ELON, NC -- Elon enters the 2001 season looking to build on last year's run to the Big South title game. The Phoenix returns eight starters, including senior forward Robert Latimer, last year's team leader in goals scored (eight) and points (19).

Latimer will be joined by sophomore Paul Bellacqua (six points, 2000 Elon Top Newcomer) and newcomer Brandon Hayes at forward. Also returning will be juniors Devin McCarron (D, three goals, eight points, 2000 Team MVP), Chad Heinicke (MF, 11 points), Kevin Johnson (MF, three points), Ryan Murphy (D, one shot) and Mason Oatey (D/MF, two points), sophomores Paul Bellacqua (MF/F, six points, 2000 Elon Top Newcomer) and Brent McDowell (D/MF, one point). Elon must replace goalie Scot Wahl, who graduated in May, but senior Paul Reuter looks ready to step in and fill that void. Last season, Reuter saw action in seven games, recording 11 saves while allowing seven goals.

Coach Mike Reilly expects his talented freshman class to produce immediately. Joining the Phoenix will be two Texans, a Georgian and three players from Ohio. Casey Allen, a 6-1 goalie, and Steven Aparicio, a 5-6 midfielder, hail from the Lone Star state. Ryan Carroll, 5-8, will make the trip north from Alpharetta, GA to play midfield and forward for the Phoenix. The other half of this year's freshman class comes to Elon from Ohio, they are: Hayes (6-0, MF/F), Kyle Ostendorf (5-10, GK) and Brian Scheall (5-9, MF/D).

Elon will need production from every position as it faces another powerful non-conference schedule as well as the always solid Big South slate. In 2001, the Phoenix will battle South Carolina (#17 last season), North Carolina State, Navy and Charlotte on the road. Virginia Tech, UNC Wilmington and Wofford will all pay a visit to Rudd Field this fall.

--ELON--