Mercer

University will begin its first year of track next year.

The team is

sure to get a boost now that Cassie Shular, a graduating

senior from Starr's Mill High School, has signed a letter

of intent to attend the school and run next fall.

Shular has

run four years of track and cross country in high school:

one year at McIntosh and three years at Starr's Mill. The

Starr's Mill cross country team earned second place in

the state this year. Shular finished eighth in the state

in the 800-meter this year and owns numerous school

records.

Though she

is unsure of what she will major in, Shular knew

immediately that Mercer was for her. "It's a small

school and really tight-knit," she explained.

"Plus, I really wanted to run."

She will

certainly be an asset to the Mercer cross country and

track programs and will develop into a stronger and

faster athlete.