Rodger Cromer, retiring at the end of the 2000-01 season after 37 years as Miami University's coach, has signed two top prospects, who will join the RedHawks for the 2001-02 season.

        They are Justin Kruse of Toledo and Scott Strickland of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

        Kruse, who is completing his senior year at Ottawa Hills High, won the Division III Ohio High School State Individual Championship this year and was tabbed a first-team all-state selection. Kruse also set a school record for lowest average and is a two-year letter-winner in basketball as well as in track and tennis.

Strickland, a four-time all-state selection who is completing his senior year at Cranbrook Kingswood High, led the Cranes to Michigan High School state titles in 1997 and 1999, a runner-up finish in 1998 and a third-place finish in 2000. He also helped the Cranes to the state ice hockey championship in 1999. During his junior season, he set a school record in lacrosse for most points in a season. During his sophomore season, Strickland shot a nine-hole match record of 28 and was recognized by Golf World, Golf Digest and featured on NBC's “Best Things in Golf.”

        Kruse and Strickland are Cromer's final recruiting class. Cromer, eight-time Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year and three-time NCAA Regional Coach of the Year for District IV, announced his retirement in October.

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