Feb. 8, 2008

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - USC Upstate cross country and track and field head coach Jimmy Stephens has announced the signing of James Jackson (Aiken, S.C./Aiken HS) to a National Letter of Intent to run for both the Upstate cross country and track and field programs.

"(James) is a really good runner and we expect him to help us compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference," Stephens said. "Based on his times, he's a solid athlete and a person that can help our programs."

Jackson was recognized as an All-State performer during his junior season at Aiken High School with a 10th place finish at the 2006 4A State Cross Country Meet. He was also a three-time All-Region cross country performer, named Team MVP in cross country and track in 2006 and 2007 and was also a Shrine Bowl runner in 2007. He was a member of an Aiken team that finished as Region IV-4A champions and fourth place in the state in 4A in 2003.

"We're really excited to have a guy of James' caliber join our programs and we're looking forward to having him here," USC Upstate cross country and track and field assistant coach Ed Schlichter said.

Jackson has run personal record of 16:25 in the 5k during his cross country career and track times of 10:04 in the 3200 meters, 4:40 in the 1600 meters and 2:03 in the 800 meters. He will be a distance runner for Upstate during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons.