49ers Ace Early Signing Period
Distance Program Picks Up Two of the Top Runners on the West Coast

November 22, 2004

LONG BEACH, CA-- The Long Beach State track and field and cross country programs scored major points in the distance community by landing two of the top runners on the West Coast with the signing of Fitsum Tesfa (Chino/Don Lugo HS) and Dylan Jaedtke (Simi Valley/Royal HS) to National Letters of Intent. Tesfa, who holds the fifth-fastest 3-mile time in the nation (14:36), is considered one of the top seniors in the country, while Jaedtke runs for the state's No.1-ranked team.

"These two signees represent the caliber of athletes that will lead us in the future," said Director of Track and Field Andy Sythe. "This is a strong beginning for us in what should prove to be a fruitful recruiting year. Regionally, Fitsum is a major talent and will have an immediate impact on the 49er program; while Dylan is a seasoned competitor, great leader and an accomplished student."

Tesfa runs for third-ranked Don Lugo High and will look to win the state cross country title November 27 in Fresno, after winning the Southern Sectional this past weekend. This season alone, Tesfa has won the Stanford Invitational, the Mt. SAC Sweepstakes and the Inland Empire Challenge. A pre-season All-West Region second team selection, Tesfa has beaten every runner he has faced on this year's pre-season first team. Tesfa finished fourth in the state 3200-meter last season and had a personal-best of 9:12.14 in the event.

Jaedtke is the top runner for the state's top team, Royal High, as the Highlanders are ranked No. 4 nationally by Harrier Magazine. Jaedtke was a pre-season second team All-Region selection after being named second team All-State as a junior. Jaedtke's time of 14:49 also ranks amongst the tops in the country for 2004, as he has also ran times of 4:16 in the 1600-meter and 9:21 in the 3200-meter as a junior. Jaedtke chose the 49ers over No. 6-ranked Cal Poly.

Coach Sythe says of Distance Coach Matt Roe, "Tesfa and Jaedtke, are Roe's first two recruits, and are two components of a bigger picture in elevating our track and field program. We have a great university at The Beach and now with Matt coaching our runners, we are sure to see our performance reach new heights."