Vincennes University Cross Country announces several distance runner signings

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Cross Country and Track and Field coaches have had a very busy summer hitting the road, looking to sign the next great VU runner for next season.

Assistant Cross Country/Distance Running Coach Tyler Steigenga has helped sign nine middle and distance runners for the 2022-23 season.

"We are bringing in a lot of talent with this year's recruiting class, especially on the middle distance side," VU Assistant Track and Field/Distance Coach Tyler Steigenga said. "It will give us a lot more flexibility with different events on the track. This fall in Cross Country we are looking forward to finishing a lot higher at the National meet than we did last year. Our depth is tremendously better and our frontrunners will allow us to be a lot more competitive this fall. I am very excited to see what we can do."

The incoming VU running recruit are;

TyDarius Clark

Indianapolis, Ind. / Lawrence Central

"I am most excited about continuing my running career at Vincennes University," Clark said.

Matthew Gray

Washington, Ind. / Washington HS

Matthew was a Semi-State Qualifier, Second-Team All-Conference and earned All-Area and All-District Honors.

"I am most excited about meeting my new teammates and having new experiences," Gray said.

Gavin Gillum

Lawrence, Ind. / Lawrence North HS

Finishes seventh at Sectionals in the mile and won the 4x800 Relay at Regionals in 2021. Helped his team to a second-place finish at the County meet and Regional as a Junior and Won the Team Regional Championship as a senior.

"I am most excited to continue my running career at the next level with other great runners," Gillum said.

Elijah McCartney

Crawfordsville, Ind. / North Montgomery HS

Was an Individual Qualifier at Semi-State Junior and Senior Years in Cross Country. Went to State in the 4x800 Relays and was First Team All-Conference Four Years. Elijah has also completed ultra-marathons and many half marathons.

"I am most excited about getting to compete at the collegiate level with many other great athletes," McCartney said.

Sol O'Blenis

Amboy, Ind. / Oak Hill HS

Four-time State Qualifier in Cross Country and a State Qualifier in the 4x800 Relay and 800 Meters.

"I am most excited to continue running and hopefully take the next step in my career," O'Blenis said.

Ada Peterman

Clay City, Ill. / Flora HS

Ada was the Top Female Runner at her High School as a Junior and qualified for Sectionals in Cross Country as a Senior. She was also a State Qualifier in Track in the 4x100 Relay event.

"I am most excited about experiencing life away from my home town, meeting new people and improving as an athlete over the next few years," Peterman said.

Makenna Pruett

Montgomery, Ind. / Barr-Reeve HS

Makenna is a Three-Time Conference Champion, Two-Time Sectional Champion and Regional Runner-Up. She was a Two-Time State Finalist as an individual, along with two Conference Team Championships and two Sectional Team Championships.

"I am most excited just to see what VU has to offer me. With this being my first year of college, I am definitely eager to start a bunch of new things," Pruett said. "I am also grateful! I chose a place with such helpful staff and that is close to home. I think VU will be the perfect fit for me."

Connor Roberson

Delphi, Ind. / Delphi Community HS

Connor was the Team Captain and Team MVP for Cross Country and Distance Runner Team MVP in Track and Field. Connor was also a Two-Time All-Conference award winner.

"I am most excited to broaden my connections and increase my knowledge on conservation, create new friendships and increase my overall fitness and running ability," Roberson said.

Griffin Worzella

Indianapolis, Ind. / Martinsville HS

Two-time Semi-State Qualifier, Four-Time Regional Qualifier in Cross Country.

"I am most excited about meeting new people and experiencing a different place," Worzella said.

The Vincennes University Athletic Department is excited to welcome these nine runners to the 2022 VU recruiting class.