Gold Rush will have largest freshman class in 5 years

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's cross country has signed three high school seniors to scholarships for the 2016-17 academic year. It'll be the largest Gold Rush freshman class in five years.
     
The signees are:
     •  Robert Clayton of Woodland Hills, Calif., and Chaminade College Preparatory High School.
     •  Clydarius Everett of Meridian, Miss., and Meridian High School.
     •  Oji Wells of Florissant, Mo., and Hazelwood Central High School.
     
Clayton was a member of Chaminade's 1,600-meter relay team which placed third in the California Interscholastic Federation state meet in June. During seventh grade he qualified for the Junior Olympics in the 100-meter hurdles. At 6 feet 4 inches, Clayton is the tallest distance runner during Joseph Moses' 12 seasons as head coach. Clayton will major in computer science at Xavier.
     
Everett was Meridian's second-fastest finisher at the 2015 Class 6A state meet. He finished 42nd overall and helped the Wildcats finish 11th in the team standings. As a junior in outdoor track and field, he was a district and regional champion at 1,600 and 3,200 meters. His best times include 17:32.15 for the cross country 5K, 11:05.12 in the 3,200 and 5:01.88 in the 1,600. Everett will major in biomedical engineering.
    
Wells — his first name is pronounced oh-gee — qualified for Missouri's outdoor state meet in the 800 and the 1,600 relay his senior year. As a junior and sophomore he qualified for state in the 3,200 relay. He achieved three best times his senior year: 1:57.91 in the 800, 4:45.46 in the 1,600 and, in cross country, 17:59.81 for the 5K. Wells will be a biology/pre-medical major and is interested in studying physical therapy.
     
Clayton, Everett and Wells also will compete for Xavier in outdoor track and field during the spring.
     
The first Xavier meet of the 2016 cross country season will be the Xavier Big Easy Opener Aug. 26 at City Park in New Orleans. Joining the signees will be returning runnersChristopher August, Ammiel Williams and Darrick Williams.


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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