OU Track and Field Introduces Signees

NORMAN - With the cross country season ending on a very successful note and a third season of track and field approaching, Jim VanHootegem, head track and field coach at the University of Oklahoma, and his staff have announced the first group of signees who have or will join the Sooner program in the weeks ahead.

The first of two announcements, this group of seven includes three late summer signees, a pair of transfers and two mid-year enrollees. A second announcement will release the high school seniors who will join the OU program in the fall of 2016.

Signing with the Sooners were Alexis Barnes, Rowlett, Texas; Charles Greaves, Bridgetown, Barbados/Central Arizona College; Julia Hanks, Norman; CeCe Jackson, Seattle/Portland State; Brianna Rodriguez, Tucson/Pima Community College; Baileh Simms, Seattle/Portland State University, and Najuana Strickland, Southhave, Miss. Hanks, Rodriguez and Strickland were late summer signees. Barnes and Greaves will join the program in January while Jackson and Simms transferred from Portland State following then-PSU head coach and current Sooner assistant Ronnye Harrison to Norman.

Despite the variety of ways they have arrived or will arrive at OU, the Sooner head coach is happy to have the blend of sprinters and jumpers this set of signees gives OU. The group also presents a range of collegiate experience, another plus for VanHootegem. The trio includes a former Norman High vaulter and two horizontal jumpers.

"Julia (Hanks) is a local athlete who we had been keeping track of for quite some time through Coach Wes Barnhart at Norman High School. We were very interested in signing her all along, but it certainly helped when she came on so strong at the end of her senior year," VanHootegem explained.

"It is always great when we attract the best in Oklahoma to OU, especially when she is a Norman Tiger. Julia is a very focused and hard working athlete and fits very well. She completed our quartet of talented freshmen vaulters on the women's team. We are very excited to see her progress here at OU."

As the horizontal jumps coach, VanHootegem was thrilled to add two more athletes in those events areas.

"A common theme you will see among the athletes we sign is the endorsement of their previous coach," VanHootegem said. "Brianna (Rodriguez) was a little bit under the radar, but Coach Chad Harrison at Pima Community College helped connect us with her. Once she came on her official visit, I told Coach (John) Dagata 'We have to have her here at OU. We can't let her get away.'

"Brianna has a lot of ability with a great balance of speed, strength and skill. We also saw her as someone who will make the others around her better - like Bill Russell and Magic Johnson in basketball. This dynamic is more subtle in track and field, but at OU, it is very important as we take a very team-oriented approach. She arrived with her greatest credentials in the long jump. We also see her expanding her role to include the triple jump and potentially the sprints. I am overjoyed that she chose to be a Sooner."

Connections with other coaches and former student-athletes also plays a key role in the recruiting process. It was the latter that led another jumper to sign with OU.

OU track and field head coach Jim VanHootegem is excited to see how the seven Sooner signees will help build upon the team's success last season. Coach VanHootegem (center)  pictured with NCAA West Regional qualifier in high jump Makayla Stephens (left) and volunteer coach Neil Baroody (right).

"I learned about 'Nay' (Najuana Strickland) from a former international-level sprinter I coached, Dr. Vincent Henderson. Her profile is one of a talented athlete who is a dedicated student and a hard worker. What sets Nay apart is that, despite her quiet demeanor, she is a fierce competitor. She was an outstanding long jumper and relay runner in the state of Mississippi. Her greatest accomplishment was breaking the state record in the triple jump, a record that was previously held by Brittney Reese, who went on to win six Olympic/World titles in the long jump," VanHootegem continued.

"Among Nay's athletic strengths is that she is strong pound-for-pound which, along with her elastic abilities, makes her quite powerful. I really like that she has a good sense of herself and what is important to her. We are thrilled Nay is joining us and we have high hopes for her."

A pair of athletes transferred to OU from Portland State and VanHootegem is looking forward to what the duo can do to strengthen the sprints and hurdles for the team.

"CeCe (Jackson) established herself as one of the nation's best up-and-coming hurdlers last year after starting college as a combined event athlete at Portland State under Coach Harrison," VanHootegem added. "She was an indoor Big Sky champion and a national quarterfinalist outdoors. She will bring instant competitiveness at the Big 12 level. I think she is ready and capable of making a foray into the elite national scene. She is a great student and very good team person which fits our profile.

"I think what I like best about CeCe is her high spirit. The hurdles are not for the meek and CeCe is not that. She possesses the courage which is necessary to excel at the highest levels and that is so crucial. In addition to what she can contribute as an individual, we believe that she can help establish the attitude that we want to see as a hallmark of the Sooner program. She is a big addition for us and is definitely one to watch."

Another sprinter/jumper combo, Simms came to OU as a champion, something that caught VanHootegem's attention.

"Baileh excelled at Portland State under Coach Harrison and his former assistant Seth Henson. Athletically, she is a 'no-brainer,' coming in as the reigning Big Sky champion and a second-team All-American in the long jump," VanHootegem added. "That said, I think she is another person who makes the people around her better by the example that she sets. She excels in every possible way - in the classroom, in communication, in her work ethic and in her dedication to the craft of sprinting and jumping.

"I think she is a person who oozes competitive pride. We have high standards of excellence here at OU so we need people who are up for that challenge. Baileh is certainly up to the challenge and her leadership will play a big role in our program. Our goal is to continue to improve in the long jump and challenge at the Big 12 and NCAA level, plus we will give her an opportunity to continue developing in the sprints. I also see the triple jump as a secondary event for her, but one in which she can certainly be competitive. We are very fortunate to have Baileh join our program."

VanHootegem and staff will have to wait until January to begin working with a final pair of signees who will enroll in the second semester and compete for the Sooners.

"We really like the path that led Alexis (Barnes) to us. A fine high school sprinter at Rowlett High School and an accomplished club athlete with Dallas Gold Track Club, she suffered an injury early in her senior year and decided to forego signing for the fall semester," VanHootegem explained. "She continued training with Mike Hart, the Dallas Gold coach, who is a longtime friend and respected colleague of both Coach Harrison and me. Coach Hart brought Alexis to our attention and, once Coach Harrison got to spend time with Alexis, he was sold.

"I believe that Alexis and Coach Harrison will have a great athlete-coach relationship and that is very important at this level. Alexis is a great addition for us as we head into the season - not only for her individual events, but her ability to run on the relays, a cornerstone of our women's program."

Another mid-year enrollee, Greaves also is a combo performer, specializing in sprints and horizontal jumps. He has already established a successful career at the junior college level and it was that success that attracted the Sooners.

"Charles came highly recommended by Coach Tony Dougherty at Central Arizona College. Once we got to know Charles, it was quickly apparent why he had such a positive effect on the people around him at CAC. He is a young man of high character and those are the people you want involved with your program," VanHootegem said.

"He is an accomplished jumper in the junior college ranks and has some international experience with Barbados. He fits in wonderfully with our horizontal jumps group here at OU and will provide quality depth for our 4x100 relay. Charles is more than capable of being an outstanding athlete at the Big 12 and NCAA level. I know he also has plans of representing Barbados in the coming years in senior competitions. I like knowing that because it gives me more license to push him to reach high standards of excellence."

Information on the five November high school signees is to come. The Sooners continue to prepare for the 2016 season opener, the annual J.D. Martin Invitational on Jan. 16.

Alexis Barnes: Rowlett, Texas (Rowlett HS) - Sprints

Personal bests:
11.87 in the 100 meter
24.39 in the t200 meter

Athletic Highlights:

Current 100-meter dash record holder at Rowlett High School
District 5A champion in 100- and 200-meter dashes in 2014
Three-time National Junior Olympic finalist
AAU All-American in the 4 x 400-meter relay

Why I chose OU:
"I wanted to attend the University of Oklahoma because I always told myself I would attend a school that I could sit back, look around, think to myself 'is this where you would love to call home?' and immediately know the answer. When I was at OU, it took less than a split second to come up with an answer. Being around the team, I sensed that everyone here wanted to grow, learn and become the best track and field athlete they can be just like I do. Not only did I feel a sense of belonging with the team, but I also felt a real chemistry between myself and all the coaches. The genuine connection I felt with the team, coaches and the campus told me that I wanted to become a part of the Boomer Sooner family and contribute to the team as much as I can."

Charles Greaves: Bridgetown, Barbados (Ellerslie Secondary School)/Central Arizona College - Horizontal Jumps/Sprints

Personal bests:
25-1 in the long jump
51-1 in the triple jump
10.35 in the 100
6.78 in the indoor 60

Athletic Highlights:

2015 2015 NJCAA runner-up in triple jump
2015 NJCAA third place in the long jump
2015 NJCAA third place in the 4x100-meter relay
2015 NJCAA Region 1 champion in long jump, triple jump, 100 meter and 400-meter relay
Earned NJCAA outdoor All-America honors in the triple jump, long jump and 400-meter relay
Earned NJCAA indoor All-America honors in the long jump and triple jump
Ran on 2014 NJCAA runner-up 4x 100-meter relay
NJCAA Region 1 Most Outstanding Male Performer in 2014 and 2015

Why I chose OU:
"I chose University of Oklahoma because I know that I will fit in. I visited a few other universities and they all were great. OU really caught my attention. The track program at OU is similar to what I'm accustomed to and I want to stay with what I know. I believe that Coach V can get me where I want to be so I can get to the next level. During that process, I will do what I know I have to do to put OU on top."

Julia Hanks: Norman, Okla. (Norman HS) - Pole Vault

Personal Best:
12-0

Athletic Highlights:

Two-time regional champion
2014 6A state runner up as a junior
2015 6A state champion as senior
Set 6A state meet record
Set Norman High School record in 2013, 2014 and 2015

Why I chose OU:
"I chose to attend OU because I was raised in Norman and have dreamed of being a Sooner athlete since I was little. When I met all of the coaches at OU, there was never a doubt in my mind that I belonged on the track and field team. The University of Oklahoma is a wonderful school with a beautiful campus. I was very excited that I get to be a part of a wonderful team and get to attend an even better school."

CeCe Jackson: Seattle (Holy Names Academy)/Portland State University - Hurdles

Personal Bests:
59.90 in the 400-meter hurdles
13.43 in the 100-meter hurdles
8.34 in the 60-meter indoor hurdles

Athletic Highlights:

Finished fourth with a 13.58 at the 2014 USATF Junior Outdoor Championships
2014 NCAA regional qualifier in the 100-meter hurdles
Earned All-Big Sky honors
2015 All-Big Sky performer in the 100-meter hurdles
2015 NCAA regional qualifier in the 100-meter hurdles
Advanced to the quarterfinals of the 100-meter hurdles at the 2015 NCAA West Preliminary after setting a PR in the first round of the event … Finished 18th in the quarterfinals at the NCAA West Preliminary after entering the meet ranked 43rd

Academic Highlights

Two-time Academic All-Big Sky in 2014 and 2015
Two-time USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree in 2014 and 2015

Why I chose OU:
"I chose to be a part of the University of Oklahoma family to continue my track and field career and to improve it as I get a great experience. I believe and trust that the coaching staff will help me on my journey. The most important thing to me is having a great relationship with my coaches and I know I will at OU. This school will also uplift me and challenge me as a student-athlete. After I spoke Coach V, I was excited to embark on this journey and anxious to become a Sooner."

Brianna Rodriguez: Tucson (Clenega HS)/Pima Community College - Long Jump

Personal Best:
19-1 in long jump

Won two outdoor regional titles
Won one outdoor national championship
Undefeated as a sophomore
Ranked fifth all-time in school history in long jump
Ranked sixth all-time school history in the 100 meter
Scored 18 points at national championships
Two-time ACCAC Region first-team selection
Two-time ACCAC Region second-team selection
Two-time time All-American
Four-time Coaches Select All-American

Why I chose OU:
"I chose to attend OU because I loved the environment the school had. It wasn't too big and it definitely was not too small. It was the perfect fit for me. I met a lot people on my visit and everything was what I was looking for. I fell in love with the entire atmosphere. My biggest reason to chose OU is because the coaching staff is amazing. No one wants you to fail and is so involved with your life. From Coach Dagata, who is fun and extremely energetic, all the way to Coach VanHootegem, who is more calm and very analytic in his work, everyone is so hands on. I know with these coaches working together, the track and field teams at OU are destined for nothing but greatness and success."

Baileh Simms: Seattle (Garfield HS)/Portland State University - Sprints/Jumps

Personal Bests:
11.84 in the 100-meter dash
20-9.25 in the long jump

Athletic Highlights:

Regional qualifier in the 4x100 relay in 2014 and 2015
Regional and national qualifier in outdoor long jump in 2015
Second-team All-American in the long jump

Academic Highlights:

USTFCCCA All-Academic honoree - Indoor 2014, Outdoor 2014, Outdoor 2015

Why I chose OU:
"I decided to join the Sooners because I felt welcomed and I could see myself attending OU. The coaches seemed very supportive of their athletes and I could feel the community between the staff and the athletes. I knew that the coaches would help me improve and to become the best collegiate long jumper and sprinter that I could be. The resources offered for the student-athletes amazed me. That made me believe I would succeed in my academics as well. I felt like I would get the support on and off the track. I also knew that transferring from my previous school that I would get higher competition at OU as a part of the Big 12 Conference. I have confidence that this transition in my life to OU is a good choice. I know that OU is the right fit for me to reach my goals. Working with Coach V and Coach Harrison will help the rest of my collegiate career grow. I will achieve so much more than I already have."

Najuana Strickland: Southaven, Miss. (Desoto Central HS) - Horizontal Jumper

Personal Bests:
40-4 ½ in the triple jump
19-2 in the long jump

Athletic Highlights:

2015 Mississippi state champion in the triple jump
2015 Mississippi state champion in the long jump
2014 Mississippi state runner-up in the triple jump
Current state record holder in triple jump

Why I chose OU:
"I chose OU because I know I can improve there as an athlete and student. I loved the team's family atmosphere and I'm excited to continue my track career there for the next four years. I feel amazingly confident that Coach V will help me become the best athlete I can be. I couldn't wait to be at OU this fall."

Players Mentioned

Alexis Barnes

Julia Hanks

CeCe Jackson

CeCe Jackson

Brianna Rodriguez

Brianna Rodriguez

Baileh Simms

Makayla Stephens

Makayla Stephens

Najuana Strickland

Najuana Strickland

Sponsors

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