Villanova University

Dec. 12, 2002

VILLANOVA, PA. - Villanova head men's track & field coach Marcus O'Sullivan today announced the signing of two of the nation's top athletes to National Letters of Intent at the conclusion of the NCAA early signing period. The athletes are miler Bobby Curtis of St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Kent., and quarter miler Drew Eckman of Oxford Pa.

Curtis has become one of a very select group of high school boys to have qualified for the Footlocker Nationals three years in a row in the races' 24 year history. He is this year's South Regional Foot Locker Champion and two years ago was the race's youngest top ten finisher at the Footlocker Finals. With a 4.07.61 mile personal record, Curtis is also Kentucky's State Champion in the mile and cross country. He brings instant national attention to the program and will fit in well with the current Wildcat distance group.

"The team is very excited about Bobby Curtis coming to Villanova," said O'Sullivan. "He is the first early signing since I started coaching here and I am looking forward to working with Bobby."

Eckman is a Pennsylvania State top 400m performer and has improved his times in the 400m over the summer to a nationally ranked 47.62. He is a PA district Champion and is the son of former Villanova track athlete Greg Eckman.

"We are excited to have signed Drew Eckman, who is one of the finest young quarter milers around, as well as a top local athlete," said Villanova sprint coach Antony Williams.

"The signings of both young men will add great depth and talent to the program for years to come," added O'Sullivan.