BOONE, N.C. - App State director of track & field/cross country
Damion McLean announced the signing of five Mountaineers to the 2026-27 signing class on Wednesday.
"I'm extremely excited about the core of athletes that we are adding to this program," said McLean. "We're adding more depth to the distance squad and some missing pieces to the track and field area. This is just another step of the puzzle to the progressive success that we are looking for."
Samone Arrington | Hurdles | Durham, N.C. | JD Clement Early College
Arrington will join the Mountaineers as a hurdler next spring. She was a champion hurdler at the conference, regional, and state levels. The Durham, N.C. native also earned MVP honors for her efforts on the track. Arrington competed on the Run U Xpress club team and was a national qualifier.
While at App State, Arrington plans on studying biology. She enjoys volleyball, family time, and church.
Why Arrington Chose App State: "I chose App State for the great academic and athletic programs and the welcoming people."
Ashley Casas | Jumps | Lewisville, N.C. | Ronald W. Reagan HS
Joining the Mountaineers' jumps squad is Casas. The Lewisville, N.C. native was a 4A Midwest regional champion and 4A state runner-up in the high jump. She was also a 2024 Nike Indoor Nationals EE champion. Casas has collected indoor and outdoor all-conference honors and has been a three-time conference champion.
Casas plans on studying kinesiology while in the High Country. She enjoys country music, baking, concerts, and fitness. Additionally, she did competitive gymnastics for 11 years.
Why Casas Chose App State: "I chose App State because it felt like home the moment I stepped on campus. The people, the atmosphere, and the support system are unmatched."
Lucas Johnson | Distance | Augusta, Ga. | Westminster Schools of Augusta
Augusta, Ga. native Johnson will compete in the distance events for App State. He is a CSRA Cross Country Athlete of the year as well as the 2025 cross country individual state champion. Johnson is a five-time all-region and all-state cross country honoree as well as a three-time 3,200 meter all-region selection. He holds the Westminster Schools of Augusta records for the 5K and the 3,200 meters.
Johnson plans on studying finance and banking. He enjoys working out and watching sports and has traveled to all 50 states.
Why Johnson Chose App State: "I chose App State because of the good team culture."
Hunter Riffey | Distance | Greensboro, N.C. | Caldwell Academy
Riffey will come up the mountain to join App State's distance squad. The Greensboro, N.C. native is a seven-time NCISAA 2A state champion. He also competed on the High Point Blaze club team, where he was the 2025 AAU 3K indoor national champion and the 2024 17-18 AAU cross country champion.
While in Boone, Riffey plans on studying kinesiology and has an uncle who attended App State. Riffey enjoys hanging out with friends, going to concerts, and watching baseball.
Why Riffey Chose App State: "I chose App State because of Coach Herbster, the team, and the school community."
Sadie Wortman | Distance | Cary, N.C. | Green Level HS
Cary, N.C. native Wortman will come up the mountain to compete as part of the distance squad. Wortman helped her high school team to 2025 NCHSAA 8A state and regional titles, collecting NCHSAA 8A all-state honors. She was also the 2025 Quad City Seven Cross Country Conference Champion. On the track, she was an NCHSAA 4A Mideast Regional runner-up in the 3,200 meters and 4x800-meter relay. She is also a three-time SWAC cross country conference team member.
Wortman plans on studying nutrition, foods, and dietetics while at App State. She enjoys running, skiing, hiking, traveling, playing soccer, and paddle boarding.
Why Wortman Chose App State: "I chose App State for the community and location. The campus is beautiful, and everyone is so welcoming. App State offers everything I am looking for as a student and an athlete."
