Michigan Nabs 12 Commitments During Spring Recruiting
6/7/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Track & Field
Four of Michigan's latest commitments could have an immediate impact. Nathan Taylor (Courtenay, B.C./Vanien HS) was the British Columbia Secondary School Athlete of the Meet after winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes, 400-meter relay and long jump titles. He had the fastest sprint times as a junior in Canada with personal bests in the 100 (10.68) and 200 (21.51). David Malonson (Lynwood, Calif./Mayfair HS), a transfer from Cal State-Northridge, was second at the 2000 California State Meet in the long jump. His personal best in the event is 24-0 1/2.
The Wolverines have also secured two individuals who excel in the longer sprints and hurdles. Seth Waits (Grand Rapids, Ohio/Otsego HS) came in third in the 400 at the 2000 Ohio Division III State Meet. Waits also has personal bests of 22-6 in the long jump, 14.60 in the 110-meter high hurdles and 49.38 in the 400. Darnel Talbert (San Diego, Calif./Mt. Carmel HS) took eighth at the California State Meet in the 300 intermediate hurdles. He holds personal best times in the 300 hurdles (38.39) and in the 110-meter high hurdles (14.38).
"This is the best recruiting class we have had here in the past three years," said associate head coach Fred LaPlante. "We have covered all of our event areas with high caliber performers who will add great depth to our entire team. We are expecting immediate impact from our marquee recruits and quality contributions from the rest of the incoming freshmen during their careers."
The 2001 spring class will join Alan Webb (Reston, Va./South Lakes HS) and Nathan Brannen (Cambridge, Ontario/Preston HS) who signed in the fall, along with Michigan football signee Joey Sarantos (Portage, Mich./Northern HS), who could compete in the throwing events following football season.
Michigan Spring Commitments
| Name | Hometown (High School) | Event(s) |
| Darren Adams | Mentor, Ohio (St. Ignatius) | Middle Distance |
| Nick Ardell | Portland, Ore. (Jesuit) | Hurdles |
| Kaj Johansson | Honor, Mich. (Benzie Central) | Sprints |
| Tarn Leach | East Jordan, Mich. (East Jordan) | Distance |
| David Malunson | Lynwood, Calif. (Mayfield) | Jumps |
| Sean Moore | Saline, Mich. (Saline) | Distance |
| Rondell Ruff | Detroit, Mich. (Henry Ford) | Middle Distance |
| Gabe Sanders | Ann Arbor, Mich. (Pioneer) | Jumps |
| Nathan Taylor | Courtenay, British Columbia (Vanien) | Sprints |
| Darnel Talbert | San Diego, Calif. (Mt. Carmel) | Hurdles |
| Seth Waits | Grand Rapids, Ohio (Otsego) | Sprints/Hurdles |
| J.J. Waldofsky | Leslie, Mich. (Leslie) | Hurdles |
Contact: Steve Grialou (734) 763-4423
