April 22, 2005

Columbia, S.C. - South Carolina's head track and field coach Curtis Frye announced the signing of North Carolina high school standout Johnathan Hancock to the men's program for the 2005-2006 season.

Hancock, of Charlotte, attends West Charlotte High School where he is currently wrapping up his senior season. Hancock, who runs the 100m and 200m dashes, has top times of 10.47 and 21.45, respectively. Earlier this season, Hancock has run the third fastest high school time in the nation of 6.31 in the 55-meter dash.

In 2004, he was named the Charlotte Observer Runner of the Year and the North Carolina High School Sports Athletics Association 4A Most Valuable Player. Hancock's top performances include State runner-up in the 100m with a time of 10.74 and first place in the 200m with a time of 21.53. Hancock also ran the second best time in Mecklenberg County history in the 100m dash with a time of 10.47, ran at the 2004 regional meet in Boone, N.C.

"We feel very fortunate to have landed Johnathan Hancock," Frye said. "He is an outstanding person, comes from a strong family with great values, along with being one of America's great junior sprinters. Education is important to Johnathan and his family and he's the kind of athlete we want in our program. We are lucky to have him."

"I think I'm going to be a contributor to the team and hopefully I will help lead the men's team to a national title next year," Hancock said. "Hancock to be a Gamecock."