Men's cross country signs three recruits

The Michigan men's cross country team turned another page in its history, inking three recruits yesterday on the last day of the early signing period.

Joining the Wolverines for the 2000 season are Brian Turner of Omaha, Neb., Mason Ward from Cincinnati, and John Hughes of Traverse City.

Turner was the individual state cross country champion of Nebraska in his senior campaign, running 4:09 in the mile and 1:52 in the 800 meters as a junior. Ward was an Ohio state champion in the 3200 meters as a junior. He holds a 4:12 mile and a 1:52 800-meters to his credit.

Hughes was a question mark until yesterday afternoon, when he phoned in his decision to coach Ron Warhurst. Hughes was a state champion in the mile last year, clocking a 4:10 personal record. He also ran the 800 meters in 1:53.

LOUIS BROWN/Daily After watching him improve steadily this season, the men's cross country team is counting on Mark Pilja to lead them in the seasons to come.

"We've never signed anyone in the early period before," Warhurst said. "These three are very intriguing because their track PRs are times from their 11th-grade year.

"We've got a whole other season to watch them progress."

Both Ward and Turner have also run under 49 seconds for 400 meters - a pre-requisite for college milers, Warhurst said.

11-18-99