March 5, 2008

Chicago, Ill. - UIC head track and field coach Jim Knoedel has announced that Brian Denk (Darien Ill./Hinsdale South), Oluwatoni Ogundare (Naperville, Ill./Waubonsie Valley), Constance Sciacero (Sterling, Ill./Sterling), Kelly Schuh (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake South) and Aimee Schuh (Crystal Lake, Ill./Crystal Lake South) have signed letters of intent to compete for the Flames during the 2008-2009 season.

Denk has been one of Hinsdale South's top distance runners. The three-year captain has qualified for the state championships in track and field and cross country during his high school career. Denk currently holds a personal-best 3,200-meter run time of 9:40.

"Brian will be a great addition to the cross country team because of his work ethic and drive," said Knoedel. "I expect him to be in the top three on our team next fall."

Ogundare competes in both track and field and cross country at Waubonsie Valley. Her high school honors include placing 35th in the state cross country meet and finishing ninth in the 800-meter run at the track and field state championships.

"Oluwatoni is a tremendous middle distance runner that can cover anything from the 400-meter run to the 5,000-meter run," said Knoedel. "I expect her to be an elite collegiate runner down the road."

Sciacero is a 5'5" high jump standout at Sterling. She finished 11th at the 2007 state track and field state championships.

"I'm excited about Constance's potential in college because her style and ability remind me of a former 6' high jumper I coached," said Knoedel.

Kellie Schuh, a multi-event standout at Crystal Lake South, has qualified for the track and field state championships in the pole vault and 300-meter hurdles during her high school career. She also competes in the relay events and triple jump.

"Kellie is extremely talented in so many areas that it's hard to guess what will be her best events in college," said Knoedel.

Aimee Shuh, sister of Kellie Shuh, is also a multi-event competitor at Crystal Lake South. Shuh narrowly missed qualifying for the state championships last season, but looks to end her high school career in a stellar fashion during the outdoor campaign.

"Aimee will be a finalist in the hurdles and the long jump this spring at the state meet," said Knoedel. She will also be a great collegiate heptathlete because she does so many events so well."