FREDERICK, Md.--Hood College track and field head coach Brent Ayer announced the addition of three recruits to his 2009 roster. Sprinter/jumper Conor Prachar as well as vaulters Christopher DiGangi and Josh Haines will all add depth to the Blazers track and field squad next spring.

Prachar was a two-time team captain at St. Rose High School in Belmar, N.J. A state medalist in the long jump and the 4x400 relay during the outdoor season, Prachar also garnered the Monmouth County Directors of Athletics Sportsmanship Award. His St. Rose squad placed third during the indoor season at the Non Public "B" State Championships and won the New Jersey Catholic Track Conference Group "B" Championship during outdoors. Prachar, who will compliment Justin Everett in the jumping events, owns a top mark in the long jump of 19' 2 1/2", just slightly more than a foot shy of Hood's current school record.

"Conor brings a great deal of versatility to the track and field team," said Ayer. "He can sprint, jump and run well in the relays."

Another New Jersey native, DiGangi comes to Hood from Brick Township High School where he earned three letters in track and field. His best marks include a leap of 5' 6" in the high jump and 13' 6" in the pole vault. He placed 12th at the state championships in the pole vault this past spring. DiGangi garnered most valuable player and rising star honors at Brick Township and was also voted team captain. Also an outstanding student, DiGangi earned a presidential scholarship and was a member of the honor roll.

Haines is another vaulter from Keymar, Md., and product of Walkersville High School. Haines also boasts a personal best of 13' 6" in the vault, a school record at Walkersville, and was selected team captain as a senior. He graduated in May with highest honors and is a member of the National Honor Society.

"I am really excited to have both of these guys," said Ayer. "They will be the first vaulters in the two-plus-year history of the varsity track and field program. They have the potential to contest this event at the top of the Capital Athletic Conference in their first year of college competition."