GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Two student-athletes have committed to attend Tusculum College and run cross country for the Pioneers announced TC head coach Suzanne Byrd. Joining the Tusculum program this fall are George Blalock and David Cooper.

Blalock was a two-year varsity runner locally at Greeneville High School where he helped pace the Greene Devils to a pair of Blue Ridge Athletic Conference championships. GHS also won the 2010 A-AA Region I title and finished runner-up for the TSSAA A-AA State Championship.

"We are excited to be signing George to run for us," said Byrd. "We know he has great potential and has had excellent coaching on his high school team. He knows how to win and will bring that attitude to our team. I am looking forward to having him be part of our team."

Blalock garnered 2010 All-Blue Ridge Conference while posting a 5,000-meter personal-record time of 19:00.

Cooper, who is also a Greeneville, Tenn. product, competed on the Chuckey-Doak High School cross country team. The two-time All-Region selection was a three-time State qualifier, including 2009 where he garnered All-State recognition. During that 2009 campaign, he was the Blue Ridge Conference Champion and has posted personal record times of 4:40 in the mile and 16:30 in the 5K.

"David Cooper is going to be an outstanding collegiate cross country runner,'' added Byrd. "He has a tremendous work ethic and is very talented. We look forward to him leading Tusculum to a new era in men's cross country."

Tusculum College, located in Greeneville, Tenn. and is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, USA, is a NCAA Division II member of the South Atlantic Conference, which is comprised of 10 colleges and universities in Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.

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