Believe it or not I am currently writing as we cruise down the interstate on our way to Chicago. Internet access has been spotty at best but as we near the eastern side of Minnesota I seem to be getting better service. As we were driving we got talking about the history of our program. I am a history buff so knowing about our program is very interesting to me. I jumped on the internet archive looking for two things. One was chasingtradtion.com which no longer is on the internet. The other was to look at the Augustana athletic web site back in the day. Posted below is the 1997 team outlook along with a link. I'll be posting updates from the road complete with race video and re-caps. This is the last weekend to qualify for nationals. Check back soon for more details.

1997 Augustana Track and Field Web Site

Season Outlook

The 1997 season sees a youth movement on the Vikings team. Although there were only two graduating seniors in 1996, 1997 sees eleven true freshman, and one redshirt freshman on the Augie squad. Gone from last years team are Tom Dow (12-time All-American, 800m; Council Bluffs, IA), and Jason Knudsen (400/800; Custer, SD).
Returning veterans inlude North Central Conference placewinners, Johnny Parks (Sr; Rapid City, SD) in the 1500m, Kyle Anderson (Sr; Scholfield, WI), Matt Merritt (So; Sioux Falls, SD), in the hurdles,Troy O'Hara (So; Sioux Falls, SD) in the 3000m Steeplechase, and three of the four members of the 4 x 400m relay, Merritt, Chris Fischer (So; Yankton, SD), and Joey Gleason (So; Nicollet, MN).
Joining the veterans is an impressive class of freshman. The Viking sprinters have been bolstered by the addition of Jacob Conway (Fr; Waseca, MN), Jay Eilers (Fr; Spearfish, SD), and Chris Norris (Fr; Pleasant Valley, IA). All three were leading sprinters and state place winners in their respective states. The outlook is good for the Vikings to have a lot of depth from 100m to 400m, with a strong group of sprinters pushing each other for positions on the sprint relays.
In addition to the sprints, Norris joins Merritt in the hurdle events, along with Brian Rehnke (Fr; Bloomington, MN), Adam DeCook (Fr; Byron, MN), and Seth Norris (Fr; Estherville, IA). The coaching staff is excited about this large group of talented individuals who provide the team with the most hurdle depth in a number of years.
The hurdles are not the only area where Rehnke excels. The Minnesota State Meet runner-up (6' 8") in the high jump, gives the Vikings strong point scoring potential in the jumps. Gleason and Matt Witt (Fr; Grand Island, NE) give the Vikings firepower in the horizontal jumps, with the possibility of Rehnke joining them in the triple jump.
The distance corp could also be a strong area for the Vikings. Senior Parks is looking stronger than ever in cross-country, and looks to improve on his 4th place finish in the NCC meet 1500m. O'Hara had a tremendous freshman season, breaking the school record in the 3000m Steeplechase, and looks to be one of the the leaders in the North Central Conference in 1997. Duane Bowman (Jr; Rhame, ND) is enjoying a strong cross-country season, and will be among the leaders in the 5000m and 10,000m. Joining the upper classman is a talented group of freshmen. Iowa prepsters Mark Scharnberg (Sioux City, IA), state 4A placewinner in the 800m and 1600m brings strength to the middle distances. Craig Binkley (Erie, CO) and redshirt freshman Scott Schneider (Rhame, ND) add further depth to the longer distances.