WINONA, Minn. – Winona State Track & Field head coach Mason Rebarchek has announced five new signees that will join the Warriors for the 2015-16 year.
 
Allison Johnson, Kailey Reynolds, Kari Schneiss, Emma Severson and Nikki Staffen will be joining the Winona State Track & Field team next season.
 
"I'm very excited about this group of young ladies that has committed to be Warriors next year," said Rebarchek. "Each fits in with the culture of our program and direction we're trying to go.  I am excited to bring each of them into the Warrior family."
 
Severson, from Columbus, Wis., will be a hurdler for the Warriors. She finished third at the WIAA State Track & Field Championships in the 300 meter hurdles and ninth in the 100 meter hurdles. Her personal best time in the 300 meter hurdles is 45.95 seconds.

Severson, who will major in Exercise Science, decided to join Winona State because of its strong Track & Field and exercise science programs. "I fell in love with the campus," said Severson. " I loved the vibes from the team and the coach. It is an excellent track program along with great exercise science program."
 
Coach Rebarchek's comments on Severson: "Emma is a talented young woman with a lot of upside in the 400 hurdles.  She has a fun, positive personality.  I look forward to working with her and helping her maximize her potential in the hurdles and sprints."
 
Schneiss is another strong hurdler that is joining the Warriors. The West Bend, Wis. Native, attending Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School had a strong showing at the WIAA State Track & Field Championships finishing second in the 100 meter hurdles and ninth in the 300 meter hurdles, with best times of 15.26 seconds in the 100 meter hurdles and 46.58 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles.

Schniess will be majoring in Elementary Education, a strong program and something that she loves about Winona State. "I believe Winona is the perfect fit for me," Schneiss said. "The size, location and education program were exactly what I wanted. When I was on campus, I felt at home and didn't want to leave. I also love the student-athlete program Winona State provides."
 
Coach Rebarchek's comments on Schneiss: "Kari is a fierce competitor with a lot of potential in both hurdle races.  She brings a great attitude and work ethic that will take her far.  She will be a great addition to our hurdle group.  I'm excited to work with her!"
 
Johnson is a Clintonville, Wis. native and is joining the Winona State roster as a potent middle-distance runner and high jumper. Johnson is a WIAA State Champion in the 800 meters with a personal best of 2:16.41, and 5' 4" in the High Jump.

Johnson will enter Winona State's Elementary Education program and says that she chose Winona State due to the school's size and programs. "Winona isn't too big," Johnson said. "It's just the right size for me and it's beautiful. It also has a great Education program."
 
Coach Rebarchek's comments on Johnson:  I was very impressed with Ali's effort and mental approach to the state meet last spring.  She has the type of attitude that you need in order to be successful at a high level in the 800 meters.  She also shows how explosive she can be with her ability to high jump very well.  She also brings a great attitude and fun personality that will be another great addition to the team next year.
 
Reynolds, another Wisconsin native, coming from Whitewater, will join the Warriors as a sprinter. She has won multiple conference championships and has a personal best of 12.46 seconds in the 100 meters.
 
Reynolds intends to join Winona State's Pre-Physical Therapy program. "I chose Winona State because of the courses they had to offer me," said Reynolds. "I felt comfortable with the coach and teammates. I felt like I was at home the whole time I visited."
 
Coach Rebarchek's comments on Reynolds: "Kailey is a raw sprinter with a lot of potential.  She brings a positive outlook and personality with her that will help her with the high strung mentality of the short sprints."
 
Staffen will join the Warriors as a member of both the Cross Country and Track & Field programs. The Stoughton, Wis. native has qualified for the WIAA State Track & Field Championships her freshman, sophomore and junior years of high school and all four years for Cross Country.  She will be a versatile distance runner for the Warriors with personal bests of 2:20 in the 800 meters, 5:14 in the 1600 meters, and 18:58 in the 5000 meter Cross Country distance.
 
Staffen intends to major in Exercise Science. "I chose Winona State because I felt at home there and the people on campus and in the community were very friendly," said Staffen. "The bluffs add a very scenic touch. I also cannot wait to run Cross Country and track for the Warriors.  They have such a strong team."
 
Distance Coach Brett Ayers' comments on Staffen: "In addition to her individual accomplishments, Nikki has been an outstanding leader and example for her high school teammates. She'll bring to same qualities to our team and we're looking forward to working with her."