Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Track and Field	Women's SIUE Track and Field Men's SIUE Track and Field SIUE Athletics

June 6, 2006 Track and Field Says Goodbye to Seniors         With their recent conference championships, several SIUE Track and Field seniors are saying goodbye to a program that has come a long way during their time on campus.         “This group of seniors really played a huge part in turning this program into what it is today,” said Ben Beyers, Head Women’s Track & Field Coach. “When they arrived on campus, both the men’s and women’s teams were coming off third place conference finishes the year prior. These seniors have now been a part of five conference championships in the last six conference meets on both the men’s and women’s teams. That would be pretty noteworthy for any program, but those are the first titles in SIUE school history so it’s even more of a remarkable feat. Without their hard work and belief in themselves, their coaches, and their teammates, none of this would have been possible.”         There were 10 seniors who participated in the recent outdoor conference meet. Beyers believes that each one of them will be missed.         “There is no replacing these kids,” said Beyers. “These are people that were leaders both on and off the track and they helped set the tone for what our program has become and what we’ve been trying to accomplish.”         While the Cougar track and field Teams will certainly miss the departing seniors, Beyers hopes that each of them will remain close to the program.         “If it wasn’t for them, we would not be anywhere near where we are today,” said Beyers. “I hope they are able to come back on occasion and continue to support the people that will follow them. Beginning a legacy or tradition is vital and knowing the history of the program is a key piece of that for future SIUE Track and Field athletes. There’s no substitute for hearing stories and learning from the people that came before you. I think this group will continue to support our teams well into the future.” 2006 Senior Track & Field Athletes (and key highlights): Ben Willard – 2006 Indoor & Outdoor GLVC Shot Put Champion; 5-Time GLVC All-Conference Selection Steve Landers – 2006 National Fifth Place Finish in Shot Put; 3-Time GLVC All-Conference Selection Brad Blevins – 2004 Indoor GLVC 55m Dash Champion; 3-Time GLVC Conference Champion; Currently Holds 4 School Records Phil Freimuth – 2006 National Third-Place Finish in Javelin; School Record Holder – Javelin; 5-Time GLVC Conference Champion; 9-Time All-Conference Selection Dustin Bilbruck – School Record Holder – Indoor & Outdoor Long Jump; 2-Time GLVC Conference Champion; 5-Time GLVC All-Conference Selection Justin Crain – 3-Time GLVC Conference Placer Trae Cotner - Voted Cross Country Team Captain Kimetha Williams – 2005 & 2006 Outdoor GLVC 400m Dash Champion; 2-Time All-American; 6-Time GLVC Conference Champion Heather Zipparro – 4-Time GLVC Conference Placer Holly Noller – 2006 National Champion in javelin; 2004 & 2005 GLVC Conference Javelin Champion; 6-Time GLVC All-Conference Selection                 -siue cougars-