JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (April 25, 2005) - East Tennessee State University track and field assistant coach Michelle Byrne announced today the signing of two local athletes, Drew Beamer (Johnson City, Tenn.) and Allie Frazier (Knoxville, Tenn.) have signed National Letters of Intent to join the Buccaneer squad for the 2005-06 season.

A pole vaulter, Beamer has competed with the Science Hill track and field team earning five letters. Coached by Ernest Hill and John Hyatt, he placed second in the state and was all-conference in the pole vault in 2004. Beamer also holds the Hill Topper record in the pole vault at 14-0. An all-around athlete, he also competed on the Science Hill wrestling team under Jeff Price and in local triathlons. During his wrestling career he was named all-region twice and was a three time state qualifier. As a tri-athlete, he was named the State Triathlon Champion in 2004.

"As a staff we are delighted to sign a local standout such as Drew, who is a top pole vaulter in the state," stated Byrne. "His athletic and academic accomplishments will be a tremendous asset to the men's team."

Frazier has been a member of Carter High School's varsity track and field team for three years. She has competed in the pentathlon, long jump, high jump and 400m as well as a member of the school's 4 X 400m and 4 X 800m relay teams. In 2003 at the AAU Junior Olympic Nationals she ran a time of 2:26 in the 800m, 1:00 in the 400m, and 3,200 points in her first year of competition in the heptathlon. An all-around athlete, Frazier was a member of the varsity soccer and basketball teams for three years and also ran cross country her junior year. In soccer she was named as an honorable mention her sophomore and junior years. She captained the basketball team in her junior year and was awarded all-district honors scoring a career high of 20 points during the year. Frazier also was actively involved in her high school's academic programs as a member of the math society Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, FCA and German club.

"We're excited about Allie," said Byrne. "She's a multi-talented athlete and brings an enthusiasm for the sport that will help her excel at the collegiate level both academically and athletically."