The Saluki track and field team has signed the number one shot putter in the country for its 2014-2015 season.

Three-time state champion Raven Saunders is one of SIU’s highest recruits.  The high school athlete out of Charleston, S.C., holds the national high school girls shot put record of 17.25 meters and is the 2014 Indoor high school National Champion.

Saunders made SIU her top choice, excluding big name schools such as the University of California Los Angeles, Louisiana State University and Arizona State University.

“Out of those other schools we thought our chances were slim,” throwing coach John Smith said.  “But it was different with her, she did her research and was interested in coming here.”

During the New Balance Nationals, a post-season track and field championship for high school students, Saunders launched 17.06 meters after breaking the record three times.

“We already have a powerful team here but it will be very interesting to see how Raven does,” Smith said.  “She has been a champion, has broke records, and it feels great to get the number one girl.”

Symone Woolridge can be reached at [email protected] or ext. 536-3311 ext. 269