FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2009

Lions sign three athletes for 2009

Joplin, Mo. -- Missouri Southern women's track and cross country coach Patty Vavra has announced the signing of three athletes to compete for the Lions beginning in the fall of 2009.

Marlee Tegenkamp is a 5-6 distance runner that prepped at Lee's Summit High School for coaches Craig Heeney and Mike Spiegal. A four-year performer on both the track and cross country teams, Tegenkamp was an All-State selection in cross country the past two seasons.

She holds the fourth fastest cross country time in school history and helped the Tigers to a conference title in 2007. Tegenkamp is the daughter of Craig and Leigh Tegenkamp and plans on majoring in art education at Southern. Her brother, Matt, was a runner for the University of Wisconsin and is currently a professional running with team Nike.

Michelle Stevens is a 5-9 distance runner at Owasso High School where she participated in both basketball and track for the Rams. A state track qualifier in 2006, 2007 and 2008, she was an All-Conference selection in 2008 and a member of the All-Academic team, as well. She added cross country to the list of sports she has participated in, competing for the team this past fall.

The daughter of Larry and Joan Stevens, Michelle plans on majoring in environmental science at Southern. She has two brothers, Brandon and Matt. Brandon was a tight end on the football team at the University of Tulsa.

Brandy Simpson is a 5-5 heptathlete that joins the Lions after two seasons at Coffeyville Community College. A native of Zanesville, Ohio, Simpson holds personal bests in the long jump of 18-01.00 and 2773 points in the indoor pentathlon.

The daughter of Mike Simpson, Brandy is undecided on her major at Southern.

"We feel very fortunate to sign each of these young ladies," Vavra said. "Marlee Tegenkamp comes from a great program at Lee's Summit and has already run some outstanding times this season. She comes from a 'running' family and has great promise to make an immediate impact to our cross country and track & field teams. Michelle Stevens is a young lady that we feel will develop into a very competitive distance runner and should add depth to our cross country team. Brandy Simpson gives us experience in the collegiate setting and the combined events."

Coach Vavra expects one more signing shortly.