FAIRFAX, Va. – From Ohio to the United Kingdom to right here in Virginia, the George Mason men's and women's track and field program's early period signing class has a far reach.

Head coach Andrew Gerard announced the addition of four signees for the early signing period for the 2017 class. The men's program welcomes Jake Lonsdale (mile/cross country) and Cameron Steven (800/cross country) and the women's team adds Riley Freeland (mile/cross country) and Davina Lane (hurdles).

"These young ladies and young men are a great match and we're happy to be able to wrap up with them early," Gerard said. "I think they bolster our class. We have a strong middle distance and distance group returning. These guys certainly will add to it. They have excellent national and international credentials."

Lonsdale and Steven both hail from the United Kingdom. Lonsdale, a middle distance runner from Kirkham Grammar School in Lancashire, England, has won 10 county championships between the 800- and 1,500-meter runs and cross country. He reached the English Schools 1,500-meter final the past two seasons and was ranked ninth in the UK and 43rd in Europe for the U-18 1,500-meter category with a time of 3:57. He was also selected as a member of the six-man Regional team to compete at the British Road Racing Championships in London.

Steven, a native of Dunbar, Scotland, also has seen a multitude of success in the 800 and 1,500 meters and in cross country. Earlier this year, he finish second at the Scottish U20 Championships in both the 800 and 1,500. In 2015, he captured four medals (one silver and three bronze) in international competition and five (two gold, three silver) at national meets. He also took 10th at the U-17 Scottish National Cross Country Short Course. He boasts personal-best times of 1:52.8 in the 800 and 3:56.66 in the 1,500.

Gerard said Lonsdale and Steven represent the first two international middle distance runners he has signed at Mason. Though Gerard wasn't able to watch them compete live, the availability of video highlights and the chance to talk them via Skype video has broadened the recruiting opportunities.

"These guys are both pretty aggressive and ambitious and come in with big goals," Gerard said. "I think they will add a little bit different flavor to the mix."

On the women's side, Freeland also hopes to strengthen the middle distance crew. A product of Cloverleaf High School in Lodi, Ohio, Freeland finished fifth at the state cross country championships this fall and is a three-time all-state selection.

"She is our first commit in what we're hoping to be a big, impactful women's middle distance and distance class – an area we want to grow," Gerard said. "She comes from a longtime running family. She has a big upside and has improved every year."

Lane is the closest of the four signees, hailing from Sherando High School in Stephens City, Va. Lane broke through last spring by winning both the 100- and 300-meter hurdle championships at the Virginia 4A state meet.

"We've followed her for a while and last spring she had a nice breakout winning both hurdles," Gerard said. "That will continue our strength in the hurdles at the collegiate level."
 
2017 EARLY SIGNEES
MEN'S
Jake Lonsdale, Kirkham Grammar School, Lancashire, England (Mile/Cross Country)
Cameron Steven, Dunbar Grammar School, Dunbar Scotland (800/Cross Country)

WOMEN'S
Riley Freeland, Cloverleaf High School, Lodi, Ohio (Mile/Cross Country)
Davina Lane, Sherando High School, Stephens City, Va. (Hurdles)