FREDERICK, Md.--Hood College head cross country and track and field coach Brent Ayer has landed a standout distance runner from Pennsylvania to bolster both programs.

Blair Ames, who attended Spring-Ford High School approximately 30 miles northwest of Philadelphia, will suit up for the Blazers beginning this fall.

Ames was a four-year member of the cross country and outdoor track and field teams at Spring-Ford, and he also competed with the winter track club for two years.

As a junior, Ames was a member of the league championship 4x800-meter relay team. He captained the cross country and track teams as a senior.

"Blair is a real find," Ayer said. "His times dropped like stones at the end of the year, with many of them buried in relay splits that didn't get as much notice. Still he managed a 4:31 for 1,600 meters that only begins to speak to his potential. His high school coach, Ken DeAngelo, has high praise for his work ethic and leadership. Blair is a great addition to our young program."