USC Athletics

USC Director of Track & Field Caryl Smith Gilbert announced today (Nov. 21) the addition of six standout athletes to the 2018 class during the early signing period.  Among the new recruiting class are Karlee Freeman (throws), Bailey Lear (sprinter), Lanae-Tava Thomas (jumper/sprinter), Breanna Bernard-Joseph (hurdler), Ayden Owens (multi-events) and Nate Patterson (high jumper). Specializing in a wide variety of events, the 2018 recruiting class will bring an unmatched skill level across the board to the Trojan team.

"We are very excited about the student-athletes were were able to sign during the early period," said Smith Gilbert.  "We expect that each of these athletes will have an impact on our program and our staff can't wait to work with them.  We believe this group will fit nicely with our current team, and are very pleased to welcome them to the Trojan Family."

The talented incoming group features four individual state champions, one state record-holder and three USATF Juniors champions.  In addition, all six of the athletes ranks among the top four in their specialties among returning high school athletes this season, three as the top returner in the country.


KARLEE FREEMAN | Throws | Raymond, Wash. | Raymond High School
•    2017 WIAA 2B State Champion in the discuss
•    2017 WIAA 2B State Champion in the shot put
•    2017 USATF 17-18 Junior Olympic Champion and record holder in the discus
•    Holds junior class record by more than 10 feet
•    Top returning high school discus thrower in the country
•    Finished third in the shot put with a mark of 43-5.75 at the USATF Junior Olympics
•    Finished ninth in the hammer throw with a toss of 141-2 at the USATF Junior Olympics

High School Personal Bests:
•    Discus throw – 171-4 (52.22m)
•    Shot put -- of 46-2 (14.07m)
•    Hammer Throw -- 141-7


BAILEY LEAR | Sprints | Frisco, Texas | Frisco Heritage High
•    2017 Texas Meet of Champions Champion
•    2017 Brooks PR Invitational Champion
•    Ranked fourth in the 400m among high school athletes

High School Personal Bests:
•    400m -- 53.02

LANAE-TAVA THOMAS | Jumps & Sprints | Henrietta, N.Y. | Rush Henrietta High
•    Holds long jump record in the state of New York
•     Set the national 15-16 year-old age group record at the 2017 USA T&F Junior Olympics, a Junior Olympics Meet record
•    2016 & 2017 NYSPHSAA State Champion in the long jump (outdoor)
•    2016 & 2017 NYSPHSAA State Champion in the long jump (indoor)
•    2017 NYSPHSAA State Champion in the 200m (outdoor)
•    2017 NYSPHSAA State Champion in the 100m
•    Ranked second nationally for long jump
•    Ranked top among in long jump among returning high school athletes  

High School Personal Bests:
•    Long Jump -- 21-11 (6.68m)
•    100m -- 11.57
•    220m -- 23.42

BREANNA BERNARD-JOSEPH | Hurdles | Eastvale, Calif. | Eleanor Roosevelt High
•    Fourth in the 300m hurdles at the 2017 California State Meet
•    Sixth in the 100m hurdles at the 2017 California State Meet
•    Ranked third among returning high school 300m hurdlers

High School Personal Bests:
•    100m hurdles -- 13.72
•    300m hurdles -- 41.87


AYDEN OWENS | Multi-Events | Wexford, Pa. | North Allegheny High
•    2017 New Balance Champion in the decathlon
•    2017 New Balance Champion in the 110HH
•    2017 PIAA AAA State Champion in the 110HH
•    2017 PIAA AAA State Champion in the 300mH  
•    2016 PIAA AAA State Champion in the 300mH
•    2016 USATF 15-16 Junior Olympic Champion in the 100m
•    2016 USATF 15-16 Junior Olympic Champion in the 110HH
•    2016 USATF 15-16 Junior Olympic Champion in the 400mH
•    2016 USATF 15-16 Junior Olympic Champion in the decathlon
•    Ranked second in the decathlon among returning high school athletes
•    Ranked fourth in the 110m hurdles among returning high school athletes

High School Personal Bests:
•    Decathlon -- 7,009
•    100m -- 10.88
•    200m -- 21.51
•    400m -- 49.06
•    400m hurdles -- 53.13
•    1500m -- 4:51.90
•    110m hurdles -- 13.76
•    Shot put -- 41-5.25
•    Discus throw -- 136-10
•    Javelin throw -- 131-7
•    High jump -- 6-3.25
•    Pole vault -- 11-11.75
•    Long jump -- 23-5.75


NATE PATTERSON | High Jump | Plymouth, Ind. | Plymouth High
•    Defending state indoor and outdoor high jump champion
•    2017 Indiana State HS Champion
•    2017 New Balance Nationals Runner-Up
•    Tied for top high school jumper among high school athletes in the country

High School Personal Bests:
•    High jump -- 7-2