By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – The Northern Kentucky University cross country teams announce the addition of the following student-athletes for the 2009 season:

Robert Hansen, a 2009 graduate of Badin High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, was named to the All-Greater Catholic League first team, notching a personal best of 16:57 in the five-kilometer.  Robert led the Rams to a pair of district championships and helped them qualify for the Ohio state meet during his junior and senior seasons.

James Jeter, a 2009 graduate of duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Ky., posted a personal best of 16:23 in the five-kilometer in the 2007 KHSAA championships, leading the Rams to a state title.  James also excelled in the classroom, earning All-Academic honors four times.

Kayla Justice, a 2009 graduate of McAuley High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, qualified for the state finals in her first three prep seasons while going to regionals in her senior year.  In 2007, Kayla was named the Girls Greater Catholic League Runner of the Year and was an All-State selection as the Mohawks captured the conference title.  Kayla boasts an 18:48 personal record in the five-kilometer.

Cassie Martin, a 2009 graduate of duPont Manual High School in Louisville, Ky., was an Academic All-State selection while posting a 19:45 personal best in the five-kilometer.  Cassie helped the Crimsons post two top-five finishes at the state cross-country championships while also excelling in softball and bowling.

Danielle Mercer, a 2009 graduate of Oak Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, ran a personal best 18:54 in the five-kilometer to send the Highlanders to the Ohio state championships in her senior season, where they finished sixth.  Mercer also earned first-team All-Greater Miami Conference honors last year and was twice named to the all-city team.

The NKU cross country season begins in August.