lockard (CA / Merrill West)
3.            Anas Fain (VA / Patriot)
4.            Brandon Slade (VA / Bethel)
5.            Breon Deloatch (VA / Western Branch)
6.            Charles Salley (VA / Cosby)
7.            Dacarai Clark (VA / Albemarle)
8.            Davonne Douglas (VA / Hampton)
9.            Diorel Johnson (VA / Granby)
10.          David Zaryczny (Germany / Kaiserslautern)
11.          Erika Neal (VA / JR Tucker)
12.          Jahvante Marcelle (VA / Patriot)
13.          Ja'Quaveon Beachem (VA / Granby)
14.          Jewel Pile (VA / Potomac)
15.          Joel Thomas (MD / PGCC)
16.          Kalin Torres (VA / Potomac)
17.          Kenya Warner (CT / Windsor)
18.          Krystal Simpson (MD / PGCC)
19.          Kyla Frank (DC / Duke Ellington / Woodrow Wilson)
20.          Louis Andrews II (VA / Churchland)
21.          Mouaad Jaani (VA / TC Williams)
22.          Nick Stackfield (VA / Lake Taylor)
23.          Nicole McDonald (VA / Deep Creek)
24.          Precious Bracey (VA / First Colonial)
25.          Quiahjah Williams (FL / Lake Placid)
26.          Samuel Sarkodie (VA / TC Williams)
27.          Tiara Bunch (VA / Grassfield)
28.          Tyron Evans (VA / Highland Springs)