Yellowjackets Track and Field Add Two Top Talents for 2009-2010

BILLINGS, Mont. – Montana State Billings head cross country and track and field coach, Dave Coppock, announced the addition of Nick Wilson and Brandon Pearce to the 2009-2010 roster.

Pearce, a Billings native, was a three sport athlete at Skyview High School competing in track, football, and basketball. As one of the top sprinters in the state, Pearce was an all-state selection in 2008 and 2009, helping Skyview to a state runner-up finish in 2009. At the state meet he was a part of the 4x400 relay team that won the event and also placed second in the 100m, third in the 200m, third in the 400m and second in the 4x100 relay. He also helped lead his basketball team to a fourth place finish at the state tournament in 2009.

“Brandon had some of the best sprint marks in the state this year which would rank near the top of the conference list,” said Coppock. “He has so much potential and there are so many areas he can help us with. He’s very technical when it comes to sprinting and has the raw speed for the 60 and 100 meters, as well as the endurance needed for the 400 meters. We’re very fortunate to have him here.”

Wilson, from Laurel, Mont., excelled in track, football and golf throughout his career at Laurel High School. As a thrower on the track team, Wilson earned all-state honors during his senior year by winning the javelin and helped Laurel win the Class A state title. He also placed fifth at state in the shot put last season. His throws in the javelin, shot and discus set records at Laurel. Wilson also was an all-conference selection during his junior year and helped his team to a pair of divisional championships.

“Nick was the top high school javelin thrower in the State in 2009 and will be very competitive for us in the GNAC,” said Coppock. “His marks are already at a national level and he’ll have a good chance of qualifying for the NCAA national championships. Having an athlete like Nick will bring up the level of the whole program and we’re really excited to get started working with him.”