Texas Tech University Athletics
Tech Track Signs Three for 2010
February 05, 2010 | Track and Field
Feb. 5, 2010
LUBBOCK, Texas - The Texas Tech track and field program signed three student-athletes for the fall that include a three-time NJCAA champion and two state champions who will help contribute to the Lady Raiders program.
South Plain's thrower Kelly Closse has made herself known in the world of throws, winning both the shot put and weight throw at the 2009 NCAA Indoor Championships. The four-time NJCAA All-American continued her success outdoors winning the shot put and placing fourth in the hammer throw at the NJCAA Outdoor Championships. She has a personal best of 52'-8.75" in the shot put.
"Kelly Closse is the premier thrower in the NJCAA," head coach Wes Kittley stated. "I don't think there is a girl out there that can match what she can do, so we are thrilled to have her in our program. She is going to add depth to an area that we have been very good at over the last few years. We think she can be a national contender in the shot put and weight throw indoors and the hammer throw outdoors. Her potential is endless."
Dallas Skyline's Tiffany Hines, the 2009 5A Texas state champion in the 100M, signed her letter of intent on Wednesday. Hines won the state championship with a personal best of 11.50. She was also a key member on the 4x100M and 4x400M relays with current Texas Tech freshman Candace Jackson.
"Tiffany is the 5A state champion in the 100M and the thing about her that we are so excited about is she can run anything up to the 400M," Kittley said. "She can run a fabulous split on the 4x400M relay; she can run on our 4x100m and also the 100M and 200M. We are excited to add her to the mix of our young kids, and we think she can make a difference."
Mansfield Timberview's Richanda Hall was the 4A Texas state champion in the 100M and has a personal best of 11.69 in the event. She was also a member of the 2008 USATF Junior National Champion in the 4x100M relay with Jackson.
"Richanda Hall is another Texas state champion in the 100M 4A," said Kittley. "Both Tiffany and Richanda, as well as Candace Jackson, were on the same club team together. These girls make our team familiar with one another, and I think there will be a lot of continuity and Richanda adds another great leg to our relays and short sprints."
Players Mentioned
