June 8, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt’s women’s cross country team has announced the signing of Allie Scalf and Kristen Findley to National Letter of Intent. The two highly touted prep distance runners will join the Commodore program in August of 2009.
“We are pleased to add these two very qualified and accomplished runners to our roster,” head cross country coach Steve Keith said. “I know both Allie and Kristen are extremely excited about attending Vanderbilt and joining our program. They’ll have some experienced runners to follow but I do see a solid contribution from both of these women come next fall.”
Scalf comes to Vanderbilt after posting a heralded prep career at Science Hill High School. While in high school, Scalf led her team to the state championship title in cross country and track. A native of Johnson City, Tenn., Scalf captured the state title in the 1600 and 3200-meter run earlier this spring at the 2009 Tennessee High School Track and Field State Championships. She was also a member of the 4×800 meter relay state championship team.
Following her junior year, Scalf qualified for the 2008 Nike High School Cross Country Championships.
“As a multiple state champion from Tennessee I can see Allie jumping into our top 7 runners next fall and providing some valuable depth,” Keith said. “Allie loves cross country and can’t wait to get out on the trails with the team. Allie’s experience at running in the Nike HS Cross Country Championships along with her state titles in track (team and individual), is exactly what we are looking for in a student-athlete.”
Findley comes to Nashville as a multi-sport prep athlete at The Thacher School in Ojai, Calif. In track, Findley ran a 5:00.74 mile to finish in fourth place at the Southern Sectional finals while she finished third in the 3200 with a 11:16.45. Findley plans to major in Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt.
“Kristen is a multi-sport athlete so we know there is tremendous upside when we dedicate a full year focused just on running,” Keith said. “I was very pleased to see Kristen’s results and personal bests at the end of this recent track season and I know there is a lot more there. Kristen should contribute in cross country, but I think we will see even more when she moves down to the mile for indoor and outdoor track.”
