Two New Lady Bearcats Signed to XC/Track Distance Squad

Mike Mendez, the head coach for both the cross country and track and field programs, announced the first Lady Bearcats recruits to sign with the two programs this past February. The newest members for the 2014/15 season include a pair of distance runners in Dani Aurit of Marquette High School and Karyn Paisley of Macomb High School. These two ladies will bring added strength to a building distance squad.

"Our women's program is getting a great duo in Karyn and Dani. They will add to our distance program immensely. They bring a lot of heart and passion in their running which will make us only stronger," said Coach Mendez. "We are proud of the caliber of student-athletes we have in our initial signing class."

Dani Aurit (Hometown: Marseilles, IL

Cross Country/Track – Marquette High School

Aurit closed her high school cross country season with a top-25 finish at the Illinois State High School Cross Country Championships last season, finishing 24th in Class 1A, running 18:12 on the always tough Detweiller course. Her cross country personal best time is recorded at 17:45. Her track prowess is exceptional and she will enter with personal bests of 5:16 in the 1,600-meters and 11:32 in the 3,200-meters; she also has a best of 2:23 for 800-meters. Aurit comes to McKendree with major accomplishments … her list is compiled of being named, as a sophomore, “All-State” for Outdoor Track with an 8th place finish for the 1600-meters run and the 3200-meters run; Tri-County Conference champion in the 3200-meters, 1600-meters, and 800-meters runs; indoor state medalist in several events; Cross Country Regional Champion; “All-Times Honor Roll” runner; and finally, captain of the cross country team. As a junior and even though she was injured, she was earned “All-State” honors for Outdoor Track with a 9th place finish in the 1600-meters run; was an indoor state medalist with a 4th place over the 3200-meters distance; Cross Country State Finalist finishing in 39th place; Cross Country Regional Champion; and again, an “All-Times Honor Roll” runner. In her senior year, she continued her streak by being named as “All-State” again for Cross Country and served as the Team Captain; “All-Area Girls Cross Country Team” award; and Tri-County Conference Champion. Her indoor and outdoor final high school track seasons look promising and we know Aurit will bring a sense of toughness to our Lady Bearcats distance program!

Karyn Paisley (Hometown: Macomb, IL

Cross Country/Track – Macomb High School

Paisley will bring recorded personal bests of 2:18 in the 800-meters and 5:16 in the 1,600-meters, as well as an 11:55 3200-meters run. She is also no stranger to cross country as she consistently placed high in every meet she entered, culminating her high school season by capturing a 13th-place finish in the Illinois State High School Cross Country Championships, Class 1A, running to a personal best of 17:55. Paisley comes to McKendree with a very long list of accomplishments in cross country starting with “All Conference” births from 2010 to 2013; cross country conference champion in 2010 and again in 2012 and 2013; cross country regional champion from 2010 to 2012; and selected as “All State” in cross country with a 19th place finish in 2010 and her recent 13th place finish in 2013. Her achievements in track are just as stellar as she qualified for state every year ranging in distances from 800-meters to 3200-meters and running on the 4 x 800-meters relay and the 4 x 400-meters relay. She culminated her 2012 track season by making it to the finals in the 800-meters run. Not only that, but she was personally recognized as the “MVP” of her cross country team all 4 years in high school and she received the “Most Dedicated” award. She has been named from 2011 to 2013 to the “All Academic All Conference” team demonstrating her commitment to her studies. Paisley will be a fantastic addition to the Lady Bearcats cross country and track teams.