Men?s Track Adds Two During Signing Period
2/12/2008 12:00:00 AM
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. ?? Head men’s track and field coach Harvey Glance announced today the signing of two student-athletes for the 2009 track season. Tyler Campbell (Jasper, Ala.) and Aaron Stockstell (Iowa City, Iowa) will start classes at the Capstone in the fall.
“What I like most about these two young men is they are both fierce competitors,” head coach Harvey Glance said. “I look forward to these two competing for us at Alabama. I think both can come in and have an immediate impact on our program.”
Campbell comes to Tuscaloosa from Cordova High School where he has etched his name as one of the premier high jumpers in the nation. Campbell set a Class 3A state record in the high jump with a clearance of 6-10.
The 6-0 senior took his mark and proceeded to add to the accolades by breaking the regional Junior Olympic record with another leap of 6-10 in Baton, Rouge, La. Campbell placed second at the nationals with a jump of 6-8.
“The biggest thing with Tyler Campbell is he fills an immediate need,” assistant coach Rod Tiffin said. “He can come in immediately and be a conference scorer and be an impact right off the bat.”
Campbell competes for coach Woody Smothers at Cordova and coach Mary Birdwell on his club team Hoover Parks. Campbell also plays basketball for Cordova where he was named to the Walker County All Tournament Team. Campbell chose UA over Arkansas and Ole Miss.
Alabama also secured one of the nation’s top 800 meter runners. Aaron Stockstell of Mid-Prairie High School will bring his mid-distance prowess to Alabama. Stockstell will join one of the finest distance programs in the nation next season.
Stockstell has claimed the Iowa state title in the 800 the last two seasons, crossing the line last spring in a state record time of 1:52.18. Stockstell has to his credit a personal best time of 1:50.18, which was the third fastest 800 ran last season in the nation.
“I am really excited to add Aaron to the group,” cross country coach Joe Walker said. “He is a huge addition for us in that middle distance area where we really need an impact athlete. He is going to be a significant performer for us and bridge that gap between the sprint and distance groups.”
Stockstell has proved to be a versatile distance runner with the capability to dip into the 400 meters and excel in cross country. Stockstell finished 16th this past fall and 15th as a junior at the Iowa state cross country championships. Stockstell chose Alabama over the likes of Baylor, USC, Arkansas, LSU, Texas and Georgia.
On top of the two signings Alabama also received a commitment from Austin Duckworth from Vestavia Hills High School. Duckworth finished third at the 6A state cross country meet last season.
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