CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University men's cross country and track and field teams recently added depth for the future as dual-athlete Carl Woodard of Carbon Cliff, Ill., committed to be a part of both respective programs.

Woodard is the first signing for the fall season by Ashford cross country Head Coach Tyson Graham.

"Carl will add depth to our distance squad and push the back half of the pack towards the front for cross country season," Graham said. "He is also going to be a nice addition to our distance crew in track."

The Woodard name may already sound familiar to Saints' faithful. Carl is the cousin of Ashford sophomore softball pitcher, Nicole Woodard, also of Carbon Cliff.

Carl Woodard comes to AU as a four-year cross country participant while at United Township High School. He also competed on the swimming team as a sophomore and junior.

As a senior he advanced through sectionals after missing his junior cross-country campaign with an undisclosed injury. He served as the backup runner for his squad as a freshman and sophomore through the sectional meet.

"I just felt home at Ashford," Woodard said. "I really wanted to choose a school close to home. Over my career, I've just fell in love with running and discovered along the way that I was good at it. I'm excited to begin my college career."

Woodard, the son of Carl G. and Becki Woodard, is planning to major in Education when he attends Ashford.