Track/XC Fall Signing
Grayson, Kentucky. – The Kentucky Christian Track & Field, Cross Country Teams signed or received
commitments to sign 12 athletes during the early signing period this week.
The athletes hail from 4 different states across the country, but will bring the same depth and skill
needed to further the success of the program.
Tim Veach, Head Coach of both teams, comments:
"This was my first year as a Head Coach in College and I am elated with the depth and experience of
these athletes will bring to or program".
"We are very happy with our early signing class. I think this was a very tough situation for everyone,
especially the distance kids. To have the pressure of taking visits, competing in their senior cross country
season, taking care of academics, then making a decision by November on their next four years right in
the heart of their state championships and post-season…it's a lot to deal with. I'm really pleased that
these athletes worked through all that and decided that Kentucky Christian University was somewhere
they want to grow both athletically and spiritually.
"Anytime you can add 12 great athletes in the early signing period is a blessing. Moreover anytime some
of those athletes are All State caliber athletes not only in Kentucky but Washington State and West
Virginia it just means more. I expect we will sign another 10-15 during the Spring Track season. It will be
another strong class for our program as we continue to grow into national prominence".
"The big thing is finding athletes whom fit with our culture. Kentucky Christian University offers a strong
Christian environment that looks to lift every student/athlete in their faith. We have an amazing family
environment where every student/athlete is valued, where your professors and staff know you as a
individual and work to lift you up every encounter! It's very genuine experience here, one that we pride
ourselves on".
"Academically we have solid programs, combined with some of the smallest class sizes in the nation for
NAIA. So we are looking for student/athletes who are ready for the academic challenge and want to
excel. Our professors know the students in their classes and are fully in to help them learn. It's just a
very different, much more personal environment than other NAIA schools.
"It's also more about the whole person here than about anything else, both within Kentucky Christian
University and especially in our cross country and track program. We have goals of being the best in the
nation and the opportunity to do that, but our athletes are not just athletic assets. We genuinely value
each of our student athletes and strive with them to achieve growth and success in every aspect of their
lives. I think this is what stands out to the athletes who have chosen us. They know we care in every
way, and they expect to be national champions too. These athletes are leaders on their current teams,
in the classroom, and in their communities. I am excited for this class and all the athletes to compete for
KCU!
2023 Early Signing Class:
Lydia Ward – Gig Harbor – Washington State
127'8 Javelin 97'9 Discus
2023 Washington State 3 rd Place State meet Finisher in the Javelin. Medaled at the prestigious Oregon
Relays held at the legendary Hayward Field in Eugene Oregon. Also a terrific Volleyball Player whom will
compete for Coach Russ Cassidy.
Veach on Lydia Ward: "Lydia is so much more than a student/athlete she is a remarkable young lady that
makes all those around her better. She has unique quality and character of the most seasoned
student/athlete and were excited to have her competitive drive on our team". She is academically
excellent, and will enter KCU as a junior scheduled to complete an Associate's Degree before High
School graduation.
Cody Brown – Greenup County HS, Greenup, KY
4:52 1600m, 10:28 3200m, 16:42 5k
7x State Qualifier 2023 Kentucky All State XC
Veach on Cody: "The thing that struck me the most about Cody on his visit was how positive and
confident he is. That is a terrific trait. Cody is a hard worker and is clear about his goals. He is has
unlimited upside as the races expand in XC to 8k and on the track where he will be able to run the 10K.
One week after State XC meet Cody finished 13th place overall in the Marshall Half Marathon. Cody was
our number one male recruit in all of Eastern Kentucky and were blessed to have him on our team!
William Alston – Hopkinsville HS, Hoptown KY
100 11.0, 200 22.48, 400 50.22
2023 Kentucky All State 400m 4x State Meet Qualifier
Veach on William: "William was my number one sprint target in the entire country. He has legit speed
and serious upside. I am excited to get William on campus where we will focus on making him a legit 47
400 meter runner. William will be featured on both sprint relays and focus primarily on the 200/400M
runs. William is also a tremendous student and I am excited about helping his reach his goals while at
KCU!
James Stranger – ACS HS, Scottsville, KY
2:09 800m, 4:53 1600m, 10:50 3200m, 16:25 5k
2023 Kentucky XC All State finishing in 18 th place. Back to Back winner of the Bowling Green Marathon.
Veach on James Stanger: "James is a hidden gym of Kentucky with unlimited upside! His range from the
800 to Marathon is a coach's dream. Instantly, I knew he would be a perfect fit in this recruiting class.
James truly embraces a "All things thru God" mentality and understands the significance of his god given
abilities. James will thrive in our program, on campus, and will grow to be a one of the most heralded
runners to ever don a KCU singlet.
Dalton Ferguson – Spring Valley HS West Virginia
15.75 110H 300H 41.33
2023 All State West Virginia in the 300H finishing in 3 rd place.
Veach on Dalton: "Dalton was my number 1 guys hurdle target for the 24' recruiting class. Young man
has flawless form over the hurdles and work ethic to match his athletic abilities. Dalton also trains on
the college hurdle sitting so there will be zero learning curve for this young man to excel!! Were
extremely blessed to have this young man as a part of our family!"
Alexis Sudderth – Lewis County, HS Vanceburg, KY
Discus 90'1 Shot Put 30'1
Kentucky State Meet Qualifier in 2023.
Veach on Alexis: "Alexis has a heart of gold and an uplifting personality that is infectious! She
experienced explosive growth her junior season qualifying for the State Meet. Coach Todd Eastham and
I both expect her to continue to build and she will look to place All State in both events this upcoming
spring".
Hadleigh McGoskey – Ravenswood, HS West Virginia
20:46 5k
15 th at the West Virginia State XC Championships, earning All-State Honors.
Veach on Hadleigh: "Hadleigh McGoskey is an incredible athlete with tons of untapped potential. Her
abilities extend to the Basketball Court where she leads her Ravenswood team on the hardwood also.
She will also play WBB for Coach Conn at KCU. She will be one of our top 3 runners on our Woman's
team when our recruiting process ends in the spring".
Jaelyn Gibson – Bath County HS Owingsville, KY
7'6 Pole Vault 24:40 5k 2:45 800
Kentucky State Meet qualifier in XC 2x, Finished 2023 Indoor as All State in Pole Vault
Veach on Gibson: "It was very obvious when we first talked to Jaelyn that she matched our culture.
Grace has only been vaulting for two years, and her marks continue to trend up having recently cleared
8'0 in practice. We are looking for her to score several points at our conference meet in Pole Vault. In
addition she will run on our XC team where I see her improving over her current time to somewhere in
the 23's. Jaelyn studies are important and she will be a Pre-Med major while at KCU. The sky is the limit
for this young lady".
Jacob Hardin – Male HS Louisville, KY
10:52 3200M 17:26 5k
3x Kentucky State XC Qualifier
Veach on Jacob: "Jacob is strong in his faith as he is on the field of competition. Jacob brings a great
leadership to our team and a strong sense of competiveness running for on of the most dominate Track
schools in the state. Jacob will add in so many ways to our team but I most excited about helping this
young man reach his professional dreams of one day serving as a military officer."
Kat Boardman – Raceland HS Flatwoods, KY
2023 Kentucky State Meet Individual Qualifier
Veach on Kat: "Kat has amazing character and is a terrific fit. I'm excited to help her improve
dramatically, and am really excited that she has only two years of running on her legs and has seen
significant growth over those two years capped by a 15 th place showing at Regions this year and
qualifying individually for the State Meet! I am excited to see her improve in every event, and especially
to get her working with our distance team."
Jozelynne Weisbrodt – Russel County HS Russell Springs, KY
13:70 100M 1:06 400M 53.81 300H
Veach on Jozelynne: "Joselynne is another great fit for KCU. I think she is going to benefit so much from
our team environment and the way we improve runners. She has a ton of potential. We are excited to
help her unlock it all. She is a fierce competitor and brings it every single race. She only has one year of
running under her and has been a multi-sport athlete at her High School. Jozelynne will also compete for
Coach Miller on the soccer field!"
Machi Davidson – Livingston Central HS, Smithland, KY
3200 11:30 5k 17:55
4x Kentucky State Meet Qualifier XC
Veach on Machi: "Instantly fell in love with this young man and his character and work ethic. Machi
comes from an amazing family and will be a top 7 runner for our XC team. Machi will also help Coach
Posey on our Men's Golf Team where he looks to make a major impact. Look forward to having Machi as
a part of our family and help him grow and achieve his dreams!"
Miranda Smith – Hanna HS, West Virginia
800M 2:45 300H 57.28
2x West Virginia State Meet Qualifier
Veach on Miranda: "Miranda is a 5 sport star at Hanna High School and sometimes plays two sports at
once. I look forward to helping this young lady grow in T&F and XC. She will primarily focus on the
Hurdles, 400M 800M and 1500M runs. Miranda will also play for Coach Conn on the WBB team. This
young lady has a tremendous upside and we are excited about her future.