Seattle Pacific University Athletics

The man with the golden touch. Some players just have the knack, the gift, the ability to score goals.

That describes Bruce Raney.

His speed and ball skills broke down defenses. Bt it was his cool-headed finishing amid the chaos of the penalty area that set him apart. Raney made a career of being in the right place at the right time, setting school records for career goals (68) and points (159) that still stand. SPU’s first national title, in 1978, came on a Raney overtime goal against prohibitive favorite Alabama A&M.

Prior Falcon Legends inductee Ken Covell provided the offensive punch to make SPU a regional power. Raney’s golden touch pushed the program to national prominence. One of the most familiar names on a Falcons lineup card, Raney played in 97 games as a four-year starter.

Not only did he score often, Raney’s goals were timely, as he is tied for second on the school’s all-time list with 16 game-winners. As a senior, he set a record that still stands, scoring a point (on a goal or assist) in 13 consecutive games. He is now a national account sales manager and lives in Edmonds.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (1985-89)

• Five-time NCAA champion in distance events.

• 12-time All-American.

• Two-time Olympian for Norway.

• Houston Marathon champion; fourth in 1987 World Championships.

• Academic All-American.

• NCAA postgraduate scholar.