May 12, 2003

Chicago, Ill. - University of Illinois at Chicago head women's track and field coach Jim Knoedel announced on Monday afternoon that he has signed Rowsha LaBranche (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook) to run for the Flames in the 2003-04 campaign.

LaBranche should compete in the 100 and 200-meter dash, along with the 4x100 relay for the Flames next season and will make an immediate impact according to Knoedel. As a sophomore, LaBranche was a state-qualifier in the 100-meter dash along with the 4x100 and 4x200 relays.

"Rowsha is one of the top sprinters in the state," Knoedel said. "We've been weak in the short sprinting events and she should fill in very nicely.

"She is a very talented individual."