Delta State University

CLEVELAND - Patience over the 36-hour period Wednesday into Thursday led to what Delta State University head cross country coach Doug Pinkerton described as "one of the best recruiting classes in school history," as the Lady Statesmen signed four prep stars to national letters of intent. 

The Lady Statesmen received scholarship papers from Annalee Pierce of Benton Academy, Stacey Hagenson of Poplarville High, Alyssa Shetley of Salem High (Salem, Ill.) and Hannah Grace Whitaker of Arlington High (Arlington, Tenn.). 

"This is hands down the best freshman class I have ever signed," stated Pinkerton.  "All four ladies have the talent and ability to set records and help us compete for our first GSC championship here at Delta State.  They all possess the drive and determination to come in and compete right away."

This year's class includes a pair of Mississippi's top cross country athletes in Annalee Pierce, the 2007, 2008 and 2009 Mississippi Private School Association Class A State Champion, and Stacey Hagenson, the Mississippi High School Activities Association's Class 4A State Champion in 2008 and 2009 runner-up.   

Pierce, a four-year letter-winner at Benton Academy, is one of the most decorated runners in MPSA history.  As a freshman, Pierce set the MPSA Class A 3200 record of 12:20.  Her career continued to improve from there - winning three-straight state titles, the 2009 Class 3200 title and a first place finish in the 2009 DSU High School Invitational in a blistering 20:39.  She is the daughter of Bill and Nora Pierce. 

Hagenson, a four-year letter-winner at Poplarville High, is another in a long-line of MHSAA standouts from south Mississippi.  The 2008 MHSAA Class 4A State Champion and 2009 runner-up, also has excelled in the 3200, claiming the 2009 4A championship.  Hagenson ran a season-best 15:40.93 (4K) in the Poplarville Hornet XC Invitational.  She is the daughter of Ricky and Shona Hagenson.  

Pinkerton once again tapped into the state of Illinois' talent pool to grab Salem High star Alyssa Shetley.  The Salem, Ill., native was named to the 2009 All-South Team after finishing 11th in the conference meet and 15th in regional action.  A four-year letter-winner, Shetley also lettered in basketball and track and field.  Posted a season-best 5K time of 20:28 at the Peoria Invitational this season.  She is the daughter of Brent and Susan Shetley. 

Whitaker, a three-sport star at Arlington High in Arlington, Tenn., brings a wealth of talent and experience to the team as well.  A 2009 All-Region runner, Whitaker recorded a third place finish at the 2009 DSU High School Invitational and ran a season's best 20:28 at the Shelby County Jamboree in Memphis, Tenn., earlier this year.  Whitaker has earned varsity letters in track and field, soccer and cross country during her career at AHS.  She is the daughter of Brad and Alyson Whitaker. 

All four runners will join a team returning six letter-winners off last year's team.  The mix of returning athletes and talented newcomers gives Pinkerton a nucleus capable of winning titles.  "I would say we will have more potential talent in the program next year than we've had in quite some time."