Erica Capellino Class: Freshman Hometown: Palos Verdes, CA High School: Palos Verdes HS Height: 5-5 Event: 1500 / Mid-Distances Birthdate: 01/26/1993

THIS YEAR: Freshman Erica Capellino had a strong cross country campaign in the fall and should be a big part of our middle distance crew in track.

CROSS COUNTRY: Capellino was one of USC's top cross country runners in the fall, placing second in her first collegiate race with a time of 18:27.8 at the Aztec Invitational (5K) on Sept. 17. Also placed third at the CS Northridge Inivitational (6K) on Oct. 15 with a time of 22:05.48 to help USC finish second. She was USC's second finisher and 92nd overall at the Pac-12 Championships with a time of 22:41.

HIGH SCHOOL: Capellino is a 2011 graduate of Palos Verdes High in Palos Verdes, Calif where she competed in cross country and track and field. She took third place in the CIF Southern Section Division 3 Cross Country finals on a 3.25 course with a time of 18:39 and fifth at the CIF State Championships on a 5K course with a time of 18:04. Also has cross country best of 18:04 on a 5000m course, 18:10 on a 2.95 mile course and 17.56 on a three mile course. In, track as a senior, Capellino placed second in the 800m and 1600m at the CIF Southern Section Division 3 finals with PRs respectively of 2:14.35 and 4:51.10. Won the one-mile seeded race at the Arcadia Invitational as a senior with a time of 4:57.31. Won the CIF Southern Section 800m final as a sophomore...Was valedictorian at Palos Verdes High.

PERSONAL: Erica was born on January 26, 1993 in Torrance, Calif...Lists her favorite place as the beach...Likes to ski, surf and dance in her spare time...Her father Rick Capellino atteneded USC, as did her cousin Jenna Carmack, uncle Jim Carmack and aunt Terrie Capellino (Carmack)...Is a Kinesiology, Pre-Med major at USC...Volunteers at the Little Company of Mary Hospital Intensive Care Unit.

CAREER BESTS: 800m -- 2:14.35 1600m -- 4:51.10