The 2007-2008 Fontbonne University Cross Country team recruiting class is dominated by several all-state and state champion runners. Both the men and women teams have added a wealth of talent to their programs through this year’s recruiting class. The men’s recruiting class is highlighted by Andrew Almany, Andrew Kent, Antonio Jones, Everett Jackson, Jake King, John Augusti, Justin Ross, Nathan Uding and Zach Kassman.

Andrew Almany (Licking HS, Licking, MO) was a three time top 5 state finisher in cross country during his high school career. He was a member of state champion team, ran a 16:05 5K CC best and holds his high school’s record in the 800 and the 1600. Antonio Jones (Forrest City HS, Forest City, AR) was a 3200 specialist in high school and was a member of four Class 6 State Championship indoor and outdoor track squads. Everett Jackson (University City HS, Univ. City, MO) was injured most of his high school career until his senior year when he ran a 1:57 800 and was all-state in track. He has the potential to be an outstanding cross country runner and could compete nationally in the middle distance runs in track and field. Justin Ross (Forrest City HS, Forest City, AR) has been a member of four large school state championship track squads in Arkansas; two indoor and two outdoor. He ran the anchor leg this spring for state champion 4x4 and 4x8 teams. He also finished second in the 800 meet open race at the 6A state meet.

Nathan Uding (Ste. Genevieve HS, Ste. Genevieve, MO) has had experience at the state level in both cross country and track. He has the work ethic needed to become an outstanding Division III runner. Zach Kassman (Northwest HS, High Ridge, MO)is a runner who can blossom into a star at the Division III level. He qualified for the large school state cross country meet that last three years and qualified in the Class 4 3200 meter run this spring. He has run a 9:56 3200. A good athlete, he also scored on a regular basis during track season in the High Jump.Head Coach Dave Almany is also expecting to get big contributions for new additions Andrew Kent (Parkway South, Chesterfield, MO),Jake King (Borgia HS, Washington, MO) and John Augusti (St. Mary’s HS, St. Louis, MO).

The Griffins open the season at the Washington University Early Bird Run to be held in Forrest Park on Saturday September 1.