HOBOKEN, N.J. (March 28, 2008) – Returning a full squad for the 2008 season, the Stevens Institute of Technology men’s outdoor track and field team will look to re-write the record books as it has high intentions of establishing roughly 15 new school records, while it contends for the first time in the Empire 8. The Ducks posted nine school records and had five individual’s qualify for the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships last year. Stevens will turn to their experienced senior class to help guide them along their way in repeating for post-season championship action.

The 2008 season will feature the largest roster size for Stevens, including the largest freshman class to date. “As the team continues to grow in numbers so does the quality of depth,” said Head Coach John Crawford (Seattle, Wash.). “I believe that this group of athletes has the ability to establish 15 new school records this season.”

Seniors Phil Mainwaring (Washington, Pa.), Michael Hoffman (Franklin Township, N.J.) and John Hoffman (Franklin Township, N.J.) will return to make an impact in the running events for the Ducks. Mainwaring currently holds the record in the mile run (4:27.13) and will he try to improve this mark, while he looks to set a school best in the 1,500-meter run as well. The Hoffman brothers, who both compete in the 800-meter run and anchor the men’s 4x400-meter relay team, are excited to enhance their performances during their final seasons as a Duck. Michael Hoffman qualified for the ECAC Championships last year in the 800-meter run as he clocked 1:56.24 at the Randall’s Island Invitational.

Sophomore Mohamed Abuouf (Livingston, N.J.) will race in the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdles, while he joins the Hoffman brothers on the 4x400-meter relay team. Last season Abuouf posted a 15.90-second clocking in the 110-meter hurdles, which earned a seventh-place showing as he became the Ducks’ fourth All-ECAC performer in the last two years. He joins the Hoffman brothers and recent graduate Matt Savary as the team which holds the current school-best in the 4x400-meter relay as they recorded a time of 3:25.18 at the Penn State Relays on April 25 of last season.

Sophomores Kevin Morgera (West Nyack, N.Y.) and John Barnes (Bayside, N.Y.) will be athletes to watch during the start of the season. Morgera will round out the fourth spot for the 4x400-meter relay team and will also compete in the 400-meter hurdles. Barnes is slotted to compete in the 1,500-meter run as well as a possible alternate for the relay teams.

In the field events, senior Fred Hardenbrook (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) and junior Joe Liccardo (Secaucus, N.J.) will lead the way in the throwing events. Both athletes will compete in the hammer throw as Liccardo posted a school-best with his heave of 34.74 meters (113’11”) during The College of New Jersey Invitational on April 27, 2007. Others expected to make a significant impact in the field events are sophomores Matthew Reihl (West Milford, N.J.) and Jonathan Landis (Sellersville, Pa.). Reihl will be a top contender in the javelin throw, while Landis is to make a significant impact in the high jump competition. After taking a year off, sophomore Trevor Currie (Portland, Ore.) will return to action as the Ducks’ go-to-guy in the pole vault competition. Freshman Nicholas Lowe (Tustin, Calif.) will be looked upon to make a solid addition to the field team in the triple jump and long jump events.

Stevens will open up the 2008 season when it travels to West Point, N.Y. to compete in the Army Open on Saturday at 11 a.m.