TUSCALOOSA - University of Alabama head coach Dan Waters announced Wednesday, Feb. 6, 12 student-athletes joined the Crimson Tide track and field program for the 2013-14 season. Among the signees was Hartselle High School senior Quanesha Burks, ranked seventh nationally as a triple jumper.
“Quanesha has the talent and the skill to be an excellent jumper in the SEC. We are excited about her potential,” Waters said.
The women’s class features Burks, a seven-time Alabama state champion in the jumps and sprints; Allison Gregg of Cedar Falls, Iowa, one of the nation’s top cross country runners; Olivia Ortiz, one of the nation’s top distance runners from Bradenton, Fla.; Hilary Stafford, the top-ranked prep distance runner in Canada; and pole vault standout Lakan Taylor from Fort Worth, Texas, the state record holder in that event.
“This is a very good group for us to add to our roster as it not only touches on all facets of our team but also provides quality talent across the board. The competitiveness and talent that this class adds to our team will pay dividends through the fall, competing with our current roster and helping us develop into the team we want to build at Alabama,” Waters said. “I am very proud of our coaching staff for putting together a very balance and very talented class. This group is an excellent next step in our talent upgrade. We’ll be excited to have them join us this fall. Combined with the five student-athletes we brought in last month, this staff has done a tremendous job of evaluating prospects and working to get them on campus.”

- Courtesy of Alabama Athletics Communications