Monday, May 19, 2003

Valparaiso University's Kristopher Schmautz (Missoula, Mont./Hellgate H.S.) was named the Mid-Continent Conference Newcomer of the Year and six Crusaders were named to the All-Conference Team following the completion of the Mid-Continent Conference Track and Field Championships.

Schmautz was the first Crusader ever to receive Newcomer of the Year award after winning the javelin with a throw of 187'1", 10'3" more than his nearest competitor. The freshman also earned All-Conference honors for his effort.

Valpo also had five other athletes join Schmautz on the All-Conference Team. Fifth-year senior Aaron Crague (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central H.S.) earned his second all-conference selection after winning the 5,000m run with a time of 15:14.54. He also finished second in the 1,500m run (3:54.45).

Nate Nunnelly (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) also earned his second all-conference award after winning the 1,500m run. His time of 3:53.54 placed him just ahead of Crague in the race.

Joe Dwyer (Lansing, Ill./TF South H.S.), Matt Blume (Logansport, Ind./Pioneer H.S.), and Joshua Lee (Yellow Jacket, Colo./Montezuma-Cortez H.S.) all earned all-conference awards for the first time. Dwyer finished second in the decathlon with 5,059 points in his first attempt at the event. Blume finished third in the 5,000m run with a time of 15:14.54 while Lee placed second in the long jump with a leap of 22'9 ¾".