TUSCALOOSA | Alabama women’s track and field coach Sandy Fowler has signed the Gilmore twins, Leigh and Sarah, of Grove Hill. The two will compete on the cross country team for coach Randy Hasenbank next fall and then run track for the Crimson Tide in 2009.

“Leigh and Sarah are great athletes and will help the programs move in a positive direction immediately,” Fowler said.

“They are both very athletic and will add depth in cross country, and in the middle and long distance in track & field. Both come into the program with Alabama state records, which says volume for their commitment and dedication to the sports of cross country and track and field.”

The sisters competed at UMS-Wright in Mobile under coach Pat Galle. They led the Lady Bulldogs to back-to-back Class 4A state championships in cross country and track in 2005 and 2006. UMS-Wright earned Class 5A runner-up honors in cross country last fall.

Leigh Gilmore brings a school and Class 4A state record in the 800 with a time of 2:18. She was 4A state champion in the 800 in 2006. She teamed up her sister to run a 4A meet record time in the 4x800 relay.

Sarah Gilmore holds the 4A state meet records at 1600 meters, 3200 meters and 4x800 meter relay. She has four individual state titles — the 1600 meter run, 3200 meter run and 4x800 meter relay, plus the cross country title.