University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Add Seven More Newcomers to 2021-22 Rosters
August 18, 2021 | Cross Country, Track & Field
The UNC track and field program has announced a group of seven newcomers who will become Tar Heels this month, joining a signing class of 19 announced in the fall. Among the seven are three recent high school graduates and four NCAA Division I transfers.
"These final additions to our incoming group round out an incredible total recruiting class for us," said Chris Miltenberg, UNC's Director of Track & Field/Cross Country. "They cover the entire spectrum of events and will be a key part of our future."
Recent signees are: Jack Aho (distance, transfer from Michigan), Grayslake, Ill.; Ty Castro (throws), Lincolnton, N.C.; Sam Corley (multis, transfer from TCU), Fort Worth, Texas; John Gove (distance, transfer from Michigan State), Leominster, Mass.; Alyssa Hernandez (middle distance), Greensboro, N.C.; Gracie Jauch (pole vault, transfer from Georgia), Forest, Va.; Amari Taylor (sprints), Fayetteville, N.C.
Read on for more on each of the new Tar Heels and why they chose to be part of the North Carolina family:
Jack Aho
Distance
Grayslake, Ill. (Grayslake Central HS/University of Michigan)
At Michigan:
• 2x Cross Country All-America (2018, 2019)
• 3x Cross Country All-Great Lakes Region (2017, 2018, 2019)
• NCAA Outdoor East Preliminary Qualifier in 5,000 meters (2019)
Personal Bests:
• Mile: 4:06.46
• 3000m: 7:57.54
• 5000m: 13:59.37
Why Carolina: "I chose UNC because of the strong blend of academics and athletics in addition to the culture and values established by the team and coaching staff."
Ty Castro
Throws
Lincolnton, N.C. (North Lincoln HS)
In-State Stats:
• 2021 North Carolina Outdoor State Champion (Shot put)
• 2021 North Carolina Outdoor State Runner-up (Discus)
Personal Bests:
• Discus: 162-1
• Shot put: 54-4.5 *(NC #4, 2021)
Why Carolina: "I chose UNC because of its outstanding reputation in both academics and athletics. In addition, the community of people that I have met from UNC have made me feel very welcome."
Sam Corley
Multis
Fort Worth, Texas (Southwest Christian HS/Texas Christian University)
At TCU:
• School record holder in the heptathlon
• Placed 10th in the heptathlon at the 2020 Big 12 Indoor Conference Championships with a personal best of 5042
Personal Bests:
• Heptathlon: 5042
• Decathlon: 6027
Why Carolina: "I chose UNC because it displays a culture of excellence that will help push me academically and athletically."
John Gove
Middle Distance
Leominster, Mass. (Leominster Senior HS/Michigan State University)
At Michigan State:
• Competed at the 2021 Big Ten Invite in the 800m where he notched a personal best of 1:50.29
Personal Bests:
• 600m: 1:21.02
• 800m: 1:50.29
Why Carolina: "Carolina is where my metaphorical stars aligned. Not only were the academics and athletics top notch, but the coaches and the journalism department were beyond helpful with accommodating for my circumstances."
Alyssa Hernandez
Middle Distance
Greensboro, N.C. (Northern Guilford HS)
On the National Stage:
• 2x New Balance Nationals Qualifier
In-State Stats:
• 2021 Indoor North Carolina State Champion (500m)
• 3x North Carolina State Medalist
Personal Bests:
• 400m: 55.27
• 500m: 1:14.67
• 800m: 2:13.1
Why Carolina: "I have always loved a challenge, and I know UNC will give me that both academically and athletically. I also fell in love with how connected the campus is, how close it is to home and the idea of becoming a part of a diverse community."
Gracie Jauch
Pole Vault
Forest, Va. (Jefferson Forest HS/University of Georgia)
At Georgia:
• Notched a collegiate best of 3.90m (12'9.5) at the 2021 SEC Indoor Championships
High School Stats:
• 6x Virginia State Pole Vault Champion
Personal Bests:
• Pole Vault: 4.00m (13'1.5)
Why Carolina: "I chose Carolina because it's an amazing school that I grew up around and I am excited for an opportunity to be a part of the track and field program."
Amari Taylor
Sprints
Fayetteville, N.C. (Pine Forest HS)
On the Nationals Stage:
• 3x Nationals Qualifier
In-State Stats:
• 2x North Carolina Outdoor State Medalist
• 3x North Carolina Indoor State Medalist
Personal Bests:
• 60m: 7.82
• 100m: 12.02
• 200m: 24.31
• 400m: 56.39
Why Carolina: "It is one of the best schools in the nation and is filled with amazing people. I strongly believe that it will help me develop into a well-rounded young adult."
"These final additions to our incoming group round out an incredible total recruiting class for us," said Chris Miltenberg, UNC's Director of Track & Field/Cross Country. "They cover the entire spectrum of events and will be a key part of our future."
Recent signees are: Jack Aho (distance, transfer from Michigan), Grayslake, Ill.; Ty Castro (throws), Lincolnton, N.C.; Sam Corley (multis, transfer from TCU), Fort Worth, Texas; John Gove (distance, transfer from Michigan State), Leominster, Mass.; Alyssa Hernandez (middle distance), Greensboro, N.C.; Gracie Jauch (pole vault, transfer from Georgia), Forest, Va.; Amari Taylor (sprints), Fayetteville, N.C.
Read on for more on each of the new Tar Heels and why they chose to be part of the North Carolina family:
Jack Aho is already a 2x Cross Country All-American 🎖️ and a 3x All-Great Lakes region honoree ... and now, he's a Tar Heel ... #GoHeels 🐏 #TarHeelTough 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/nNrKncP56p— UNC Track & Field • XC (@UNCTrack_Field) July 30, 2021
Jack Aho
Distance
Grayslake, Ill. (Grayslake Central HS/University of Michigan)
At Michigan:
• 2x Cross Country All-America (2018, 2019)
• 3x Cross Country All-Great Lakes Region (2017, 2018, 2019)
• NCAA Outdoor East Preliminary Qualifier in 5,000 meters (2019)
Personal Bests:
• Mile: 4:06.46
• 3000m: 7:57.54
• 5000m: 13:59.37
Why Carolina: "I chose UNC because of the strong blend of academics and athletics in addition to the culture and values established by the team and coaching staff."
He made two trips to the state podium in 2021, now Ty Castro will be traveling to Chapel Hill ... #GoHeels 🐏 #TarHeelTough 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/4OO2bxHKWQ— UNC Track & Field • XC (@UNCTrack_Field) August 13, 2021
Ty Castro
Throws
Lincolnton, N.C. (North Lincoln HS)
In-State Stats:
• 2021 North Carolina Outdoor State Champion (Shot put)
• 2021 North Carolina Outdoor State Runner-up (Discus)
Personal Bests:
• Discus: 162-1
• Shot put: 54-4.5 *(NC #4, 2021)
Why Carolina: "I chose UNC because of its outstanding reputation in both academics and athletics. In addition, the community of people that I have met from UNC have made me feel very welcome."
Sam Corley is the name, decathlon is the game ... Welcome to Chapel Hill! #GoHeels 🐏 #TarHeelTough 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/TBW72EkZAZ— UNC Track & Field • XC (@UNCTrack_Field) August 13, 2021
Sam Corley
Multis
Fort Worth, Texas (Southwest Christian HS/Texas Christian University)
At TCU:
• School record holder in the heptathlon
• Placed 10th in the heptathlon at the 2020 Big 12 Indoor Conference Championships with a personal best of 5042
Personal Bests:
• Heptathlon: 5042
• Decathlon: 6027
Why Carolina: "I chose UNC because it displays a culture of excellence that will help push me academically and athletically."
One more New Heel for the today's start of the academic year! John Gove is now a Tar Heel, specializing in the middle distances ... #GoHeels 🐏 #TarHeelTough 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/em32TcmXMO— UNC Track & Field • XC (@UNCTrack_Field) August 18, 2021
John Gove
Middle Distance
Leominster, Mass. (Leominster Senior HS/Michigan State University)
At Michigan State:
• Competed at the 2021 Big Ten Invite in the 800m where he notched a personal best of 1:50.29
Personal Bests:
• 600m: 1:21.02
• 800m: 1:50.29
Why Carolina: "Carolina is where my metaphorical stars aligned. Not only were the academics and athletics top notch, but the coaches and the journalism department were beyond helpful with accommodating for my circumstances."
Coming off a North Carolina state indoor title at 500m, Alyssa Hernandez is heading to Chapel Hill!#Signed 📝 #GoHeels 🐏 #TarHeelTough 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/1ekAwZxCGW— UNC Track & Field • XC (@UNCTrack_Field) December 3, 2020
Alyssa Hernandez
Middle Distance
Greensboro, N.C. (Northern Guilford HS)
On the National Stage:
• 2x New Balance Nationals Qualifier
In-State Stats:
• 2021 Indoor North Carolina State Champion (500m)
• 3x North Carolina State Medalist
Personal Bests:
• 400m: 55.27
• 500m: 1:14.67
• 800m: 2:13.1
Why Carolina: "I have always loved a challenge, and I know UNC will give me that both academically and athletically. I also fell in love with how connected the campus is, how close it is to home and the idea of becoming a part of a diverse community."
He made two trips to the state podium in 2021, now Ty Castro will be traveling to Chapel Hill ... #GoHeels 🐏 #TarHeelTough 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/4OO2bxHKWQ— UNC Track & Field • XC (@UNCTrack_Field) August 13, 2021
Gracie Jauch
Pole Vault
Forest, Va. (Jefferson Forest HS/University of Georgia)
At Georgia:
• Notched a collegiate best of 3.90m (12'9.5) at the 2021 SEC Indoor Championships
High School Stats:
• 6x Virginia State Pole Vault Champion
Personal Bests:
• Pole Vault: 4.00m (13'1.5)
Why Carolina: "I chose Carolina because it's an amazing school that I grew up around and I am excited for an opportunity to be a part of the track and field program."
With 2⃣ top three finishes 🎖️🎖️ at the 2020 NC Indoor State Championships on her resume, Amari Taylor is now a Tar Heel!#Signed 📝 #GoHeels 🐏 #TarHeelTough 💪🏿💪🏽💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/QBdDva5YnW— UNC Track & Field • XC (@UNCTrack_Field) December 3, 2020
Amari Taylor
Sprints
Fayetteville, N.C. (Pine Forest HS)
On the Nationals Stage:
• 3x Nationals Qualifier
In-State Stats:
• 2x North Carolina Outdoor State Medalist
• 3x North Carolina Indoor State Medalist
Personal Bests:
• 60m: 7.82
• 100m: 12.02
• 200m: 24.31
• 400m: 56.39
Why Carolina: "It is one of the best schools in the nation and is filled with amazing people. I strongly believe that it will help me develop into a well-rounded young adult."
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