CLINTON, Iowa - Fresh off of releasing their schedule for 2010, the Ashford University men's cross country program picked up another recruit for next season earlier this week, gaining the commitment of junior college transfer Doug Powers of Greenup, Ill.
Powers joins Thomas Hanson of Hometown, Ill., and Karl Woodard of Carbon Cliff, Ill., as athletes who have pledged to the Saints cross country team for next fall.
"We are extremely excited that Doug chose us to continue his cross country and track career," said AU Head Coach Tyson Graham. "Doug will compete for the top spot on our cross country squad as well as provide leadership to our younger athletes. He is coming off another great season at Danville Community College and has already seen times on the track that are national qualifying material, and I have no doubt that Doug will contend for a national spot in cross country."
Running the past two years at Danville Area Community College, Powers placed 70th overall at the National meet while also running in the Illinois Half Marathon, where he placed ninth overall.
Prior to attending DACC, Powers was a key member of the cross country and track programs at Cumberland High School in Toledo, Ill. As a sophomore, Powers was the number five runner on a Pirates team that placed second at the Illinois state meet. During his junior year, Powers was a Regional Champion and was named a Little Illini All-Conference selection while also qualifying for state on the track in the 3,200-meter run.
This past season, Powers was named to the All-State cross country team after placing 23rd at the state meet.
Not only did Powers enjoy success in cross country and track in high school, but on the wrestling mats as well. A regional champion during his sophomore year as a Jaguar, Powers placed fifth overall at the state wrestling meet during his senior season.
The son of Aaron and Becky Powers, Powers chose Ashford over Indiana Tech and Eastern Illinois University and is a prospective Education major when he arrives to campus.
