Key returners include senior Nic Saluppo (Wadsworth/Highland), who set an OAC record in the 55m dash last winter with a time of 6.38. Other champions returning include senior Ryan Garro (Mogadore/Lake), who won the 800m run (1:53.50), senior Jeremy Velliquette (Fremont/St. Joseph) who took the top spot in both the 1,000m run (2:31.89) and 1 mile run (4:14.14), senior Eric Belancic (Wheeling, WV/Central) who won the high jump (6-08) and senior Justin Rodhe (Garrettsville/Kenston), who finished first in the shot put (55-06.25). Garro and Velliquette and senior Kyle Basista (Westlake/Elyria Catholic) also made up three-fourths of the Raiders’ first place distance medley relay squad (10:00.83).

The Purple & White also return several others who scored at the conference meet back in early March of 2006, including junior Justin Archer (Orrville) who took second in the shot put, junior Brian Bernard (Stow) who was fifth in the 5,000 meters, junior Bishmi Bradshaw (Maybrook, NY/Valley Central), who placed fifth in the 400 meter dash and eighth in the 300 meter dash, sophomore Rahim Bradshaw (Maybrook, NY/Valley Central), who was fourth in the 400 meter dash and sixth in the 300 meter dash, senior Matt Dawson (Painesville/Riverside), who finished third in the shot put, senior Chris Lockhart (Painesville/Riverside), who took fourth in the 55 meter hurdles and sixth in the triple jump, junior Jason Sigmund (Streetsboro/Walsh Jesuit), who was fourth in the 5,000 meters, senior Chris Zath (Brunswick), who was fifth in the pole vault, and sophomore Dustin Ford (Canton/Perry), who took seventh in the 5,000 meters. Basista also placed eighth in the 1,000 meters.

Junior Shane Stoetzer (Massillon/Central Catholic), who was part of the fourth place 4x400 meter relay squad and fifth place 4x200 team at OACs, also returns. Belancic and Saluppo were also members of the 4x200 squad.

The top-eight finishers in each event at the conference championship meet score for their respective teams.

“We have a good veteran group returning and we have added several newcomers who just add talent to the overall mix of the team,” stated Raider Head Coach John Homon, who has won 48 conference championships in his 27 years at the helm of Mount Union’s men’s cross country and track programs – 12 in cross country, 19 indoor & 17 outdoor. Homon also earned the 2006 OAC Indoor Track Coach of the Year Award - the ninth time he earned the honor. “Our primary goal going into each season is to capture the conference title and qualify as many individuals and relay teams as we can for Nationals. With good health and a strong overall team work ethic, we will hopefully achieve those goals this season.”

Several of Mount Union’s returning top performers a year ago also turned in All-American performances at the Division III Indoor National Meet in 2006 - including Rodhe in the shot put (7th/16.63m), Velliquette in the one mile run (6th/4:14.77), Garro in the 800 meters (5th/1:53.98) and the distance medley relay squad, who took third (10:06.83). As a team, the Raiders placed sixth (23 points) at Nationals - their 10th top 10 finish at Indoor Nationals.

The top-eight finishers at Indoor Nationals earn All-American status.

Overall, Mount Union’s men’s indoor and outdoor track tradition includes not only 54 conference crowns, but also 19 top-10 finishes at Nationals and well over 200 individual All-American mentions.

“We are proud of the tradition coach (Jim) Wuske established at Mount Union,” added Homon. “We have been able to build on that foundation through the contribution of many outstanding student-athletes through the years. Hopefully, that will continue here in 2007.”

The 2007 season opens at the Otterbein Meet on Saturday, January 20. The Raiders are scheduled to host indoor meets on Saturday, February 3 and again on Saturday, February 24. The OAC Championships will take place in Ada, Ohio on the campus of Ohio Northern on March 2-3. The Division III Nationals are to be held on the campus of Rose Hulman in Terre Haute, Indiana on March 9-10.