FREDERICK, Md.--Head track and field and cross country coach Brent Ayer announced the additions of distance runner Maria Moss and jumper/hurdler Emma Arneson to his roster for the 2008-09 season.

Moss was a two-sport athlete at nearby Brunswick High School who also played lacrosse. She earned four letters in cross country and two in indoor track. Moss qualified for the 1A state championship all four years at Brunswick. She garnered the most dedicated runner award three times and was selected as the team's most outstanding runner her junior year. Also an excelelnt student, Moss was a four-time member of the honor roll and earned the most outstanding junior scholar award. She was also active in various clubs and organizations at Brunswick. Her older sister, Janelle, is a 2006 Hood graduate and former softball standout.

"Maria has the potential to run in our top three in her freshman year," said Ayer. "She was very involved in her school and local community and is am impressive student. She will be a nice complement to a team that has made all-academic the last four seasons."

Arneson comes to Hood from Huntington High School in Huntington, W.Va. Her top marks in high school include 15' 8" in the long jump and 17.74 seconds in the 100 meter high hurdles.

"Emma’s hurdles time is already under our school record and she is within a ¼" of our long jump record," said Ayer. "She is a great addition to our women’s team and should help us immediately in the hurdles, jumps and relays. She gives us depth across the board and should be capable of adding to our point totals at the conference championship."