For Immediate Release: May 16, 2007
Contact: David O'Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6478

Binghamton track & field program inks seven high school seniors

VESTAL, N.Y.--The Binghamton track and field program has signed seven high school seniors, all of whom will join the Bearcats for their freshman seasons next semester. The Bearcats received a national letter of intent from four incoming men's sprinters and a trio of women's runners who will compete in the hurdles and jumps.

Cazal Arnett (Jamaica, N.Y.) is a sprinter from Christ the King High School. His top times are 35.87 in the 300 and 1:21.58 in the 600. He was sixth at 2007 Indoor New York State Meet in the 600.

Andrew Haupt (Rochester, N.Y.) hails from Gates Chili High School. His top times are 10.97 in the 100, 22.1 in the 200 and 50.0 in the 400. He was third at 2007 Indoor New York State Meet in the 300.

Jason Houghtaling (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) is currently at Baldwinsville High School. His top time is 1:24.38 in the 600. He was the 2007 Section III Indoor Champion in the 600.

Christian Smith (Trumansburg, N.Y.) competes for Trumansburg High School. His top time in the 400 is 48.9. He was the 2006 Section IV Champion in the 400 meters and placed third at 2006 Outdoor New York State Meet in that same event.

“This is the deepest men's sprints group we have ever recruited to Binghamton," head coach Mike Thompson said. "They should combine with an already strong cast of veteran sprinters to become the best dash group in school history.”

Caitlin Brennan (Rochester, N.Y.) competes in the hurdles and jumps for Aquinas Institute High School. Her top performances are 8.95 in the 55 hurdles, 15.7 in the 100 hurdles, 1:06.87 in the 400 hurdles, 5-0 in the high jump and 2,500 points in the pentathlon. She placed second at the 2007 Indoor Section V Championships in the 55 hurdles.

Rosie DeFino (Holbrook, N.Y.) is at Sachem North High School and also competes in the hurdles and jumps. Her top performances are 8.5 in the 55 hurdles, 15.9 in the 100 hurdles, 17-5 1/2 in the long jump and 2,841 points in the pentathlon. She placed sixth at the 2006 Outdoor New York State Meet in the pentathlon.

Sheila Sickau (Eden, N.Y.) is from Eden High School and also specializes in the hurdles and jumps. Her top performances are 15.69 in the 100 hurdles and 5-2 in the high jump. She was seventh at 2006 Outdoor New York State Meet in the 100 hurdles

“Each of these women can make an immediate contribution in the sprints and jumps," Thompson said. "They have been successful in high school, but I feel they will be even better at the collegiate level.”

Binghamton has now signed eight high school athletes for the 2007-08 season. During the early signing period last fall, Rod Alzmann (Islip, N.Y.), who specializes in the 400 hurdles signed a national letter of intent.