The Alice Lloyd College Eagles Cross Country program is pleased to announce the signing of two quality student-athletes from one of the mountains elite running teams to athletic letters of intent for the upcoming 2012-13 school year. ALC’s Director of Athletics and Cross Country Coach Gary D. Stepp traveled to Harlan on Thursday, and he happily returned with the fresh signatures of senior runners Tyler Turner and Blaine Grubbs.

Harlan senior Tyler Turner signed to run cross country at Alice Lloyd College on Thursday. Seated with Turner are, from left, front row: Josh Turner, Carter Turner, Kristi Turner, and Tiffany Turner; back row: Harlan County Assistant Coach Darrell Sergent, Alice Lloyd Coach Gary Stepp, Harlan County Coach Ryan Vitatoe, and Harlan County Schools Superintendent Timothy Saylor.

In response as to what influenced him to pick Alice Lloyd, the soft-spoken Turner replied, “I picked ALC because it is a small, Christian college, and it reminds me so much of Harlan. Everyone there was so nice, and they made me feel right at home the first time I walked on campus.” Turner added, “I am really looking forward to running at Alice Lloyd. I also want to show my high school coach how much he has influenced me not only in running, but in life as well.”

Harlan senior Blaine Grubbs signed to run cross country at Alice Lloyd College on Thursday. Seated with Grubbs are, from left, front row: Michael Grubbs, Adam Grubbs, and Joann Grubbs; back row: Harlan County Assistant Coach Darrell Sergent, Alice Lloyd Coach Gary Stepp, Harlan County Coach Ryan Vitatoe, and Harlan County Schools Superintendent Timothy Saylor.

When asked about his feelings on making his college decision, Grubbs responded, “The day my parents and I visited for the first time was great!  It reminded me so much of home. As soon as we drove onto the college campus, I knew that it was the place I wanted to be. The people there were really kind, and literally everyone I came into contact with made me feel so welcome.” Grubbs later added, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to better myself, and I feel that ALC will help open many doors in my life, as well as help me achieve my future goals. I also feel Alice Lloyd will help me grow as a person, and I am counting down the days until classes start!” After the signings an elated Coach Stepp said, “I am thrilled to sign two quality young men like Blaine Grubbs and Tyler Turner to attend Alice Lloyd College for many reasons. First, they are both solid students. The number one priority for me is that they each work hard academically, and that they each earn their degree. Two, they both impress me with their desire to work hard and with their appreciation for an opportunity to run on the collegiate level. Third, they are both part of an elite program at Harlan County. Coach Ryan Vitatoe has done an excellent job in building the Black Bears into a powerhouse in the mountains, and I see the quality student-athletes he produces. I feel fortunate to ink two of his runners.” Stepp would also add, “I am striving to build a competitive program at Alice Lloyd. ALC recruits exclusively from the Appalachia area and does not travel the country in search of athletes. Therefore, it is critical for me to get the best student-athletes in the mountains who will embrace the philosophy of our school and become the future leaders in our area. I think both Blaine and Tyler have outstanding potential, and are perfect fits for us. I am happy to welcome them into the Eagle family.”