Tulane Track Signs High School Star Rachel Bryan
Nov 13, 2003 | Cross Country
Nov. 13, 2003
NEW ORLEANS, La. - Tulane University has announced the signing of high school distance running star Rachel Bryan to a National Letter of Intent, head track and field coach Heather Van Norman announced on Thursday.
Bryan, currently a senior at Laguna Creek High School in Elk Grove, Calif., is recognized as one of the top high school distance runners in the country. She was the 2002 state cross country champion for California's District I and has twice been named the Cross Country Runner of the Year by DyestatCal.com (2002 and 2003).
"Rachel is one of the top recruits in the nation," Van Norman said. "She will make a huge impact on our cross country and track programs. She is not just an outstanding athlete, but an excellent student and a great person."
"We have built a great foundation over the past two years," the second-year coach of the Green Wave said. "Rachel is the type of athlete who can bring us to the next level."
On a national level, Bryan was twice named Nike USA High School Athlete of the Week and has been invited to the USA Olympic Development Camp twice. After winning the California title in 2002, she was invited to the Footlocker National Cross Country Championship, where she finished 16th overall.
Before even beginning her senior season for track, she holds school records in the 1500 meters, the 1600 meters, the 3000 meters and the 3200 meters. In cross country, she holds the Laguna Creek records in the three miles and the five kilometers. Her top high school time in the three-mile run would rank third all-time in the Tulane record books.
An accomplished student as well, Bryan is a two-time selection to the California State Athletic All-Academic Team and a multiple recipient of the California Governor's Scholars Program Award.
Bryan will look to defend her title in the 2003 California Cross Country Championships on Nov. 29 at Woodward Park in Fresno, Calif.
Tulane will open its track and field season on Saturday, Dec. 6 when it hosts a preseason meet at the Westfeldt Complex.
