Wittenberg's success is largely due to a broad-based competitive team which can score quality points. For example, in 1996 Wittenberg got 51 points from the four through eight places which proved critical to the Tigers' three-point margin of victory over second place Allegheny. The NCAC is extremely competitive, but Wittenberg will likely be considered a favorite again in 1998.
A host of upperclassmen will lead the Tigers this year, among them Bart Lubbers (Worthington, O./Thomas Worthington) Chad Fogt (West Carrollton, O./West Carrollton), Erik Porter (Toledo, O./Bowsher) and Jason Bowe (Canton, O./McKinley Senior). All four were a part of last yearŐs championship team. Lubbers, a senior, scored 22 points in five events in last yearŐs NCAC championship by placing in the top five in the triple jump, the long jump, and the 100-meter dash, as well as placing in the high jump and the 200-meter dash. He will lead the team in jumps and sprints along with Fogt. Fogt was named one of the most improved performers by teammates last year and was part of the distance medley relay team that finished second in the indoor conference championship. Bowe, a powerhouse in the throws, and Porter, a competitor in the triple jump and the hurdles, are returning all-conference performers. Porter will also participate in the decathlon, a new event added to NCAC competition this year.
Wittenberg has an improving group of distance runners which include Nate Kaufman (Prospect, O./Elgin) who qualified for the Great Lakes Regional cross country meet this year and sophomore Kyle Gillett (Attica, O./Seneca East) also a top cross country finisher this season. The throws will also be a strong suit.
Under new head coach Scott Lorek, the team is looking ahead to an excellent season as they come off last season with five new indoor school records and one new outdoor school record set in 1997.