San Antonio – The Trinity University men's and women's cross country teams have added six top recruits to their rosters.

All plan to run distance events in track and field, as well.

Joining the Tiger men's teams next month will be Tristan Ashton (Austin, TX/St. Michael's Catholic Academy), Austin Brown (Austin, TX/St. Andrew's Episcopal School), and Evan Epps (Houston, TX/Flower Mound High School).

Trinity's women's squads gain Natalie Belew (Waco, TX/Midway High School), Reidlee Lynn (Bakersfield, CA/Bakersfield Christian), and Julia Torres (Fort Worth, TX/Paschal High School). The Tiger cross country teams are led by Head Coach Derick Lawrence and Assistant Coach 
Emily Daum.

Ashton earned 2012 Academic All-State honors in track and field, as well as All-State recognition (third in the 1,600 meters run). He also was awarded Academic All-State, and AllState honors in cross country (sixth place). Ashton is a National Honor Society member. His best high school times are: 5,000 meters cross country (16:07), 800 meters (2:02), 1,600 meters (4:32.45), 3,200 meters (9:55).

Brown was the 800-meters conference champion, and the regional meet winner. He also was named MVP in track and field. In addition, Brown, a multi-sport athlete, competed in varsity football and lacrosse. Brown's top times are: 5,000 meters cross country (15:59.6), 800 meters (1:59.12), 1,600 meters (4:37.21), and 3,200 meters (9:53.03).

Epps recorded personal bests in: 5,000 meters cross country (16:27), 400 meters (55.4 seconds), 800 meters (2:01), and 1,600 meters (4:33).

Belew was a cross country regional qualifier, and also captured the district tennis championship. She is also a National Honor Society member. Belew's best high school performances are: 5,000 meters cross country (20:48), 1,600 meters (5:54/83), and 3,200 meters (12:46.96). 

Lynn was voted the MVP in cross country and track and field for three straight years. Her personal bests are: 800 meters (2:36.63), 1,600 meters (5:39.52), 3,200 meters (13:02.80), and 5,000 meters (21:11.34).

Torres was a National Hispanic Scholar and a Superintendent Scholar. She also was a member of the National Honor Society: Her personal high school bests are: 3-mile cross country (19:36), 5,000 meters cross country (20:00), 1,600 meters (5:44), and 3,200 meters (12:09).

Adding depth to the men's team will be five other newcomers: Ryan Hernandez (San Angelo, TX/Cornerstone Christian School), Isaiah Lopez (San Antonio/Jay High School, Science and Engineering Academy), Clay Orona (New Braunfels, TX/Waelder High School), Ben Wiley (Meadville, PA/Meadville Area Senior High), and Zach Zimdars (Henderson, NV/Southwest Career Technical Academy).

The Tiger women's team will be strengthened by two other first-year runners: Shannon Amrein (Amherst, NH/Souhegan High School), and Katie Cribb (La Vernia, TX/La Vernia High School).

Trinity kicks off its 2013 campaign by hosting the Alamo City Opener on Saturday, Aug. 31, at Olmos Basin in San Antonio.

The Tigers cross country teams won the 2012 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships. Trinity's women captured the NCAA South/Southeast Regional for the third time, and the men placed second. Both squads qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships. Coach Lawrence was elected the South/Southeast Regional Women's Coach of the Year. He also was named the SCAC Men's and Women's Coach of the Year.