CONWAY, Ark. – The Central Arkansas track and field team announces its 2024-25 signing class. Loaded with talent and a ton of winners, head coach Josie Weaver has brought in a plethora of contributors to his squad.
 
"We are very excited to announce the new members of our team for the next season," Weaver said. "We have worked hard to build this program and team to be ASUN Conference contenders. The individuals making up this new class will be significant contributors to our future successes."
 
With 32 members in the signing class, the incoming Bears hailing from six states, with 17 of the athletes staying in Arkansas.
 
Baleigh Cashion, from Paris, Texas, joins the Bears as a sprinter. While in high school, she was a conference and district champion in the short sprints.
 
From Assistant Coach Michael McGruder: "Despite her exceptional abilities, Baleigh, a talented and dedicated athlete, went unnoticed by many coaches. As a true freshman, she is expected to make a significant and immediate impact due to her remarkable potential."
 
Sadie Hamby signed with Central Arkansas out of Benton, Louisiana. The thrower was one of the top athletes in the state during her high school career.
 
From Assistant Coach Ryan Davis: "Meet Sadie Hamby, third place finisher in the Louisiana State Meet in the javelin, regional qualifier in the discus and ranked ninth in the state. Can't wait to see her compete as a Bear!"
 
Sakara Harrison joins Central Arkansas after a terrific high school career in Fountain, Colorado.
 
From Coach McGruder: "I am highly impressed with the dedication and hard work that Sakara consistently demonstrates. Her outstanding leadership skills and exceptional personality are genuinely remarkable and set her apart. I am confident that these qualities will propel her to achieve extraordinary success in the future."
 
Shamyia Holt, a decorated long sprinter, signed with the Bears out of Paris, Texas.
 
From Coach McGruder: "Shamyia is an outstanding addition to the team, possessing a wealth of potential. Not only is she a dedicated team player, but she also brings a vibrant and dynamic personality to the group. Her remarkable talent is evident both on the track and in her academic pursuits, making her a well-rounded and valuable asset to the team."
 
Kierstin Moore won 12 state championships while competing in the multis in Yellville, Arkansas.
 
From Assistant Coach Derek Jacobus: "When it comes to building a program, KJ is exactly what we are looking for. Coachable and someone who takes care of business off the track as well. A key part to team championships in high school, she brings a winning mentality and will benefit greatly by focusing on just the events for the multis."
 
A three-time state champion in distance runs while competing in Russellville, Arkansas, Brooklyn Nelson also brings some championship experience to the Bears.
 
From Coach Weaver: "Brooklyn is coming off of a great high school senior year. We are excited to mix her in with our veterans who will be returning to our team. I see Brooklyn developing into a key part of our team for years to come."
 
Competing in short sprints and horizontal jumps, Danyelle Poole joins the Bears out of Stuttgart, Arkansas.
 
From Coach McGruder: "Danyelle was a fantastic choice. She possesses so much talent and has the determination to be a contender right from the beginning! The potential for this freshman is truly impressive."
 
Cailey Ramaker adds to the list of incoming high school champions, winning four state titles out of Farmington, Arkansas.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "Cailey was asked to do a lot in high school, and I am excited to get to work with her in specializing in the jumps in college. Cailey has the work ethic where she will continue to improve, and I think she will be a force to be reckoned with in the ASUN in the very near future."
 
Kentra Tyus won two state championships in short sprints from right here in Conway.
 
From Coach McGruder: "Kendra is a remarkable athlete, and no stranger to competing in championship meets. Kendra's experience competing in championship meets shows her dedication and perseverance. She has worked incredibly hard to reach that level of success. I am eager to support her and witness her growth. I genuinely believe that this year will bring some fantastic surprises for Kendra."
 
Bailee Villavaso is an AAU Junior Olympic Games National Champion pole vaulter, adding another winner to the roster for the Bears.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "After winning the Junior Olympics in her junior year, Bailee burst into the national talks of the PV world with many breakthroughs in her senior year. She finished as a top 20 high school vaulter in the nation. She is still very new to the event, and the sky is the limit with her work ethic and positive outlook on life. Bailee is going to make an instant impact with the vault squad, and will be a team leader on day one."
 
Mallory Whitaker also joins the Bears as a pole vaulter out of Louisiana.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "Mallory is going to add tremendous value and depth to our pole vault squad. She is coming to Conway eager to get to work and chase some medals at the ASUN meet. One thing that was apparent to me when recruiting Mallory is she is excited to be a Bear and will wear that jersey proudly. I can't wait to get to work and see her continue to develop in college."
 
Alexander Anderson, joining the team from Centerton, Arkansas, finished fifth at the AAU Junior Olympics.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "We are excited to get Alex to Conway and rolling with the multis group. Alex came through the AAU ranks, which is a different ball game not having a high school to represent. He is a gamer who has the speed to be competitive in a lot of different events, and he has an attention to detail that will help him in the technical events."
 
Trae Baker is a four-time state champion distance runner from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He'll bring a championship mindset with him as he joins the Bears.
 
From Coach Weaver: "Trae has had a terrific senior year, we look forward to him carrying that momentum into his freshman year here at UCA. Trae has a passion and work ethic that will be welcomed and contagious to be around."
 
Mason Bickle is another distance runner from the Sooner State, joining the Bears out of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
 
From Coach Weaver: "Mason has truly developed himself into a highly competitive runner. Mason's time at Cowley Community College will be a huge advantage for him coming into this season. We expect big things from Mason as a Bear."
 
Jeremiah Boudreaux is a state champion and nationally ranked jumper, climbing as high as the 11^th ranked jumper in the nation.
 
From Coach McGruder: "Jeremiah will be a game-changer and join a strong hurdle group. Jeremiah's success on the track speaks volumes about his hard work and dedication. Many programs overlooked him, and he wants to make a statement every year of his college career. He has a great personality, is down to earth, and will fit with the team very well."
 
Christian Brown is from right down the road in Little Rock, joining the hurdlers here at Central Arkansas.
 
From Coach McGruder: "Christian is a truly exceptional individual with a work ethic unlike any other. His dedication and passion are invaluable tools that will propel him to success. In addition to his professional qualities, he also possesses a wonderful personality that makes working with him a true pleasure. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with him throughout the coming year."
 
Parker Brown brings his championship caliber athleticism to the team, winning four state championships while competing out of Heber Springs, Arkansas.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "Parker was an overall great athlete while in high school, so I am glad he chose to do track in college. He was asked to do many different events and relays while at Heber Springs, so I believe him focusing on the multis will serve him greatly. He doesn't have any flaws in his events, so it will be all about fine tuning each event to help him with the marathon of the multis."
 
Signing with the Bears out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Chase Dew adds depth to a group of long sprinters.
 
From Coach McGruder: "Chase stands out with his larger-than-life personality, leaving a solid impression on everyone in the team. His tireless work ethic and abundant talent make him a standout member. Working with him is a privilege, given his deep passion for the sport and embodying the spirit of being a Bear."
 
Tomas Farr finished fifth at the National Pole Vault Summit, and brings a pair of Texas Regional Championships with him to Conway.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "Tomas had a breakout junior year then battled some injuries his senior year. I am excited to get him on campus this fall at 100% and continue to improve his craft. He is going to be an instant contributor to the pole vault squad that will be key to overall team success."
 
Another multi-time champ, Zack Harrell claimed two Arkansas State titles in the pole vault, and added a seventh-place finish at the Adidas Outdoor Nationals.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "Pole vault runs in his blood. When I heard his dad vaulted in college, I figured he would follow his father's steps and attend his alma mater. Fortunately, Zack decided to be a Bear and will be a big factor in helping us chase team titles. Zack is bringing a winning mentality with him to Conway. He only lost one meet in the state of Arkansas his senior year and proved to be one of the best vaulters in the region while placing 3rd at Kansas Relays."
 
Tim Haughton will transfer to Central Arkansas from Charlotte, where he was the American Athletic Conference Indoor Mile Champion.
 
From Coach Weaver: "Tim will make us better as a program. He will be attempting to break the four-minute mile barrier while he is finishing his last year of eligibility with us. I have known Tim for a while now, and very excited to mix him in with our group."
 
A distance runner from Mountain Home, Arkansas, William Wyatt Hill joins the Bears after a high school career that saw him finish as the state runner up three times over the course of his career.
 
From Coach Weaver: "Will is one of the best in the state of Arkansas, and we are glad to keep him in his home state. Will has a lot to learn, but will be surrounded by a great group of people. Watch out for Will as he has a tremendous upside."
 
Dane Janowski is another distance runner signing with the Bears, joining the team from Owasso, Oklahoma.
 
From Coach Weaver: "Dane will add to the strength and depth of our men's team by his wide range of events. Dane is someone who will benefit from a large team of training partners around him."
 
Sloan Jones claimed seven Arkansas state titles competing in a number of events, and stays in state as he joins the Bears from Fayetteville.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "Sloan is a game changer for this program. He's going to contribute to many different events and compete at a high level in all of them. He thrives under pressure and will push everyone around him to be their best. The only hurdle final he lost in his senior year was at Texas Relays where he placed 4th racing against some of the best in the country. He brings a championship mindset with him to Conway, and we can't wait to see him compete this year."
 
A javelin thrower from Benton, Jeff King stayed in the Natural State to continue his athletic career.
 
From Coach Davis: "Jeff placed 3rd in the Louisiana State Meet in the javelin, second ranked jav thrower in the state of Louisiana and has a mark near the Central Arkansas school record! He's coming in fired up and ready to leave his mark as a BEAR!"
 
Jonathan Mendez signed with the Bears after a successful high school career in Springdale, Arkansas.
 
From Coach Weaver: "Jonathan comes in with some impressive PRs throughout his high school career. We look forward to helping him develop into an even better runner throughout his career."
 
Another distance runner from right here in Arkansas, Samuel Morales stayed close to home to join Central Arkansas.
 
From Coach Weaver: "Sam will bring some experience in, as he is transferring from the junior college level. Sam will get to line up and compete with a very talented group of runners."
 
Spencer Mozee joins the hurdles group from Mesquite, Texas and looks to make an immediate impact.
 
From Coach McGruder: "Spencer is an exceptional young individual with a remarkable attitude. I am eagerly anticipating witnessing his growth and development. His abundance of talent is truly remarkable, and I have no doubt that he will make a substantial and immediate contribution as a true freshman."
 
Reese Qualls, a pole vaulter from Edmond, Oklahoma, signed with the Bears after making great strides in his final season in high school.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "We are very fortunate to have Reese joining us this fall. A late bloomer in such a technical event, he improved his PR by over a foot in his senior year. Reese will make a splash in the ASUN as a freshman and adds valuable depth to an important event for us."
 
A state record holder as a thrower, Devyn Steingisser chose to stay in his home state to join the Bears.
 
From Coach Davis: "Arkansas state record holder in the Hammer Throw, placed 8th at the USATF U20 Championships, 6th at the Nike Outdoor National Championships, and placed 2nd at the 6A outdoor state meet in the Shot Put and Discus. Devyn is looking forward to his career as a BEAR."
 
Nathan Uptagrafft is another one of those athletes that can do a ton of things on the track, joining Central Arkansas for the fall out of Hensley, Arkansas.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "Nathan was originally committed to us as a hurdler, but I knew he had multi-event ability based on his junior year marks. He had PR's in many different individual events throughout his senior year, but when it came to the State Decathlon at the end of the year, he threw down a pretty legit score that currently has him ranked top 20 in the nation. Nathan brings a good base for all the events, and I can't wait to watch him continue to develop."
 
Maverick Walker is a talented jumper from Romance, Arkansas that has made great developmental strides, showcasing his potential throughout his high school career.
 
From Coach Jacobus: "I know Maverick has a gamer mentality because every meet I went to watch him, he had a breakthrough in the jumps. He was asked to do a lot for his high school team, so I am excited to get him to focus on the horizontals in college. Maverick will be an instant contributor in the ASUN."
 
This group looks to add depth and competition to a group that claimed 36 top-three spots across the indoor and outdoor ASUN Championships, and sent the men's 4x100 group to compete in Eugene, Oregon for the NCAA National Semifinals.