Sept. 22, 2005

Memphis, Tenn. - The Memphis women's track and field program has announced the addition of four field event athletes for the 2005-06 seasons. Throwers Nikole Jackson and Susan King, long jumper Eryka Morris and pole vaulter Whitney Bolton will provide significant depth for the U of M women's squad.

Jackson and King transfer to Memphis from Barton County Community College in Great Bend, Kan., where they were part of National Championship teams in 2004 and 2005. They join former Barton teammate and current Memphis All-American Gail Lee as members of an outstanding Lady Tiger throwing corps.

Jackson, a native of Miami, Fla., is a two-time NJCAA All-American in the shot put and weight throw, and should make an immediate impression in several throwing events.

King, from League City, Texas, was a NJCAA National Champion in the discus and a four-time NJCAA All-American. She is another well-rounded thrower who will have a tremendous impact in a number of events.

Morris, from San Antonio, Texas, transfers to Memphis from Abilene Christian University as she joins fellow Earl Warren High School graduate Annette Uzoh on the Memphis field squad. Another all-around athlete, Morris has competed in the long jump, triple jump, 200m and 400m, winning an Alaska state championship in the 400m in 2003. Though she may compete in several events, Morris will focus primarily on the long jump and triple jump where she has the potential to have a major impact in conference scoring early in her career.

Bolton, a hometown athlete from Bolton High School just outside Memphis is the only freshman of the group. She will bring a unique feature to the U of M squad, as Memphis' first pole vaulter in several years. With top-four finishes at the Tennessee State Championships each of the past two years, she is another gifted athlete who will have the opportunity to make significant contributions in her first season.

"We are really excited about this group of girls," said specialty events coach Kevin Robinson. "They are all great athletes and great people, and each one of them should have a chance to score in the conference meets this year."

In addition to the four signees for the fall semester, Memphis is expected to add several athletes to compete during the spring semester.

The track and field season will officially begin in early December, with ASU Kickoff Klassic to start the indoor season.

2005-06 Newcomers:

Name	        Class  	Event	    Hometown/High School/Previous College
Nikole Jackson	Jr.	Throws	    Miami, Fla./Miami Northwestern HS/Barton County CC
Susan King	Jr.	Throws	    League City, Texas/Clear Creek HS/Barton County CC
Eryka Morris	So.	Jumps	    San Antonio, Texas/Earl Warren HS/Abilene Christian Univ.
Whitney Bolton	Fr.	Pole Vault   Memphis, Tenn./Bolton HS