The Carolina RailHawks announced that midfielder Cory Elenio is returning to the team for the 2012 season. Elenio becomes the sixth member of the 2011 NASL Regular Season Championship team that will be returning to WakeMed Soccer Park.

Elenio has been an integral member of the RailHawks the past two seasons that saw the club advance to the 2010 Playoff Final and win the 2011 NASL Regular Season Championship.  Being drafted with the 20^th overall pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft, Elenio spent two seasons with the Columbus Crew, including their 2008 MLS Championship season.  The midfielder has appeared in 36 regular season matches for the RailHawks and has been able to deliver whenever called upon, at times starting in the RailHawks defense or in various positions across the midfield.

“We are delighted to have Cory back, as a returning member of the regular season championship team,” said RailHawks President Curt Johnson. “It is important for us to continue to sign players with championship experience and talent for Colin [Clarke] to work with. Players want to come back and be a part of what we are building here as an organization.  Cory is another great example of the players we want representing the RailHawks organization.”

Prior to turning professional, Elenio was a member of the University of Evansville Men’s soccer team, leaving the Purple Aces as a two-time All-Missouri Valley Conference first team selection (2006, 2007).  Elenio finished his four-year career with 18 goals and 19 assist, finishing as the 18^th all-time leading scorer.

Elenio will join RailHawks teammates new and old as they face off against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday, March 4 at 3:00 pm in the 4^th Annual Hilton Garden Inn Durham Southpoint Community Shield Match. Individual tickets can be purchased for the Community Shield Match by visiting www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.  For more information on RailHawks tickets and game details call the Cruizers box office at (919) 459-8144 or e-mail tickets@carolinarailhawks.com.