Rio Grande --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm men's cross country and track programs have added their first recruit for the 2011-12 season with the signing of Ironton High School's Dustin Moritz.

Moritz was an All-Southeast Ohio Athletic League (SEOAL) performer in 2009-10 in both cross country and track and field as well as earning All-Southeast District honors in track.

He is excited to be a part of Rio Grande and is ready to make his mark. "I'm very excited that I'm able to come in and make an impact," he said. "I loved the campus; it is close to home and always liked being at Rio."

Rio Grande head cross country and track coach Bob Willey is pleased to add Moritz to the program and believes he can immediately help both teams. "Dustin is the type of athlete that can come right in and help us in cross country," Willey said. "He will also help us in track; he's very versatile."

"He'll be able to come right in and get on our 4 x 800 (relay) team," Willey added. "I know his high school 4 x 800 team is an outstanding team and are hoping to podium at the state (meet) this year."

Willey said Moritz's talents are not just limited to running. "Like I said he's versatile, he can pole vault and he does a lot of other events in track and field," Willey said. "He's kind of a multi-person in track and field."

"He's an outstanding young man, comes from a great family and we're excited to have him," Willey added. "Like I said, he'll be able to come right in as a freshman and help us in both cross country and track."

Moritz talked about what he believes his strengths are as a runner and also what he needs to continue to develop to be a better competitor at the college level. "Being able to get along with everyone and coming up big when I need to are my best assets," he said. "I need to work on my kick though."

The newest Rio recruit was asked what he knew about Rio Grande prior to signing his intent letter. "I knew about Bevo (Francis) and his big games that he had," Moritz said. The legendary Bevo Francis was the star of the 1952-54 basketball teams at Rio Grande. Francis holds the NAIA and NCAA scoring records for a single game with 113 points. 

Moritz has established what he feels are achievable goals for himself while at Rio Grande. "I want to be a main contributor on both teams and I want to break two minutes for the 800-meter run," he said.

Dustin is the son of Gary and Vicky Moritz of Ironton. He ran for head coach Tim Thomas at Ironton High School and plans to major in Computer Science. 

Moritz is the first male cross country and track and field athlete to sign for the 2011-12 academic year. 

For more information on Rio Grande men's cross country, track and field or any of the other athletic programs at the University of Rio Grande, please log onto www.rioredstorm.com.