Feb. 16, 2009

CANYON, Texas - West Texas A&M head track & field coach, Darren Flowers, has announced the signing of two local products, Tara Tarrant and Joey Villarreal to letters-of-intent to attend WTAMU in the fall of 2009 and participate in cross country and track & field.

The pair join the track & field program's initial signing class, which now consists of 13 student-athletes.

"Our intent has been to sign the best track and field athletes in the area," said WT head track & field coach Darren Flowers. "With the additions of these two Randall High student-athletes we have continued to accomplish our goal. Both Tara and Joey have excelled at the district and regional levels and have experience competing at the state level."

Tara Tarrant Amarillo, Texas (Randall) - Tarrant had the area's best 400 meter time of 56.83, which won the District 3-4A meet in 2008. She finished second in that event at the Region 1-4A meet and went on to finish fourth at the state meet last spring. She also received post-season honors in volleyball. The Randall High School senior is coached by Lisa Proctor. She is the daughter of Hugh and Linda Tarrant and will be an Education major.

Joey Villarreal Amarillo, Texas (Randall) - Villarreal ran a 10:02 in the 3200 meters to finish seventh in Region 1-4A last spring. He finished second in District 3-4A in the same event and also had a 4:44 in the 1600 meters. Villarreal ran a 15:46 to finish fifth in the Region 1-4A cross country meet last fall. He also finished 26th at the state meet and third in District 3-4A in cross country. The Randall High School senior is coached by Kim Howle. He is the son of Joe & Vangie Villarreal, and is considering Education or Pre-Med as academic majors.

West Texas A&M Track & Field 2009 Signing Class:

Aries Bazaldua, Canyon, Texas (High)

Jessica Blakely, Hereford, Texas (High)

Aaron Gordon, Clarendon, Texas (High)

Nicole Hudgens, Kaufman, Texas (High)

Katie Jones, Boys Ranch, Texas (High)

Adam Lane, Amarillo, Texas (High)

Jonathon Lindsey, Strawn, Texas (High)

Sam Omamogho, Amarillo, Texas (High)

Christian Puschman, Amarillo, Texas (High)

Bailee Skeen, Amarillo, Texas (Randall)

Tara Tarrant, Amarillo, Texas (Randall)

Joey Villarreal, Amarillo, Texas (Randall)