The 2005-06 version of the Panther Track & Field program will once again be a balanced attack. As a relatively young team with only a few seniors have to prove itself once again to be the team to beat in the Ohio Valley Conference.

The Throws   In the field event areas, the panthers are returning a number of quality individuals. Leading the throwers this year will be junior Jimmy Schultz.. Jimmy placed second last year in the Shot Put at both conference championship meets with throws of 52’10”. He also followed that up with a fourth place in the indoor weight throw, and a 7th place finish in the Discus outdoors. Sophomore Jon Morlen finished 5th in his specialty the discus at 153’06” and is looking to improve in the other throwing areas. Joining this crew will be red-shirt freshman Dan Rivera and transfer student Ryan Bennett. With the conference graduating most of the top throwers from the past few years, these events will be wide open for new blood to step in and take control.

Jumps   The jumping events will also be a strong point for the Panthers, returning the likes of Jason Stark (HJ 6’7.5”, LJ 23’2.5”, TJ 47’8.5”), Justin Smith (LJ 24’1.75”, TJ 47’5.75”), Obe Eruteya (HJ 6’6”, TJ 48’), Marcel Morgan (LJ 23’9.5”) and Monternez Buckley (LJ 23’6.5”), who have combined to win 4 individual conference titles, as well as dominate the conference for the past three years. Add to this group freshmen Courtney Lynn and Eric McCallum, and the Panthers have an excellent chance at scoring very well in the jumps.

Pole Vault   The pole vault was a strong event for the Panthers last year, however, the Indoor and Outdoor OVC Champ Adam Caldwell has graduated. The good news is that this year's newcomers should make this event even stronger than last with JC transfer Kyle Ellis (16’9”), Indiana State Champ Dorian White (15’09”) and Illinois standout Ben Hinds (15’7”). Also new to the vault crew are transfer Ed Miller (Nebraska) and freshman Travis Timmons (Sandwich, IL).

Middle Distance   In the middle distances, returning sophomore Chris Wesson (1:52.02), who finished third in the conference indoors and outdoors, will lead a pack of talented runners. Newcomer David Holm, Canadian Junior National Champion (1:51.8) and Junior Erik Werden (1:54.52i) returning from a red-shirt season and sophomore Clint Coffey (1:54.59) who placed in both OVC championships, and senior Brad Runnion (1:56.28i) will add quality depth to this event. This event area could prove to be one of the strongest this year, and possibly challenge a few relay records set back in the Jim Maton era.Look out here!!  This may be the strongest group on the team.

Distance   As always, the EIU distance crew provides strong performances and scores big conference points year in and year out.  The distance crew always seems to be a constant for the panthers and this year will be no exception. After coming off of an excellent cross country season and another OVC Cross Country title, upperclassmen David Carlson, Jacob Stout, Daniel Strackeljahn and emerging Scott McNamer will provide plenty of fire-power for the panther distance crew. Carlson, two time OVC conference champ in the long runs will continue to put his name among the elite on the Big Blue All-time list. Dave already owns the #2 spot in the 10,000m and the #6 spot on the indoor 5,000m list. Charleston’s own Scott McNamer is also coming off a “First Team, All-OVC” Cross Country season and continue to prove himself as one of the top distance runners in the conference. Jacob Stout, two time, NCAA Regional Qualifier and EIU school record holder in the Steeple Chase has won multiple individual championships at the OVC level, and returning OVC 1500m champion Daniel Strackeljahn (4:08.30 – 1:52.76) who ranks #6 on the indoor mile list, will not only provide excellent leadership to the EIU distance corps, but continue to do severe damage from the 1500m on up to the 5K.

Final Wrap Up   Hard work, extreme focus, daily sacrifice, and a little bit of good luck can help this year’s version of the Panther Track and Field Team continue it’s dominance of a vastly improving Ohio Valley Conference, and keep EIU on the winning track!!

Go Big Blue! 
Coaches Akers and Masanet