SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – Shepherd University head men's and women's cross country coach Chuck Walters has announced the 2024 Shepherd men's and women's cross country class. The Rams will add freshman Jackson Fiolek (Harpers Ferry, W.Va./Washington) to the men's team and sophomore Ashley Anderson (Charles Town, W.Va./Woodgrove (Va.)/Juniata) and freshman Zoe Boyd (Salisbury, Md./James M. Bennett) to the women's team.

Fiolek joins the Rams after competing at nearby Washington High School. He lettered in cross country and track for the Patriots.  Fiolek posted a 3.9 grade point average.

Walters on Fiolek
"Jackson has a pure love for the sport of cross country and for running. He has a lot to learn, which is exciting, but also has a willingness to grow and learn each day and I'll be excited to see how he contributes this fall!"
 
Anderson joins the Rams as a transfer from Juniata College. She set a 4K personal record (21.41.4) at the Landmark Championship Preview and a 6K personal record (33.04.4) at the DeSales Invitational while competing for the Eagles.
 
Walters on Anderson
"Ashley is still very new to the sport but is excited to train and improve every day. I always appreciate an athlete who communicates well, and she does an excellent job of that. That will help us as a staff give her what she needs to be successful and help our team improve."
 
Boyd lettered in cross country and track at James M. Bennett High School. Her 13:48.0 time in 3200 meters is the 10th best time in school history. She was part of the distance medley relay team (4000m) that holds the school record (14.46.1).

Walters on Boyd
"I was so excited when Zoe committed to us. I expect that she will contribute in so many ways not only this fall, but in the years to come. She has a passion to be her best in every way and a heart to see others succeed and that will be a key element of our vision moving forward as a team." 

The Rams open the 2024 season on Friday, Sept. 6 when they compete at Galen Piper Invitational at Shippensburg. The men's race begins at 8 p.m. followed by the women's race at 8:35 p.m.
 
2024 Shepherd University Cross Country Recruiting Class
Name                                    Class                      Height                  Hometown/High School             
Jackson Fiolek                      Fr.                           6-2                          Harpers Ferry, W.Va./ Washington
Ashley Anderson                  So.                          5-0                          Charles Town, W.Va./Woodgrove (Va.)/Juniata
Zoe Boyd                              Fr.                           5-9                          Salisbury, Md./James M. Bennett