Sinclair & Hernandez Finalize Cross Country & Track and Field 2023 Signing Class

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida cross country & track and field welcomes transfer William Sinclair and freshman Rey Hernandez to the program as the final pieces of the 2023 signing class, as announced by Jeff Pigg on Tuesday afternoon.

Sinclair has three years of collegiate running experience in both cross country and track while attending Missouri, while Hernandez will be added as a young piece to the sprints and hurdles squad on the track team.

The Ospreys will enter the 2023-24 season with 33 men and 24 women to combine for 57 individuals on the track team. There will also be 24 men and 15 women from those groups for 39 individuals representing the cross-country teams this fall.

William Sinclair

Hometown: Tauwhare, New Zealand
Previous School: Missouri
XC PR: 8k - 23:52.9 | 10k - 31:41.1
Track PR: 800m - 1:52.11 | 1500m - 3:41.75 | 3000m - 8:22.85 | 5000m - 14:04.40

Notes: Competed in cross country & track and field at Missouri for three years...made three SEC Honor Roll lists...made 2020 All-SEC XC Freshman Team, 2021 All-SEC XC Second Team and was SEC XC Freshman of the Week on Sept. 22, 2020...qualified for 2021 NCAA West Preliminaries for 1500m race...made Academic All-American team in 2022...born on Apr. 13, 2000...plans to major in business management.

Chose UNF because "of the great coaching staff and a distance-focused team with great culture, as well as excellent facilities and a location to train."

Coach's Thoughts: "Will [Sinclair] is a very talented runner who found a lot of success at the University of Missouri. He has great versatility, running quality times in the 1500m, as well as cross country. He works hard running nearly 100 miles per week. His talent, drive and work ethic are all part of what made him a great fit for us. I look forward to helping him continue on his successful path."
-- head coach Jeff Pigg

Rey Hernandez

Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.
High School: George Jenkins HS
Track PR: 100m - 10.90 | 110mH - 14.11 | 400mH - 53.18 | 200m - 21.70 | 400m - 48.53

Notes: Competed in track and field during junior and senior seasons of high school...specializes in sprints and hurdles...went 3-for-3 during junior year in all events to medal at states while attending George Jenkins HS...had most points scored running event wise in 2022...as a senior, went 3-for-3 again at states while medaling in every event qualified...won both regional events and scored most points for running events in 2023...born on Aug. 25, 2005...plans to major in sport management.

Chose UNF because "it was the first time ever visiting the school. I liked it coming in and everybody made me feel welcomed. Also, feeling welcomed by the administrators and the coaches is a good feeling and they also had the major I wanted."

Coach's Thoughts: "Rey [Hernandez] is a talented hurdler, who we think will be a great addition as we expand our program to the sprint/hurdle events. His marks from HS indicate he will have a good transition to the college level. Coach Wells will have some impact athletes as he arrives, and it will be fun to see the progress they can make."
-- head coach Jeff Pigg