Gilmore Twins Sign With Crimson Tide Cross Country
5/7/2008 12:00:00 AM
May 7, 2008
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Head women's track and field coach Sandy Fowler announced the signing of the Gilmore twins, Leigh and Sarah. The Grove Hill, Ala. natives will compete on the women's cross country team for head coach Randy Hasenbank next fall and then run track for the Crimson Tide in 2009.
"We are very excited about their choice in joining the Crimson Tide family and feel it is a good fit both academically and athletically," Fowler said. "Leigh and Sarah are great athletes and will help the programs move in a positive direction immediately. They are both very athletic and will add depth in cross country, and in the middle and long distance in track & field. Both young ladies come into the program with Alabama state records which says volume for their commitment and dedication to the sports of cross country and track & field."
The Gilmore sisters will come to Tuscaloosa from UMS-Wright School in Mobile, Ala. where they have been a staple on the cross country and track squads for head coach Pat Galle. While at UMS-Wright, the twins led the Lady Bulldogs to back-to-back (2005 and 2006) 4A state championships in cross country and track. UMS-Wright earned 5A runner-up honors in cross country this past fall.
Leigh brings a school and 4A state record in the 800 to the Sam Bailey Track with a time of 2:18. She was named MVP of the track team in 2006 and 2007 and was the 4A state champion in the 800 in 2006. Leigh teamed up with Sarah to run a 4A meet record time in the 4x800 relay.
Sarah holds the 4A state meet records at 1600 meters, 3200 meters and 4 x 800 meter relay. Sarah has four individual state titles to her credit, including an individual state title in cross country. The 2006 class 4A outdoor state championship saw her claim titles in the 1600 meter run, 3200 meter run and 4 x 800 meter relay.
Leigh and Sarah also played basketball for three years at UMS Wright and helped lead UMS to a 20 win season this winter. Leigh and Sarah have both earned the Heart and Eddie Awards for their play on the hardwood. Leigh was name defensive MVP while Sarah garnered Best All-Around Athlete accolades.
"Leigh and Sarah are outstanding students, each posting GPA's above 4.0," Hasenbank said. "We are very, very excited that that they will continue their academic and athletic careers here at the Capstone. These young ladies are wonderful people and very dedicated to their studies. They will have a positive impact on our program immediately. They are team players with a winner's mentality". Both Sarah and Leigh are very athletic and versatile. I look forward to working with each of them in the near future".
