Wake Forest Athletics
Wake Forest Track and Field/Cross Country
Wake Forest Track and Cross Country Announces Recruiting Class
7/16/2020 5:00:00 PM | Cross Country, Track and Field
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Wake Forest head track and field and cross country coach John Hayes has announced the Demon Deacons' 2020 recruiting class. The incoming student-athletes include 10 women and 11 men.
"Our incoming freshman class provides us both high-end elite talent as well as depth that will allow us to continue our climb in the ACC," said Hayes. "Our recruiting coordinator, Andrew Ferris, as well as all of our assistants have addressed many key needs. I am excited to get these great young student-athletes on campus and watch them develop as they take advantage of the many resources that Wake Forest will afford them. Another important aspect of this incoming group is the addition of three strong graduate transfer athletes from Rice, Michigan and Duke that will add leadership as well as probable ACC points."
While the 2020 outdoor track season was canceled due to Covid-19, Wake Forest had successful cross country and indoor track seasons. Men's cross country tied for its best finish in the ACC since 2005 and the women posted their second-best finish since 2008. During the indoor season, the women's distance medley relay team won the ACC Championship and earned All-America honors by advancing to the NCAA Indoor Nationals.
2020 Wake Forest Women's Track and Field and Cross Country Recruiting Class
Addison Berry
Westminster, SC (West Oak High School)
"Addison has the complete makeup and desire to be a successful multi-event athlete. Her attitude and talent will assist in enhancing our training group, I'm excited to work with her." Coach Gray Horn
Alli Boehm
Alexandria, VA (Episcopal High School)
"Alli is still relatively new to running and comes to Wake Forest as a multi-sport athlete with an impressive resume. Alli has won multiple state championships over the last two years and she is just getting started! I'm confident she will continue to improve rapidly at the collegiate level."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Claire Boehm
Alexandria, VA (Episcopal High School)
"Claire is only in her second year as a distance runner having been involved in several sports while growing up and during high school. Claire's competitive spirit and drive to be the best she can be will take her to the next level. She won state titles on the track in high school and is ready to step up and join the competitive collegiate environment at Wake Forest."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Gabriella Castro
Waxhaw, NC (Cuthbertson High School)
⁃ Set 4x800m state indoor record twice
⁃ Two-time 4x800m relay state champion
⁃ Runner-up at state cross country championship
⁃ Runner-up at state indoor track championship in the 1000m
⁃ All-American in 4xMile
⁃ 2019 XC NCHSAA Southern Carolina Conference Athlete of the Year
"Gabriella's resume is impressive both on and off the track. She's a top student boasting a 4.5 GPA and has won several state championships while at Cuthbertson high school. Gabriella had a strong senior cross country season finishing runner up at the North Carolina state meet and I know her outdoor track season would have followed suit. Gabriella has a bright future ahead of her and will do great things at Wake Forest."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Hana Catsimanes
San Clemente, CA (San Clemente High School)
"Hana comes to Wake Forest as a decorated high school athlete in cross country, track and field, and surfing. Wake Forest felt like home the moment Hana stepped on campus and we are thrilled to welcome her into our family. With a 4.5 GPA and a highly successful high school career, I'm confident Hana will do big things as a Demon Deacon and make an immediate impact."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Jenna Goldberg
Bethesda, MD (Walter Johnson High School)
"Jenna had an incredibly strong senior year, wrapping up her final cross country season with trips to both Nike Cross and Footlocker Nationals. I'm confident she will come in and make an immediate impact on our lineup this Fall. Jenna knew Wake Forest was the school for her the first time she visited, and we are thrilled to have her joining our program."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Clarkson Graham
Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Country Day)
"Clarkson has strong ties to Wake Forest and is super excited to join the team. She was a valuable member of her high school team and made contributions in everything from the 200m all the way to 5km cross country. I can't wait for her to fully explore the 800m this spring."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Cassie Martin
Strongsville, OH (Duke University)
* Six-time Division I state high jump champion (3 indoor, 3 outdoor)
* Four-time indoor and outdoor All-Ohio
* Four-time MVP
* Three-time All-Academic Ohio athlete
* Personal best: High jump: 1.76m
"Cassie will bring experience and excitement to the Wake Forest jumps family. Being the defending ACC Indoor High Jump Champion, her talents speak for themselves. I look forward to working with her."
Coach Gray Horn
Elise Smoot
Austin, TX (Austin Westlake High School)
* Regional and state qualifier
* Holds school records in 5K, 4x800, and distance medley relay
"Elise comes to Wake Forest as a multi-sport athlete, who made the transition to running full time her senior year in high school. She has a high ceiling and I don't think she yet knows how much room she has to grow in this sport. We will set our focus on the 1500 and steeplechase and I believe she will excel at both."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Taylor Stone
Largo, FL (Osceola High School)
* Four-time team MVP in cross country and track
* School record-holder in the 400, 1600, 3200, 4x800, & 5K
-4th at FL cross country state meet
Personal bests: 800m-2:16; 1600m-4:56; 3200m-10:42
"Taylor comes to Wake Forest with a lot still left in the tank, her high school training program has set her up very well to continue to progress at the collegiate level. Taylor fell in love with Wake Forest right away during her visit and we were thrilled to help make her dream of attending Wake Forest a reality. She will do big things for us, watch for her to make an immediate impact this fall!"
Coach Ashley Bastron
2020 Wake Forest Men's Track and Field and Cross Country Recruiting Class
Pedro Bravo, Iona Prep (NY)
"Pedro is on an upward trajectory and will have an impressive collegiate career. After a great indoor season, Pedro was set to turn heads outdoors. His unique ability to navigate races will make him an asset to our team."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Euan Cairns
Woodside, CA (St Francis Mountain View)
"Euan consistently puts himself in positions to win races, a trait that will serve him well in the collegiate ranks. Euan ran some very impressive time trials this spring after his season was canceled due to COVID-19, giving him great momentum as he starts his career as a Demon Deacon.
Coach Andrew Ferris
Mason Ellis
Winston-Salem, NC (West Forsyth)
"Mason comes to Wake Forest as one of the top throwers in North Carolina history. I expect him to continue that success as a Demon Deacon."
Coach Collin Post
Anthony Grover
Laguna Niguel, CA (JSerra Catholic)
"Anthony comes to Wake Forest with a decorated resume and is an athlete that has a unique ability to find himself at the front of races. Anthony has the ability to impact our team this fall and I am very excited to have him join our team."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Ben Hill
Royal Oak, MI (University of Michigan)
"Ben will bring a wealth of experience to our young team, having competed at the national meet multiple times. A cool head will calm nerves and his impact on the team will be seen beyond the scoreboard."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Paris Husic
Hightstown, NJ (The Peddie School)
"Given that Paris has only recently started his journey in our sport, and his desire to become a Decathlete, I am excited to see what untapped potential that he possesses. I'm excited to watch him grow as an athlete."
Coach Gray Horn
Thomas Kitchell
Easton, PA (Notre Dame Green Pond)
"I'm very excited to have Thomas join the team. Thomas is a highly talented and versatile athlete, I have high expectations for him across several events"
Coach Collin Post
Coen Roberts
Greer, SC (Greer High School)
"Coen is a super talent that has unfortunately missed his Junior and Senior track seasons. I fully expect him to impact our team right away. Coen is sure to find himself in the Wake Forest record books."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Niall Ryan
New Rochelle, NY (Fordham Prep)
Personal Best: 6:03.27 - 2000m steeplechase
"Niall has demonstrated a great work ethic and has expressed his excitement towards the future of the Wake Forest program since day one. I am looking forward to Niall joining the team and can't wait to see him over the steeplechase barriers in the spring"
Coach Andrew Ferris
Luke Tewalt
Washington, D.C. (Washington Latin High School)
Coach Andrew Ferris
Michael Yow
Keene, TX (Rice University)
"Michael brings both depth and experience to a very young group, I'm excited to see his progression now that he is focusing solely on the hammer throw."
Coach Collin Post
"Our incoming freshman class provides us both high-end elite talent as well as depth that will allow us to continue our climb in the ACC," said Hayes. "Our recruiting coordinator, Andrew Ferris, as well as all of our assistants have addressed many key needs. I am excited to get these great young student-athletes on campus and watch them develop as they take advantage of the many resources that Wake Forest will afford them. Another important aspect of this incoming group is the addition of three strong graduate transfer athletes from Rice, Michigan and Duke that will add leadership as well as probable ACC points."
While the 2020 outdoor track season was canceled due to Covid-19, Wake Forest had successful cross country and indoor track seasons. Men's cross country tied for its best finish in the ACC since 2005 and the women posted their second-best finish since 2008. During the indoor season, the women's distance medley relay team won the ACC Championship and earned All-America honors by advancing to the NCAA Indoor Nationals.
2020 Wake Forest Women's Track and Field and Cross Country Recruiting Class
Addison Berry
Westminster, SC (West Oak High School)
- 2019 South Carolina Coaches Association of Women's Sports 3A Track and Field Athlete of the Year
- 2019 Region 1 3A Track and Field Athlete of the Year
- 2-time 3A all-state track and field athlete
- 4 year all-region track and field athlete
- 2020 New Balance Indoor All-American Pentathlete
- 2-time 3A state long jump champion (2018, 2019)
- 100m Hurdles and triple jump 3A state champion (2019)
- South Carolina 3A Region 1 record holder in long jump and triple jump
- All-region 3A basketball (2019-2020)
- All-region cross country (2018)
- Personal bests of 4,903 in the heptathlon, 40'0" in the triple jump
"Addison has the complete makeup and desire to be a successful multi-event athlete. Her attitude and talent will assist in enhancing our training group, I'm excited to work with her." Coach Gray Horn
Alli Boehm
Alexandria, VA (Episcopal High School)
- Five-time state champion (3 in 4x800m relay, 1 in 800m, 1 in cross country)
- Two-time Alexandria Sportsman's Club Athlete of the Year (once in track, once in cross country)
"Alli is still relatively new to running and comes to Wake Forest as a multi-sport athlete with an impressive resume. Alli has won multiple state championships over the last two years and she is just getting started! I'm confident she will continue to improve rapidly at the collegiate level."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Claire Boehm
Alexandria, VA (Episcopal High School)
- State champion in 1600m
- Three-time state champion in 4 x 800m relay
- Two-time state meet record holder (indoor & outdoor 4x800m relay)
- Fourth place in state cross country meet, 2019
"Claire is only in her second year as a distance runner having been involved in several sports while growing up and during high school. Claire's competitive spirit and drive to be the best she can be will take her to the next level. She won state titles on the track in high school and is ready to step up and join the competitive collegiate environment at Wake Forest."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Gabriella Castro
Waxhaw, NC (Cuthbertson High School)
⁃ Set 4x800m state indoor record twice
⁃ Two-time 4x800m relay state champion
⁃ Runner-up at state cross country championship
⁃ Runner-up at state indoor track championship in the 1000m
⁃ All-American in 4xMile
⁃ 2019 XC NCHSAA Southern Carolina Conference Athlete of the Year
"Gabriella's resume is impressive both on and off the track. She's a top student boasting a 4.5 GPA and has won several state championships while at Cuthbertson high school. Gabriella had a strong senior cross country season finishing runner up at the North Carolina state meet and I know her outdoor track season would have followed suit. Gabriella has a bright future ahead of her and will do great things at Wake Forest."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Hana Catsimanes
San Clemente, CA (San Clemente High School)
- Finalist for USA Today Cross Country Athlete of the Year - Los Angeles Region
- Coast View Athletic Association Female Athlete of the Year – 2020
- Footlocker Cross Country nationals qualifier
- CIF Southern Section Division 1 Champion – 2019
- Mt. SAC cross country champion, 2019
- CIF Southern Section Division 1 Champion (1st)
- Personal bests: 4:55-1600m; 10:28-3200m
"Hana comes to Wake Forest as a decorated high school athlete in cross country, track and field, and surfing. Wake Forest felt like home the moment Hana stepped on campus and we are thrilled to welcome her into our family. With a 4.5 GPA and a highly successful high school career, I'm confident Hana will do big things as a Demon Deacon and make an immediate impact."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Jenna Goldberg
Bethesda, MD (Walter Johnson High School)
- Maryland 4A state cross country champion
- Footlocker Nationals cross country finalist (16th place)
- Nike Cross Country National qualifier
- All-Met Cross Country Runner of the Year
"Jenna had an incredibly strong senior year, wrapping up her final cross country season with trips to both Nike Cross and Footlocker Nationals. I'm confident she will come in and make an immediate impact on our lineup this Fall. Jenna knew Wake Forest was the school for her the first time she visited, and we are thrilled to have her joining our program."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Clarkson Graham
Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Country Day)
- NC State Champion
- Personal bests: 58.43 - 400m; 2:19.46 - 800m
"Clarkson has strong ties to Wake Forest and is super excited to join the team. She was a valuable member of her high school team and made contributions in everything from the 200m all the way to 5km cross country. I can't wait for her to fully explore the 800m this spring."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Cassie Martin
Strongsville, OH (Duke University)
- Graduate transfer from Duke where she served as a team captain
- All-ACC Academic team indoors, 2018, 2019
- All-ACC Academic team outdoors, 2018, 2019
- Four-time ACC Academic Honor Roll
- 2020 ACC Indoor High jump champion
* Six-time Division I state high jump champion (3 indoor, 3 outdoor)
* Four-time indoor and outdoor All-Ohio
* Four-time MVP
* Three-time All-Academic Ohio athlete
* Personal best: High jump: 1.76m
"Cassie will bring experience and excitement to the Wake Forest jumps family. Being the defending ACC Indoor High Jump Champion, her talents speak for themselves. I look forward to working with her."
Coach Gray Horn
Elise Smoot
Austin, TX (Austin Westlake High School)
* Regional and state qualifier
* Holds school records in 5K, 4x800, and distance medley relay
"Elise comes to Wake Forest as a multi-sport athlete, who made the transition to running full time her senior year in high school. She has a high ceiling and I don't think she yet knows how much room she has to grow in this sport. We will set our focus on the 1500 and steeplechase and I believe she will excel at both."
Coach Ashley Bastron
Taylor Stone
Largo, FL (Osceola High School)
* Four-time team MVP in cross country and track
* School record-holder in the 400, 1600, 3200, 4x800, & 5K
-4th at FL cross country state meet
Personal bests: 800m-2:16; 1600m-4:56; 3200m-10:42
"Taylor comes to Wake Forest with a lot still left in the tank, her high school training program has set her up very well to continue to progress at the collegiate level. Taylor fell in love with Wake Forest right away during her visit and we were thrilled to help make her dream of attending Wake Forest a reality. She will do big things for us, watch for her to make an immediate impact this fall!"
Coach Ashley Bastron
2020 Wake Forest Men's Track and Field and Cross Country Recruiting Class
Pedro Bravo, Iona Prep (NY)
- New York State mile champion
- Personal best in the mile: 4:13.74
"Pedro is on an upward trajectory and will have an impressive collegiate career. After a great indoor season, Pedro was set to turn heads outdoors. His unique ability to navigate races will make him an asset to our team."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Euan Cairns
Woodside, CA (St Francis Mountain View)
- 2019 California State Championship qualifier
"Euan consistently puts himself in positions to win races, a trait that will serve him well in the collegiate ranks. Euan ran some very impressive time trials this spring after his season was canceled due to COVID-19, giving him great momentum as he starts his career as a Demon Deacon.
Coach Andrew Ferris
Mason Ellis
Winston-Salem, NC (West Forsyth)
- NCHSAA 4A indoor state record in shot put
- AAU Junior Olympics All-American
- Personal bests: 62-4-shot put (school record); 172-10-discus
"Mason comes to Wake Forest as one of the top throwers in North Carolina history. I expect him to continue that success as a Demon Deacon."
Coach Collin Post
Anthony Grover
Laguna Niguel, CA (JSerra Catholic)
- Two-time national cross country finalist
- First Division 4 athlete to win three consecutive state cross country championships
- Three-time Trinity League cross country champion
- CIF Southern Section cross country champion
"Anthony comes to Wake Forest with a decorated resume and is an athlete that has a unique ability to find himself at the front of races. Anthony has the ability to impact our team this fall and I am very excited to have him join our team."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Ben Hill
Royal Oak, MI (University of Michigan)
- Academic All-Big Ten
- Personal bests: 1:50.79 - 800m, 4:01.76 – mile
"Ben will bring a wealth of experience to our young team, having competed at the national meet multiple times. A cool head will calm nerves and his impact on the team will be seen beyond the scoreboard."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Paris Husic
Hightstown, NJ (The Peddie School)
- 2020 NJ first team all-prep long jump
- 2020 NJ first team all-prep shot put
- 2020 team captain
- 2019 NBNO relay qualifier (ran 100m leg in SSMR)
- Three years varsity basketball
- Personal bests: 21'2.5" – long jump; 50'6" – shot put
"Given that Paris has only recently started his journey in our sport, and his desire to become a Decathlete, I am excited to see what untapped potential that he possesses. I'm excited to watch him grow as an athlete."
Coach Gray Horn
Thomas Kitchell
Easton, PA (Notre Dame Green Pond)
- Pennsylvania state champion in discus
- Pennsylvania state runner-up shot put
- Allentown Morning Call All-Area Athlete of the Year, 2019
- Personal Bests: shot put- 60-5.5 (school record); discus- 185-5 ( school record); hammer- 181-5; weight- 58-0.75
"I'm very excited to have Thomas join the team. Thomas is a highly talented and versatile athlete, I have high expectations for him across several events"
Coach Collin Post
Coen Roberts
Greer, SC (Greer High School)
- Foot Locker Cross Country National finalist
- Runner-up at Foot Locker South
- State 4A cross country champion, 2019
- Set course record at Spartanburg Eye Opener Invitational
- Spartanburg Herald-Journal Boy's Cross Country Runner of the Year, 2019
- State champion in 3200m, 2019
"Coen is a super talent that has unfortunately missed his Junior and Senior track seasons. I fully expect him to impact our team right away. Coen is sure to find himself in the Wake Forest record books."
Coach Andrew Ferris
Niall Ryan
New Rochelle, NY (Fordham Prep)
Personal Best: 6:03.27 - 2000m steeplechase
"Niall has demonstrated a great work ethic and has expressed his excitement towards the future of the Wake Forest program since day one. I am looking forward to Niall joining the team and can't wait to see him over the steeplechase barriers in the spring"
Coach Andrew Ferris
Luke Tewalt
Washington, D.C. (Washington Latin High School)
- AAU Junior National champion in 3,000m
- D.C. cross country champion, 2018
- Ten-time state champion
- Personal bests: 4:14.11 - 1600m; 8:28.95(i) - 3000m
Coach Andrew Ferris
Michael Yow
Keene, TX (Rice University)
- Three-time member of Conference-USA Commissioner's Honor Roll
- Personal Bests: 15.31m – shot put; 60.52m – hammer; 19.14m - weight
"Michael brings both depth and experience to a very young group, I'm excited to see his progression now that he is focusing solely on the hammer throw."
Coach Collin Post
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