Gabriel Cruz, a native of Maywood, Ill., has signed the first national letter of intent this spring for the Illinois State track and field team.
Recruiting Gabe, I felt that there was a match, head coach Jeff Pigg said. Hes a class act all the way. Hes excited and proud to be here. Hes the whole package and really a perfect fit.
Cruz, a spring 2001 graduate of Proviso East High School, won the state indoor 800 with a time of 1:52.40. He also ran in the 4x400 relay at Proviso East.
I truly believe hes one of the best 800 prospects in the nation, Pigg added. He believes that we can be a powerhouse, and he and I are on the same page.
Pigg speculates that Cruz will compete in the 800 and the 400 for the Redbirds and possibly in cross country later in his career.
Illinois State was Cruzs first campus visit, but he was drawing attention from Iowa and Houston, as well.
When things are right, they are right, Pigg said. He knew that and signed right away. This is a big sign for us and were all very excited.
