Nov. 21, 2003

Contact: Phil Garner (435)797-2066

LOGAN, Utah - Utah State's track and field head coach Gregg Gensel announced today the signing of four athletes to national letters of intent to compete for the Aggies beginning in the 2004-05 season. The group is lead by thrower Zack Lloyd, a senior at White Pine High School in Ely, NV. Distance runners Rebecca Bostwick, Vera Ross Moraga and Steve Strickland will also be joining the Aggies.

Lloyd's 66-07.75 distance in the shot put was the best high school distance in the nation in 2003. His discus throw of 190-00.00 was the 17th-best mark in 2003. The 2A Nevada record holder in the shot put and discus, Lloyd has won the Nevada state championship in the shot put twice and the discus once. He was also named the Nevada Gatorade Athlete of the Year for 2003.

"Zack is a good kid and a real hard worker," said Gensel. "We are very excited to have him. He will be a good fit for our team."

Joining Lloyd on the men's team will be Steve Strickland, the 2003 Utah 4A cross country state champion. "Steve is the best high school distance runner in the state. He is a very gifted runner with the perfect attitude to fit our program" said assistant coach Corey Murdock. Strickland, a senior at Mountain View High School in Orem, Utah was also being recruited by in-state schools Weber State and BYU.

Adding strength to the women's team will be Rebecca Bostwick from University City High School in San Diego, Calif. and Vera Ross Moraga from Campolindo High School in Oakland, Calif. "Both girls are great athletes and hard workers and will add a lot of depth and strength to our team" said Gensel. Bostwick's 10:49.57 in the two-mile at the Arcadia Invitational in April was the 15th fastest time in the nation. Moraga's personal best time of 5:11.00 in the mile would put her in the top five on USU's all-time list.

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