Two women, two men to join Xavier this fall
April 16, 2008

NEW ORLEANS — Four runners — two women and two men — will join the Xavier University of Louisiana cross country teams this fall, coach Joseph Moses announced Wednesday.

Joining the Gold Nuggets will be:

• Anna D'Souza of Baton Rouge, La., and St. Michael High School.

• Ashley Taylor of LaPlace, La., and Cabrini High School in New Orleans.
Joining with the Gold Rush will be:

• Ray Walston of Atlanta, Ga., and Mays High School.

• James Hearn of Newport News, Va., and Woodside High School.

D'Souza, Taylor and Walston will receive athletic scholarships. Hearn will attend Xavier on an academic scholarship.

D'Souza was an All-State and All-Metro Baton Rouge selection during the fall and ran her best time of 19 minutes, 25.02 seconds during a fourth-place finish at the Class 4A state meet. She led her team to a state championhip. Taylor was sixth in 4A as a senior and ran her best three-mile time, 19:37.64, at that meet.

Walston's best three-mile time is 16:16, and Hearn's is 17:09.

Xavier is the two-time defending Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion in men's and women's cross country.