Valpo's Barksdale to UMass - Post-Tribune (IN)

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Nathan Barksdale essentially was undecided between Massachusetts and South Carolina. But when the Minutemen told him he would be their top recruit, his decision crystallized.The Valparaiso sprinter has orally committed to UMass, and will sign a national letter of intent today.

Also, Andrean midfielder Mandy Ward has orally committed to play soccer for Loyola of Chicago. The signing period for soccer begins on Feb. 4, 2004.

Barksdale plans to major in business management, with the goal of becoming a sports agent or perhaps an executive with a franchise.

'I met the team, and the guys were really cool,' said Barksdale, who will receive a partial athletic scholarship. 'The campus was gorgeous. I just knew it was the place for me. I fell in love with it.'

Barksdale had taken an unofficial visit over the summer, before taking his official visit two weeks ago. In addition to South Carolina, where he also had visited over the summer, he also had been considering Miami of Ohio and Seton Hall.

Barksdale helped the Vikings place seventh in the state in the 400-meter relay last spring. He also qualified for the state meet in the 100 and 200, and as part of the 1,600 relay.

'He's been a real big part of our track program the last three years,' Valparaiso coach Brett Polizotto said. 'He's definitely one of the top sprinters in school history. He's contributed to our relays also. We're excited for him to have the opportunity to continue running.'

UMass, under 36-year coach Ken O'Brien, placed third in the Atlantic 10 and 10th out of 38 teams at the New England Championships last season. Kwesi Frimpong-Boateng, a sprinter from Ghana, was the Minutemen's top athlete.

Ward had been leaning toward Loyola for some time, and finalized her plans after the Ramblers' season finally ended -- they won the Horizon League Tournament title to make their first NCAA Tournament, losing to No. 2 Notre Dame on Friday.

'I feel so relieved,' said Ward, who also had considered St. Mary's and Illinois Wesleyan. 'I was thinking about it every day. But now that I've made my decision, I can worry about other things.'

She plans to study psychology, with an eye on attending law school.

Ward had 17 goals and 13 assists as a senior for the 59ers, making the Post-Tribune All-Area first team. Loyola finished its breakthrough season at 10-11, under nine-year coach Brendan Eitz.

'I think it was a good decision for her,' Andrean coach Chris Mikrut said. 'It's a mid-major D-I, and she can make an impact right away.'

Reporter Michael Osipoff can be reached at 648-3137 or by e-mail at mosipoff@post-trib.com.