Mount Union's men's swimming team is hoping that core of veterans along with some talented newcomers will come together and result in a team challenging for an Ohio Athletic Conference title.  The Purple Raiders start the 2009-10 season Friday (Oct. 30) at The College of Wooster.

“We have some strong individuals, but our goal this season is to try to build depth and consistency across the board for our program,” commented third year head coach Eric Mojock.

Seniors in Andy Neimes (Brecksville/Brecksville-Broadview Hts), Marcus Suffolk (Canfield/Canfield) and Gian Surbella (Ashtabula/Sts. John and Paul) are the team captains for a squad that finished fourth in the OAC a year ago.

Along with those three juniors Matt Carlozzi (Canfield/Canfield) and Eric Langley (Fairview Park/Fairview) both were all-conference performers a year ago and headline the list of returners.  Carlozzi finished second in the OAC in both the 1650 and 500 Free, while he and Langley were part of an 800 Free Relay team that finished second in the conference.

Topping a list of talented freshman that must contribute early and often for the Raiders are Rob Brocious (Mentor/Mentor), Ben Harren (Lisbon/David Anderson) and Tyler Paulsen (Heath/Heath).

While Coach Mojock attempts to piece together his lineup one piece of puzzle solved for his program is the pool itself that has reopened after a remodeling project part of the nearly $17 million dollar renovations and additions done to create the McPherson Academic and Athletic Complex on campus. 

“While the actual pool did not change, the environment around it and the changes that have opened up the space have been great,” commented Mojock.  “Having new offices and fresh look to everything really gives our team confidence and convenience with the training room and fitness center right next door.”

After the season-opener at Wooster, Mount Union will compete at home in three of the next dual meets starting Friday (Nov. 6) against Hiram.