COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- First-year Tennessee Tech cross country coach Wayne Angel isn't wasting any time in taking giant steps toward building the Golden Eagle program, announcing the addition of Geoffrey Sambu, an accomplished runner who has transferred in from Florida A&M. 

A native of Nakura, Kenya, he placed fourth last year in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships with an 8K time of 25:28, and has posted a personal best at that distance of 24:43. In the NCAA South Regional, a 10K race, Sambu finished 45th overall with a time of 31:13.39.

“Geoffrey will make an immediate impact on this program and in the OVC," Angel said. "I believe that he has the ability to contend for an individual OVC title this year. He is a leader and his teammates respect him."

Angel feels the addition of Sambu is the first step toward lifting Tech's cross country and track & field teams into contention in the Ohio Valley Conference. 

“I am excited for the future of cross country and track & field at Tennessee Tech," Angel said. "Geoffrey adds a dimension to our program that we have not had in quite some time. His international experience coupled with his winning ways and strong academics make for a great fit for this program.  I believe that Geoffrey can begin the process of taking our distance programs to new levels."