2004-05 Recruits

Canadian high school standout 200- and 400-meter runner Jaclyn Couse from Aylmer, Ontario has signed a letter of intent to study physical education / health and run track at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa beginning in the fall of 2004. Couse was a 2004 WOSSA District Track Meet double champion in the 200-meter and 400-meter events, finishing in 27.48 and 59.78 respectively, and went on to qualify in the 200-meter dash for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Meet. Jaclyn finished fifth in the 400-meter dash as a junior at the 2003 OFSAA Meet finishing in 58.37. “I watched Jaclyn run at OFSAA last year and was really impressed with her abilities and I have no doubt that she will be a strong addition to our team,” commented Graceland University Head Coach Kent Allshouse. “Jaclyn has an incredibly natural running motion and although she has already achieved a great deal I think that there are still some fantastic performances to come.

"I am thrilled to have Jaclyn on board next year and I am confident she will be successful academically and athletically.”

Jaclyn is the daughter of Bary and Dianne Couse and graduated from Parkside Collegiate Institute.

Samantha Piquette, from Casselman, Ontario, Canada, has signed a letter of intent to play basketball and track and field at Graceland University beginning in the fall of 2004. At Rockland D High School, Sam was a point guard for the basketball team and threw the javelin and shot out in track and field. She also played volleyball and badminton for the Wildcats. In basketball, Piquette averaged 27 points 10 rebounds and 10 assists for her team that played in the association finals. She was the female basketball most valuable player and female athlete of the year from grade 8 to grade 12.

“Samantha is an athlete,” says Graceland’s women’s basketball coach, Laura Pollard. “Contrary to a lot of freshman coming into the sport of basketball, she has very good upper body strength. She is a strong competitor, smart and wants to learn. My expectation is that Sam will do better than we think -- moving towards playing varsity sooner than most freshmen. We are happy to have her on board.”

At the OFSAA track meet, Piquette placed third in the javelin and 12th in the shot put. She was recognized as the female track and field most valuable player from grade 9 through grade 12.

Academically, Piquette received the Ontario Scholar Award and has been on the honor roll for four years. She is also a member of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club.

Piquette plans to major in education or physical education, with a minor in biology at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa.

Samantha is the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth and the sister of Christian and Mathieu.