Olivet Nazarene University

Posted: Thursday, November 5, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


November 6, 2009

Contact:
Nick Birkey
Olivet Nazarene University
Men’s Sports Information Director
Tel. 815-928-5565
E-mail: nbirkey@olivet.edu

All-time great running back inducted into Olivet Nazarene Athletics Hall of Fame

Former football running back Ranier Caldwell was among six inducted into the Olivet Nazarene University Department of Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, November 6, 2009.

Caldwell, who played football at Olivet from 1990-1993, was team MVP in 1992 and team captain in 1992 and 1993. He was selected NAIA District 20 First Team in 1991 and 1992. He was also honored as a NAIA Second Team All-American in 1991 and 1992.

Caldwell holds the single game record for rushing touchdowns in a game with four in 1991 and recorded two 1,000 yard seasons in 1991 and 1992. He also finished his career with the single season record or most points in a season with 144 in 1991. Caldwell ended his career second on the all-time scoring list with 240 points, on 40 touchdowns in 27 games played. He is also fourth on the all-time rushing list in 27 games; he had 446 carries for 2,904 yards.

Caldwell joined five other former Olivet athletes as 2009 Hall of Fame honorees. Lee Coomler (men’s basketball, 1998-2000), Steve Hassell (football, 1987-1990), Drew Neal (men’s basketball, 1997-2000), Matt Schweitzer (baseball, 1997-2000), and Shanda Spurlock (track and field, 1998-1999).

The six inductees bring the total number of inductees into Olivet’s Hall of Fame to 79. The first class was in 1982, when the University inducted former director of athletics and coach C.W. “Butch� Ward.

Nick Birkey
Men's SID