For the fourth consecutive year, Anderson University will partner with Stretch Internet in broadcasting Raven athletic events during the 2008-09 seasons.

During the fall, Stretch will carry 33 sporting events, including all 10 Raven football games, including the season-opener on the new synthetic turf under the lights against arch-rival Taylor at 7 p.m.

In addition to football, there were be 10 men’s soccer games, 10 women’s soccer contests and three volleyball matches in the fall schedule. The men’s and women’s soccer season openers against Spalding on Aug. 30 will both be carried live as well as the Sept. 3 home opener in volleyball against Indiana Wesleyan.

Former AU wrestling, baseball and football coach and alumnus Dave Edwards will be providing live play-by-play on the internet for all events during the 2008-09 year.

The Anderson University football team was picked to finish fifth in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference pre-season coaches poll on Tuesday.

Defending champion Franklin was selected to finish first, earning 61 points and six first-place votes. Mt. St. Joseph was second with 58 points and the other two first-place votes. Rose-Hulman was third (46) followed by Defiance (35), Anderson (31), Manchester (27), Hanover (18) and Bluffton (12).

Anderson finished 4-6 overall last season and 3-4 in the HCAC. The open the season against arch-rival Taylor on Sept. 6 at Macholtz Stadium. Kickoff on the new synthetic turf is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be carried live on WQME 98.7 FM and the internet broadcast.

Anderson University has named Marcie Taylor as the new athletic director. Taylor replaces Michael Zapolski, who has served as athletic director since 2003. Taylor has worked as associate athletic director of Anderson University since 2005.

“Marcie Taylor brings devotion to athletes, coaches and programs, and to the wider mission of Anderson University,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Over these years as a teacher and coach, she has equipped herself to take on this assignment and to move our intercollegiate athletic programs to greater successes. We are delighted to have her leadership in this major institutional role.”

Anderson University has announced the installation of all-weather synthetic field turf and outdoor game lights at Macholtz Stadium located in the northwest corner of the university campus. The artificial field turf and lighting system at Macholtz Stadium will be ready for the fall 2008 athletic season.

“We are grateful to our football parents who have championed these improvements and provided some of the research needed to move the program ahead,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Our multi-sport program can benefit in many ways from a synthetic surface and lights. We have received helpful advice regarding this project from several alumni as well as our friends in the Indianapolis Colts organization who understand the usefulness of these facilities. This is but one of several improvements we hope to make to bring our outdoor facilities to a standard of excellence in the next several years.”

MEXICO — Anderson University running back Denny Kimmel rushed for 52 yards on six carries, including a touchdown, in the USA’s 37-19 victory over Mexico in the Aztec Bowl last Saturday night.

Anderson University’s Denny Kimmel was named the Special Teams Player of the Year as well as First Team All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference for the 2007 football season.

Anderson University quarterback Chase Thurston and kicker Tristan Cork were named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Offensive and Special Teams Players of the Week, respectively.

The Anderson University football team capped its season with a 19-14 come-from-behind victory over Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference rival Manchester College in the Bronze Ball game on Saturday at Burt Field in North Manchester.

Anderson junior linebacker Travon Curry was named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week in football.

The Anderson University football team defeated Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference rival Hanover College 37-27 on Saturday at Macholtz Stadium on Senior Day.