Feb. 12, 2013

MEMPHIS, Tenn.- University of Memphis head track and field coach Kevin Robinson announced Tuesday that LaForrest Church and Destinee Lansden have each signed a National Letter of Intent to join the program for the 2013-2014 season.

"I am pleased to announce the signing of both Destinee and LaForrest," Robinson said. "They both come in as highly competitive high school athletes, who I look to have an immediate impact on our program. Both of these young athletes bring a wide variety of strengths to the program, both academically and athletically. I am confident that they will be a great fit for our track and field program here, and fine representatives of the athletic department as a whole."

Competing at Girls Preparatory School in Chattanooga, Tenn., Lansden was 2012 TSSAA Division II State Champion in the 100m and 400m. In her prep career, she has set school-records in the 100m (12.22), 400m (55.82), 200m (24.96), 4 x 100m (48.69) and 4 x 200m (1:43.57). Lansden has twice been named First Team Best of Preps (2011 & 2012). She is the daughter of Jennifer and William Lansden.

Church, a product of South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, Wash., is a three-time letterwinner in track & field and cross country. In his time at South Kitsap High, he has been a part of two cross country state championships (2011 and 2012) and one state title in track and field (2012). Church holds two school records in the 800m and 4 x400m. He is the son of Julie and Michael Church.

For more information on the University of Memphis track and field program and all Tigers athletics, please visit GoTigersGo.com