UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY'S COLIN DISCH NAMED FOOTBALL GAZETTE LINEBACKER OF THE YEAR

Five Great Danes on NCAA I-AA Mid-Major All-America Football Squad

     Westmont, Ill. – University at Albany’s Colin Disch has been selected the 2005 Don Hansen’s Football Gazette NCAA I-AA Mid-Major Linebacker of the Year as announced today by the national publication. Disch, a sophomore, and offensive guard Aaron Kimball were named to the All-America first team.

     Disch, who recently was named to The Sports Network’s I-AA Mid-Major All-America squad, reached the 100-tackle mark for the second straight season with 112. He ranks 27th nationally in that category. Disch, who added 15 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks, was voted the Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s coaches. He made the Football Gazette All-America first team for the second consecutive season.

     "Colin Disch is highly respected by the players, coaches and staff," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team won five of its last six games to finish with a 5-6 record. "He has the unique ability that all the great linebackers have of getting to the football. He can come underneath the block or over the top with his superior quickness."

     Kimball, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound right guard, was a first-team All-NEC selection. He blocked for an offense that improved over the second half of the season, and averaged 173.7 rushing yards and 280.0 yards in total offense against conference opponents. Kimball appeared in 45 games and earned four varsity letters during his career.

     Jacob Anderson, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound left tackle, and Michael Dungey, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive tackle, were each selected to the Football Gazette All-America second team. Brian Becker received honorable mention recognition. The senior inside linebacker accounted for 101 tackles, four pass break-ups and one interception. He led a defense that is ranked among the NCAA I-AA leaders in rushing defense (11th), scoring defense (12th) and total defense (15th).

SOPHOMORE LINEBACKER COLIN DISCH RECEIVES UALBANY FOOTBALL’S TEAM MVP AWARD

     Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore linebacker Colin Disch was voted the University at Albany football team’s 2005 most valuable player award on Sunday, Dec. 11 at the program’s annual postseason banquet. Disch was also named the top linebacker for the second straight season. Head coach Bob Ford handed out 62 varsity letters, including seven fourth-year awards. UAlbany won five of its last six games to finish with a 5-6 record.

     Disch, the Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, was recently named to The Sports Network’s I-AA Mid-Major All-America Team. He accounted for 112 tackles, including 15 hits for a loss and 4.5 sacks, plus added three pass break-ups and one interception.

     Steven Stern was chosen the special teams MVP for the second consecutive year. Stern, a senior outside linebacker, made 14 tackles while contributing on the kickoff cover, punt cover and punt return units. Ryan Chrobak was the team’s top defensive back for the second season in a row. Chrobak, a junior cornerback, had 47 tackles, five pass break-ups and one interception.

     Sophomore tailback Omar Johnson earned the program’s most improved player and the top offensive back awards. Johnson, who became a key figure in UAlbany’s offense in the seventh game of the season, rushed for 385 yards and nine touchdowns, plus caught one scoring pass.

     Aaron Kimball was the top offensive lineman. Kimball, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound right guard, was named to the All-NEC first team. He earned his fourth varsity letter after making 45 career appearances as a collegian. Other award winners were Irani DeAraujo (receiver) and Andre Coleman (defensive lineman).

     Philadelphia, Pa. -- University at Albany's Colin Disch has been named to The Sports Network’s 2005 I-AA Mid-Major All-America Football Team as announced on Monday, Dec. 5.  Disch, one of nine players from the Northeast Conference on the squad, was voted to the all-star unit by a panel of I-AA media and sports information directors.

     Disch, a sophomore inside linebacker from North Plainfield, N.J., was recently chosen as the NEC Defensive Player of the Year and made his second consecutive appearance on the all-conference first team.  He recorded 112 tackles, including 15 hits for a loss and 4.5 sacks, plus added three pass break-ups and one interception.

Disch currently ranks 27th among the NCAA Division I-AA leaders in tackles at 10.18 per game.  He posted double-figure hits in six games this season and reached the 100-tackle mark for the second straight year.  Disch tied the program's I-AA record with 18 tackles against Central Connecticut State on Sept. 24 and had 14 hits against nationally-ranked Massachusetts.

Disch, the sixth UAlbany player to earn a spot on The Sports Network All-America squad, led a Great Danes’ defensive unit that is ranked among the NCAA I-AA leaders in rushing defense (11th), scoring defense (12th) and total defense (16th). He is already tied for ninth on the school’s all-time tackles list with 243.

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2005: Colin Disch (ILB)

2004: Geir Gudmundsen (OT)

2003: Geir Gudmundson (OT), Gary Jones (TB), Mike Laroche (OT)

2002: Alex Argulewicz (OG), Josh Bazan (LB), Gary Jones (TB)

2001: Alex Argulewicz (OG), Josh Bazan (LB)

COLIN DISCH NAMED NORTHEAST CONFERENCE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
UAlbany Places Seven Players on All-Conference Football Squad
     Somerset, N.J. -- University at Albany's Colin Disch has been chosen the Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, as voted on by the league's head coaches and announced on Tuesday, Nov. 29 by the conference office. Disch led a group of seven UAlbany players who were named to the All-NEC squad, including five first-team selections.
     Disch, a sophomore inside linebacker, makes his second consecutive appearance on the all-conference first team. He made 112 tackles, including 15 hits for a loss and 4.5 sacks, plus added three pass break-ups and one interception. Disch, last year's NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year, ranks 27th among the NCAA Division I-AA leaders in tackles at 10.18 per game. He reached the 100-tackle mark for the second straight year and has posted double-figure hits in 17 of 22 games played as a collegian. A first-team mid-major All-American in 2004, Disch tied the program's I-AA record with 18 tackles against Central Connecticut State on Sept. 24.
     Senior cornerback Kamar Elliott and defensive end Andre Coleman were also named to the first team. Elliott, a three-year starter in the secondary, totaled 50 tackles, five pass break-ups and one interception. Coleman, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound junior, accounted for 32 tackles, 12 hits for a loss and 4.5 sacks. The pair of UAlbany defenders led a unit that ranked among the NCAA I-AA leaders in scoring defense (13th), rushing defense (13th) and total defense (16th).
     UAlbany's offensive line placed two players on the All-NEC first team. Jacob Anderson, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound left tackle, earned second-team recognition one year ago. Anderson, who has started 21 consecutive games, blocked for an offense that improved as the season progressed and allowed the Great Danes to win five of their last six games. Aaron Kimball, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound senior, has appeared in 45 career games and earned four varsity letters at both guard positions.
     Sam Pagano, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound right guard, and Michael Dungey, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive tackle, were each chosen to the All-NEC second team. Pagano, a sophomore, paved the way for an offense that averaged 173.7 rushing yards and 280.0 yards in total offense against conference opponents. Dungey made 39 tackles, nine stops for losses and 3.0 sacks in 11 starting assignments.
     The Great Danes, who recovered from a string of five consecutive losses to begin the season, finished with a 5-6 record. UAlbany tied for third place in the NEC standings with a 4-3 mark.

THREE UALBANY FOOTBALL PLAYERS EARN NORTHEAST CONFERENCE WEEKLY AWARDS

     Somerset, N.J. – UAlbany’s Daniel Bocanegra has been selected as both the Northeast Conference Offensive Player and Rookie of the Week in football for his performance in last Saturday’s 41-0 victory over non-league opponent Fordham. The Great Danes’ Colin Disch and Steven Stern also picked up NEC awards as the Defensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week, respectively.

     Bocanegra, a redshirt freshman, accounted for a career-high 206 total yards and passed for two touchdowns in making his first start at quarterback since Oct. 1. He completed 12-of-18 attempts for 157 yards, rushed 12 times for 49 yards, and returned one punt for 10 yards. He threw a 6-yard scoring pass in the third quarter and a 13-yard touchdown early in the final period. Bocanegra, who attended the same California high school as two-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady, also set up the first touchdown of the game with a 44-yard, flea-flicker pass.

     Disch, a sophomore inside linebacker, made a team-high 12 tackles, including six unassisted and two for losses, and had one sack and one pass break-up as his team posted its fifth shutout as a Division I-AA program. The Great Danes held Fordham to 104 total yards, the third-lowest mark by an opponent in UAlbany’s I-AA history. Disch, who is among the NCAA leaders with 112 tackles this season, recorded double-figure hits for the 17th time of his career.

     Stern, a senior outside linebacker, tied a career-best with four tackles, including three solo, on special teams. A Siena College transfer, Stern plays on the kickoff cover, punt cover and punt return units. He was voted the UAlbany’s special teams MVP in 2004.

UALBANY FOOTBALL ENDS 2005 SEASON WITH 41-0 SHUTOUT AGAINST FORDHAM

     Bronx, N.Y. - Quarterback Daniel Bocanegra passed for two touchdowns and tailback Omar Johnson scored three times in leading UAlbany to a 41-0 victory over Fordham in the regular-season finale for both teams on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Jack Coffey Field.
     With Bocanegra starting at quarterback for the injured Brett Hall, the Great Danes scored on their second possession. Bocanegra went to the team's bag of tricks with a 44-yard flea-flicker pass to Josh Furnas. Johnson then reached the end zone when he powered over the left guard on an 8-yard run.
     UAlbany (5-6) scored a pair of touchdowns in the final three minutes of the second quarter. Bocanegra hit split end Irani DeAraujo with a 19-yard completion before running a draw play 13 yards to the Fordham 1. Johnson would then blast over the left side for a touchdown.
     The Great Danes' defense got into the act when Ram quarterback Derric Daniels fumbled a shotgun snap and defensive end Jermaine Lee recovered. Furnas darted around the left end with a reverse on the next play for a 20-0 lead. The 36-yard run was keyed by center Pierce Brennan's downfield block.
     In the third quarter, Bocanegra, who accounted for a career-high 206 total yards, led his team on a 9-play, 65-yard march. Marcus Allen, who ran for 74 yards on 20 carries, and fullback Dan Beigel did the bulk of the work. Bocanegra capped the drive with a 6-yard scoring pass to Johnson for a 27-0 advantage. The redshirt freshman finished 12-of-18 for 157 yards through the air and added 49 on the ground.
     "This was a great team win," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team won five of its last six games and also ended an eight-game skid against non-league opponents. "Our offense got our defense off the field. Bocanegra made some big-time plays and our offensive line dominated at the point of attack. The defense was, as usual, very solid."
     The Great Danes, who posted their fifth shutout as a Division I-AA program, used their defense to score twice in the final period. Bocanegra fired a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Wayne Carrabus after UAlbany linebacker Brian Becker recovered a fumble. Later, outside linebacker Mike St. Fleur recovered reserve quarterback Matthew Fullam's fumble in the end zone for another score.
     "Everything was clicking together both on offense and defense," commented Becker, who had five tackles in his final game as a collegian. "We wanted to prove that we were a good defense. We knew that their tailback was quick but everyone did a good job of shutting him down. It was important that our offense helped us today because that picked up our game a lot."
     Fordham (2-9) was led by tailback James Prydatko, who ran 20 times for 41 yards, plus went over the 1,000-yard mark for the season. However, the Rams' offense was held in check and managed just 104 total yards.

     West Long Branch, N.J. - Fred Weingart booted a 26-yard field goal as time expired in leading Monmouth to a 16-13 Northeast Conference victory over UAlbany on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Kessler Field.

     Monmouth (6-4, NEC 4-3) set up the winning drive when cornerback David Jiles picked off his second pass of the game and returned it to his own 45-yard line. From there, quarterback Brian Boland scrambled 24 yards into UAlbany territory. Running back Walter Carter then ran four times to the 10-yard line to put Weingart in line for the game-winning kick.

     UAlbany (4-6, NEC 4-3) rallied from a 13-7 deficit in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Brett Hall, who completed 16-of-36 attempts for a career-high 198 yards, hit tight end Wayne Carrabus with an eight-yard TD pass on a slant pattern. But Monmouth's Dan Sizelove blocked the extra point try.

     The Great Danes, who had their four-game win streak halted, looked to go ahead later in the period. Hall keyed a nine-play march with a 35-yard completion to flanker/backup quarterback Daniel Bocanegra. But the drive stalled out in the red zone and freshman Eric Althardt missed a 27-yard field goal to the right with 5:09 remaining.

     "We've had a problem with our kicking game all year long," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team lost a chance to earn a share of the NEC title after Stony Brook upset Central Connecticut State, 23-21. "It would have been a good story to come back from an 0-5 start and win a championship, but we were a few points from running the table in the conference."

     UAlbany took a 7-0 lead on its first possession of the contest with an eight-play, 60-yard drive. Hall found Dan Beigel in the right flat, and the sophomore fullback raced 31 yards down the right sideline for a touchdown.

     The Hawks, who also won a 25-24 thriller with UAlbany on a last-second field goal one year ago, put together a 10-point second quarter. Boland, who passed for 163 yards and rushed for 57 more, fired a 19-yard scoring pass to Adam San Miguel to give his club a 10-7 halftime advantage.

     In the third quarter, UAlbany's Beigel fumbled at his own 29-yard line, one of five turnovers by the Great Danes. Monmouth capitalized on that miscue as Weingart kicked a 41-yard field goal, his second of three on the day, on the last play of the stanza.

     "This is very disappointing to be this close," offered UAlbany linebacker Brian Becker, who had 11 tackles. "I wasn't expecting him (Boland) to run as much as he did. He had a better angle and beat me to the spot on his scramble during the last drive."

     Carter finished with 62 yards on the ground on 16 carries, while San Miguel had six catches for 83 yards. UAlbany's Bocanegra accounted for 107 all-purpose yards, including two receptions for 40.

RON WHITCOMB THROWS TWO TOUCHDOWN PASSES AS MAINE DEFEATS UALBANY     

     Portland, Maine – Quarterback Ron Whitcomb threw two first-quarter touchdown passes and Arel Gordon scored on a 57-yard punt return in leading Maine to a 31-7 non-league victory over UAlbany on Oct. 1 at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

     A blocked punt led to the Black Bears’ first touchdown as Anthony Hicks broke through and set his team up at the UAlbany 20. Whitcomb then found Kevin McMahan in the middle of the field with an 11-yard scoring pass.

     Maine (2-2) reached the end zone on its next possession for a 14-0 lead. Whitcomb, who connected on 17 of 25 attempts for 191 yards, beat the blitz with a 22-yard strike to Gordon.

     The Black Bears, who were playing in Portland for the first time since 2003, added 10 more points in the second period. Tailback Montell Owens, who rushed 22 times for 128 yards, was a key figure in a drive that lasted more than eight minutes. Bobby Donnelly’s 35-yard field goal capped the 16-play march. Fullback Wellington Talkpa scored on a one-yard blast with 19 seconds left before halftime for a 24-0 advantage. Whitcomb’s third-down pass to McMahan, who had eight receptions for 86 yards, kept the drive alive.

     “We had a good game plan but we didn’t execute,” said UAlbany tailback Kenny Williams, whose team failed to get a first down in the opening half. “In the second half, we got something going for next week. We lack experience, but our young guys are just trying to get their feet wet.”

     UAlbany (0-4) showed some life in those final two periods. Reserve quarterback Brett Hall directed his time on a nine-play scoring drive. Hall, who completed 10 of 21 passes for 67 yards, hit flanker Mike Wall in a third down situation. Marcus Allen would then reach paydirt on a third-yard run.

     “We ran into a pretty good defensive unit,” commented UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose squad gained 131 of its 158 yards after halftime. “The strength of their team is their defense, and they also have pretty good special teams with an excellent punt returner who has great speed.”

     Maine ’s Gordon set a school record with his third career punt return for a touchdown in the third quarter. He knifed his way through the right side and broke up the sideline on a 57-yard jaunt.

     UAlbany’s defense gave another credible effort against its third Atlantic-10 Conference opponent this season. Senior cornerback Kamar Elliott led the way with eight tackles, one interception, and one pass break-up.  

UALBANY LINEBACKER COLIN DISCH CHOSEN NEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

     Somerset, N.J. – University at Albany’s Colin Disch has been selected the Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week in football, as announced by the league office on Monday, Sept. 26.

     Disch, a sophomore inside linebacker, posted a career-high 18 tackles, including five for a loss, and added two sacks for minus-9 yards and one forced fumble in his team’s 14-13 NEC loss to Central Connecticut State on Sept. 24.

     Disch’s tackle total is the most by any UAlbany player against an NEC opponent, and tied the program’s single-game Division I-AA standard. Josh Bazan also had 18 tackles versus Drake in 2000.

     A native of North Plainfield, N.J., Disch is second among the NCAA Division I-AA leaders in tackles at 13.67 per game. He has recorded double-figure tackles in 13 of 14 games as a collegian.

NCAA Division I-AA Tackles Leaders (as of Sept. 25)

Maguell Davis, Norfolk State, LB, 3, 47, 15.67

Colin Disch, Albany, LB, 3, 41, 13.67

Robert Napier, Texas Southern, LB, 2, 26, 13.00

Kevin Rex, Cornell, DB, 2, 26, 13.00

Zach DeOssie, Brown, DB, 2, 26, 13.00

CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE HOLDS OFF UALBANY IN NORTHEAST CONFERENCE OPENER

     New Britain, Conn. - Reserve quarterback Aubrey Norris ran for one touchdown and passed for another, as Central Connecticut State held off UAlbany, 14-13, in the Northeast Conference opener for both teams on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Arute Field.

     Central Connecticut State (2-2, NEC 1-0) reversed a 7-0 deficit in the second quarter with a pair of touchdowns. Norris, a freshman, scored on the second play of the period, when he rolled left, picked up two blocks, and dove inside the pylon, on an 8-yard run.

     The Blue Devils, who shared last year's NEC championship, then capitalized on UAlbany receiver Irani DeAraujo's fumble at his own 30-yard line. Five plays later, Norris threw a 5-yard scoring pass to Josh Roth for the go-ahead touchdown. Roth finished off the third-and-three situation by diving headfirst into the corner of the end zone for a 14-7 lead.

     After a scoreless third quarter in which both defenses dominated, UAlbany (0-3, 0-1) put together a short drive that stalled out at the CCSU 19. Freshman Eric Althardt then missed a 38-yard field goal following a low snap from center.

     The Great Danes were back in business on the next series. Linebacker Colin Disch, who totaled a career-high 18 tackles with 2 sacks, hit starting quarterback Tim Sheard from behind and Will Boone recovered the fumble at the CCSU 17.

     UAlbany stayed on the ground for the next seven plays, with fullback Dan Beigel scoring his second touchdown of the game on a one-yard run over right guard. However, the Great Danes still trailed, 14-13, when Althardt's extra-point attempt missed to the right.

     The Great Danes defense, who limited Central Connecticut State to 46 second-half yards, forced another three-and-out to give their team another chance. Quarterback Daniel Bocanegra, a redshirt freshman who completed 16 of 31 passes for 122 yards, moved his club past midfield. But the drive ended when he failed to connect on a fourth-and-two pass with 48 seconds remaining.

     "We struggled on offense but played pretty good defense," said CCSU coach Tom Masella, who led the program to an 8-2 record last year. "We had a bead on what they were trying to do. When you are up one score, it does a lot for you and allows you to be more aggressive."

     Beigel gave UAlbany a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter when he capped a 12-play, 80-yard, march with a 4-yard touchdown reception. Beigel, a sophomore fullback, finished with 12 carries for 30 yards on the ground.

     "Our defense played well enough to win," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team is off to an 0-3 start for the second consecutive year. "We made more than our share of mistakes on offense and some in the kicking game. They had a lot of success in the bunch formation early in the game, before we made the necessary corrections."

     CCSU's Norris completed all seven of his pass attempts for 58 yards, while Sheard hit on three-of-seven for 58 through the air. Nigel Monge and Brian Sullivan had 12 and 10 tackles, respectively, for a defense that allowed 235 total yards.

MASSACHUSETTS POSTS 40-0 WIN, AS UALBANY FACES ANOTHER TOP-25 FOOTBALL TEAM

     Albany, N.Y. – Anton Clarkson threw two touchdown passes and Terry Crenshaw rushed for 121 yards and one score, as Hofstra posted a 36-7 victory over Albany on Saturday, Sept. 10 in the season opener for both teams before 6,212 fans at University Field.

     Albany reached the end zone on its first possession with a 10-play, 51-yard drive. Redshirt freshman quarterback Daniel Bocanegra completed a pair of third-down passes to keep the sequence alive, before tailback Kenny Williams scored on a 2-yard run over the left side.

     Hofstra regrouped when Crenshaw scored on a 36-yard dash down the left sideline before the point-after try was missed. Clarkson, who connected on 24 of 33 attempts for 291 yards, then fired a 44-yard touchdown strike to Marques Colston, who eluded a defender atseven-yard line on his way to paydirt. Clarkson then hooked up with Colston on a two-point pass for a 14-7 lead midway through the second quarter.

     The Pride, who are No. 24 in this week’s Division I-AA national rankings, then pulled away with a 17-point third period. Rob Zarrilli booted a 34-yard field goal to cap a 12-play march. Following an 11-yard punt by Albany’s Marc Pallozzi, Hofstra would build a 24-7 advantage as Clarkson fired a 31-yard touchdown pass to Colston, who worked his way free on a post pattern. Colston, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound senior who missed all of last season with an injury, finished with six receptions for 118 yards.

     Outside linebacker Chris Sebald added to the third-quarter blitz, when he picked off Albany quarterback Brett Hall’s pass in the right flat and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown and a 31-7 lead.

     "Offensively we could have scored more points, but we self-destructed with penalities," said Hofstra coach Joe Gardi, whose team is expected to challenge in the Atlantic 10 Conference this season. "Our defense deserves credit for make adjustments in the second half. Albany really hurt us with the blitz game, and that’s something we did work enough on in the preseason."

     Bocanegra completed 10 of 16 passes for 90 yards, while Hall connected on 6-of-12 for 50 yards. Each Albany signal-caller was intercepted once, as the Great Danes were limited to 206 total yards. Junior tailback Marcus Allen was the top rusher with 11 carries for 45 yards.

     "We had a good start but could not keep it up for four quarters," explained Bocanegra, the first Albany quarterback to start his first game as a collegian since Joe Savino in 1994. "We’re a young team that made some mistakes and missed a few assignments. A loss is a loss no matter how you get it, but we really beat ourselves."

     Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany and its Department of Athletics on Tuesday, Sept. 6 announced an effort to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina, a powerful storm that hit the Gulf Coast of the United States on Aug. 29 and devastated the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Fifty percent of funds generated through the sale of tickets and a percentage of all merchandise and parking revenue at the football season opener with Hofstra on Sept. 10 will be donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

     Chartwells will also donate a percentage of its concession sales from Saturday’s game, plus UAlbany student-athletes will collect donations, non-perishable food and other supplies that fans bring through the gates.

     "The tragic effects of last week’s hurricane have affected millions of people and this is one way that the UAlbany athletic community can support fellow Americans in their time of need," said UAlbany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy, whose department will work with the local Red Cross and the U.S. Army to properly distribute donations. "As a native of New Orleans, our defensive line coach (Art Tolliver) has been directly impacted by this storm. We hope and pray for his family members’ safety."

     In addition, UAlbany President Kermit L. Hall announced on Sept. 1 that the University community would be victims of Hurricane Katrina through a special campus drive. UAlbany will forward 100 percent of funds raised to a number of relief organizations that have been selected based on their proven track record for dealing with disasters and the needs of those affected.

     Contributions for this special effort can be sent by Sept. 20 to: University Auxiliary Services, UAB 232, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222. Please make check payable to UAS-Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

     Somerset , N.J. -- The University at Albany and Stony Brook University renewed their agreements to remain associate members of the Northeast Conference in the sport of football through 2010, it was announced today by NEC Commissioner John Iamarino. The four-year extension takes effect following the 2006 season. Both schools initially agreed to a three-year commitment when they joined the I-AA football conference in 1999 and extended the contract through 2006 in May, 2002.

     "The NEC is very pleased with the commitment renewals on the part of the University at Albany and Stony Brook University ,” said NEC Commissioner John Iamarino. “They have become valuable franchises in our overall improvement. Their commitment helps solidify future scheduling and the long-term health of NEC football."

     Albany began sponsoring football as a varsity sport in 1973, while Stony Brook introduced football in 1984. Both institutions competed as an NCAA Division III program until the mid-90s, when the move was made to Division II. They each upgraded to Division I-AA upon joining the NEC in 1999.

     "Our associate membership in the Northeast Conference allows UAlbany's student-athletes and coaches the opportunity to play for a conference championship,” said Albany Director of Athletics Lee McElroy. “Football has stability as a NEC member for the rest of this decade as we continue to upgrade the program."

     The Northeast Conference, which begins its 10th season of football this Saturday, consists of 11 institutions of higher learning located throughout five states and is celebrating its 25th year as an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association. The NEC began sponsoring football at the I-AA level in 1996, and has since increased its membership from five to eight institutions. Central Connecticut State , Monmouth, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, St. Francis (PA) and Wagner are full-time NEC members who sponsor football, and they are joined by associate members Albany and Stony Brook.

     Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head football coach Bob Ford announced today that Brian Becker, Aaron Kimball and Colin Disch have been voted team captains for the 2005 season. The Great Danes open their schedule on Saturday, Sept. 10 against Hofstra at University Field. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m.

     Becker, a senior from Gansevoort, N.Y., will start at inside linebacker for the third consecutive season. He ranked second on the team in tackles with 76, including 34 solo hits, last year. Becker, who has 150 career tackles as a collegian, added two interceptions, four pass break-ups and one fumble recovery.
     Kimball, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound right guard, was named to the Preseason All-Northeast Conference squad. A native of Fonda, N.Y., Kimball helped UAlbany’s offensive line pave the way for a unit that led the NEC in rushing for the sixth consecutive year. The Great Danes were seventh nationally among Division I-AA teams at 254.7 yards per game, plus ran for 345-plus on four occasions.

     Disch, the 2004 NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year, had a spectacular first season with the UAlbany program when he established a freshman record with 131 tackles. He added 15 hits for a loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Disch, a sophomore inside linebacker who hails from North Plainfield, N.J., was a first-team Division I-AA Mid-Major All-America selection by Football Gazette and CollegeSportsReport.com. A first-team All-NEC choice, Disch recorded double-figures tackles in all 11 games.

UAlbany Notes: New York Giants offensive tackle Kareem McKenzie will speak to the UAlbany football team on Monday, Aug. 22, following the 3:00-5:00 p.m. practice at the campus’ Dutch Quad intramural field … McKenzie, a 6-foot-6, 327-pound lineman who played as a collegian at Penn State, was signed by the Giants as an unrestricted free agent on March 4, 2005 … UAlbany coach Bob Ford evaluated the team’s first week of preseason camp, "It was your typical first week where the offense takes longer to put everything together. Neither quarterback (Daniel Bocanegra, Brett Hall) has pulled away in that battle. I am impressed with both our receivers and inside linebackers. The defense is running to the football extremely well." … sophomore linebacker Colin Disch has been named to the 2005 CollegeSportsReport.com Preseason Mid-Major All-America Team … Disch earlier received the same recognition by The Sports Network …

     Albany, N.Y. -- Footbal preseason practice begins at the University at Albany on Monday, August 15 with an afternoon workout, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. The Great Danes will conduct their preseason sessions on the campus' Dutch Quad intramural fields. UAlbany opens their 2005 schedule against Hofstra on Saturday, Sept. 10 at University Field. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. ET.

     The seasons change but the challenges are similar. UAlbany head coach Bob Ford needs to find a starting quarterback and reshape his offensive line, as his team starts its seventh campaign at the Division I-AA level. Ford must replace 11 starters, including seven on offense, from a team that went 4-7 overall, but finished third in the Northeast Conference standings.

     The list of graduates include All-America offensive tackle Geir Gudmundsen, All-NEC center/guard Brandon Shaw, record-setting quarterback Nicholas Bazan and Green Bay Packers' draft choice Kurt Campbell.

     "Finding a starting quarterback and tailback will be the biggest questions to be answered during the preseason," states Ford, who has a 205-148-1 career record in 36 seasons at the collegiate level. "Our defense should be solid. We have an active and deep group of linebackers to work with."

The Great Danes play an upgraded non-league schedule that features three Atlantic 10 Conference teams in Hofstra, Massachusetts and Maine.

Offense: UAlbany's multiple attack has a new leader as former line coach Peter Rossomando has been promoted to offensive coordinator. He will have a quality group of linemen, several young quarterbacks and a fistful of receivers to build around.

     "Our goal is to run and pass on a 50-50 basis and still use the option game," Ford says. "The past couple of years our passing efficiency was not where we wanted it. I think you'll see a difference in overall organization."

     Jacob Anderson (6-6, 300) moves from right tackle to the left side. He earned second-team All-NEC honors one year ago. Guards Aaron Kimball (6-3, 310) and Sam Pagano (6-3, 305) appear to have locked down spots at the guard positions. However, Jeff Wentzell (6-4, 285) is progressing nicely and could challenge.

     Pierce Brennan (6-1, 275) looks to have a firm grasp on the starting center position, while a competition exists at right tackle. Jacob Hobbs (6-4, 310) is the frontrunner and has playing experience. Former tight end Zach Tarnowski (6-3, 270) and junior college transfer Steve Talarico (6-3, 290) are on the rise.

Eddie Unverzagt (6-1, 235) has the tools to become an all-conference tight end with good hands and quickness. Unverzagt, who was a fullback his first two seasons with the program, caught seven passes for 100 yards. "Eddie can do it all," Ford says. "He can block, catch and run."

     Of course the top question on everyone's mind is who the quarterback will be. Redshirt freshman Daniel Bocanegra (6-1, 195) has shown the most on the field. He accounted for 2,300-plus yards in total offense as a high school senior. Lackawanna College transfer Brett Hall (6-4, 225) missed spring practice following shoulder surgery, but has been successful on every level. "Both quarterbacks will get equal snaps," Ford offers. "Daniel runs and throws well, while Brett seems to have that calmness you need at the position."

     Fullback Dan Beigel (6-2, 230) was one reason the Great Danes led the NEC in rushing for the sixth straight year. Beigel ran for 244 yards and one TD, plus hauled in nine passes. Omar Johnson, who rushed for 168 yards last year, is the incumbent at tailback. But Marcus Allen, a junior college transfer, and Kenny Williams, who moves from flanker and is a feared kick returner, will get an opportunity to press for playing time.

     Mike Wall was on his way to a spectacular rookie season until a broken collarbone sidelined him. He caught 13 passes for 178 yards and one touchdown, plus ran for another score. Topher Davey had 15 receptions with one TD, while Kevin Tolan added nine catches. Irani DeAraujo (6-2, 200) and Gabe Gallucci (6-2, 190) are talented sophomores who are ready to break out.

Defense: The Great Danes have transitioned, using a young corps of defenders, from a 4-4 alignment to a multiple scheme. Last year's teachings should result in a more aggressive unit.

"The strength of our defense is at linebacker," Ford states. "They each have the ability to read and hit, and are leaders in different ways."

     Brian Becker (5-11, 225) and Will Boone (6-0, 215) are a pair of solid inside linebackers, while NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year Colin Disch (6-1, 210) emerged in 2004.

     Becker, a two-year starter, was second on the team in tackles with 76, plus added two interceptions and four pass break-ups. Boone turned in another credible campaign with 48 tackles. Disch, a Football Gazette All-American, set the school's freshman single-season record with 131 total hits, including 15 for losses.

     "Colin plays with an intuitive sense," Ford explains. "He can come underneath and over the top of blocking schemes with great lateral quickness."

      Sophomores Dan Barnes (24 tackles) and Trevor DuPont are ready for more playing time as linebackers. DuPont and Mike St. Fleur (22 tackles) are slotted for the outside positions. Dave Nicomini and Mark Peretore, a pair of redshirt freshmen, were on the field more in the spring. Steven Stern was the team's MVP on special teams.

      UAlbany returns both starting cornerbacks in the secondary. Kamar Elliott, a conference triple jump champion, made 40 tackles to go with four pass break-ups last year. Ryan Chrobak, a second-team All-NEC selection, was fourth on the squad in tackles (51) and added three interceptions and seven passes defended.  Safety Eric Neugebauer had 30 tackles, while Olubunmi Awofeso can also play on the corner.

     The Great Danes are primarily in a three-man front. Jermaine Lee (6-1, 240) and Justin Sands (6-1, 285) have taken many snaps on the line. Lee, a senior defensive end, led the team in sacks (7.5), plus had 55 tackles, including 10.5 for losses. Sands, who also works as a long snapper, made 14 stops as a nose tackle. Sophomore Michael Dungey (6-2, 275) may work at all three line positions. Sophomores Mark Sheehan and Jon Volpe also figure to be in the rotation.

Kicking Game: Erie Community College transfer Jason Fralicker is the leading candidate to possibly take over both the kicking and punting duties. He made 8 of 16 field goals and 21 of 28 PATs last season.

     Somerset, N.J. – Sophomore linebacker Colin Disch is among four University at Albany players who have been voted to the Preseason All-Northeast Conference Football Team, as announced on Thursday, August 11 by the conference office.

     Disch, the 2004 NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year, had a spectacular first year with the UAlbany program when he established a freshman single-season record with 131 tackles. He added 15 hits for a loss, five sacks, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Disch was a first-team Division I-AA Mid-Major All-America selection by Football Gazette and CollegeSportsReport.com. A first-team All-NEC choice, Disch recorded double-figures tackles in all 11 games, including a career-high 16 against Robert Morris.

     Ryan Chrobak, a junior cornerback, earned second-team all-conference honors last season. He started for the second consecutive year at cornerback, and led the Great Danes with three interceptions and seven pass break-ups. Chrobak totaled 55 tackles, including 31 unassisted.

     Jacob Anderson, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound left tackle, and Aaron Kimball, a 6-foot-3, 310-pound right guard, are members of an offensive line that helped UAlbany lead the NEC in rushing for the sixth consecutive year. The Great Danes were seventh nationally at 254.7 yards per game, plus ran for 345-plus on four occasions. Anderson, a second-team All-NEC lineman, moves to the left tackle this fall where he will replace All-American Geir Gudmundsen, who signed as a free agent with the Buffalo Bills.

Northeast Conference 2005 Preseason Football Poll

1. Monmouth (4), T2. Central Connecticut State (1), T2. Robert Morris (2), 4. Albany (1), 5. Sacred Heart, 6. Wagner, 7. Stony Brook, 8. St. Francis, Pa. ( ) - first-place votes

     Philadelphia, Pa. – University at Albany’s Colin Disch has been selected to The Sports Network’s 2005 Preseason I-AA Mid-Major All-America Football Team as announced on Thursday, July 7. Disch, a sophomore inside linebacker, was last year’s Northeast Conference Defensive Rookie of the Year.

     Disch enjoyed a spectacular first year with the UAlbany program as a redshirt freshman in 2004. He ranked eighth among the NCAA Division I-AA leaders at 11.91 tackles per game. Disch tied the third-highest total in school history with 131 tackles and in the process established a freshman single-season record.

     A native of North Plainfield, N.J., Disch was named first-team I-AA Mid-Major All-America by Football Gazette and CollegeSportsReport.com, plus earned first-team All-NEC and honorable mention All-ECAC recognition. He recorded double-figure tackles in all 11 games, including a career-high 16 against Robert Morris.

     UAlbany begins its 2005 schedule at home against Hofstra on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 6:00 p.m. The Great Danes will play three Atlantic 10 Conference teams, including Massachusetts and Maine, as part of an upgraded non-league slate.

     Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head football coach Bob Ford announced on Tuesday, June 7 that 33 student-athletes have committed to play for the Great Danes in the fall of 2005. The Great Danes, who finished third in the Northeast Conference standings last year, begin their schedule against Atlantic 10 Conference opponent Hofstra on Saturday, Sept. 10.

     "We needed to address our running back situation," said Ford, who has 205 career wins at the college level and has guided the UAlbany program to a pair of NEC titles. "Each player has speed with the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. On defense, we were able to bring in some solid linebackers and several good linemen who could help us immediately. It's a big class in terms of numbers and we met the needs of our program with this group. "

     The 2005 class is comprised of 17 players from the state of New York, plus 10 from New Jersey, two from Pennsylvania, and one each from North Carolina, Connecticut, Texas and New Hampshire. The breakdown by position includes two quarterbacks, four offensive linemen, three wide receivers, five running backs, one tight end, six linebackers, six defensive linemen, four defensive backs and two kickers.

     The Great Danes landed several talented offensive players, especially at the running back position. Marcus Allen, a transfer from Valley Forge Military College, was named the Seaboard Conference Offensive Player of the Year. He rushed for a combined 1,777 yards and 15 touchdowns in his two years with the program. Stephon Cooper earned New Jersey All-State Group I recognition after rushing for 1,351 yards and 12 TDs last season. Northern New Jersey quarterback Vinny Esposito passed for 2,700 yards and 28 touchdowns, and was selected to the Associated Press all-state first team. Marcus Miles, an All-Onondaga League tight end in Central New York, caught 26 passes for 352 yards as a senior.

     Jason Gagnon, a 6-foot-1, 305-pound defensive tackle from Manchester, N.H., leads a group of incoming defenders. Gagnon was chosen to the all-state Division I first team three consecutive years. Erie Community College transfer Ben Bayer (6-2, 215) totaled 98 tackles, seven sacks and three interceptions last season.

     UAlbany also picked up three all-area players from the Capital Region. Kevin Richards was a member of the Class AA all-state second team as selected by the New York Sportswriters Association. Richards, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound offensive lineman from Shenendehowa High, also earned Albany Times Union first-team All-Area honors. David McCarty, of LaSalle Institute, rushed for 2,828 yards and 29 touchdowns during his scholastic career, and was a Troy Record first-team All-Area selection. Troy's Dave Casale made 76 tackles and eight interceptions as a consensus all-area defensive back.

*****************

Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., Hometown (High School)

Marcus Allen*, TB, 5-11, 194, Fayetteville, N.C. (Seventy-First)

Eric Althardt, PK/P, 5-7, 160, Allegany, N.Y. (Allegany-Limestone)

Ben Amorese, OG, 6-3, 280, Endwell, N.Y. (Maine-Endwell)

Rudy Armstrong, OLB, 6-0, 195, Bronx, N.Y. (Byram Hills)

Ben Bayer^, LB, 6-2, 215, Clarence, N.Y. (Clarence Central)

John Boyd, OT, 6-4, 280, Orchard Park, N.Y. (Orchard Park)

Mike Burke, DE, 6-5, 230, Clarks Summit, Pa. (Scranton Prep)

Dave Casale, FS, 6-1, 175, Troy, N.Y. (Troy)

Stephon Cooper, TB, 5-9, 185, Metuchen, N.J. (Metuchen)

Anthony Cortina, SE, 6-0, 205, Hamilton, N.J. (Steinert)

Paul Cynewski, DE, 6-3, 235, Moorestown, N.J. (Moorestown)

Vinny Esposito, QB, 6-1, 205, Demarest, N.J. (Northern Valley Regional)

Jason Gagnon, DT, 6-1, 305, Manchester, N.H. (Manchester Memorial)

Jamel Gray, FB, 5-9, 225, Yonkers, N.Y. (Mount St. Michael Academy)

Richie Guillod, FL, 5-9, 180, Closter, N.J. (Northern Valley Demarest)

Jean Juste, CB, 5-11, 167, Hempstead, N.Y. (Uniondale)

Chris Kenneally, RB, 6-0, 220, Harrington Park, N.J. (Northern Valley Regional)

Emerson Kinsey, OLB, 6-0, 193, Syracuse, N.Y. (Henninger)

Nick Krajacic, LB, 6-0, 220, Farmington, N.Y. (Victor Central)

David Kropilak, QB, 6-1, 170, Rochelle Park, N.J. (Hackensack)

David McCarty, TB, 6-0, 172, Gansevoort, N.Y. (LaSalle Institute)

Seamus McLaughlin++, DE, 6-2, 255, Wethersfield, Conn. (Wethersfield)

Marcus Miles, TE, 6-3, 215, Watertown, N.Y. (Watertown)

Nicholas Parker, DE, 6-3, 240, Northport, N.Y. (Northport)

Kevin Richards, C, 6-2, 285, Clifton Park, N.Y. (Shenendehowa)

Anthony Rogers, CB, 6-1, 175, Brockport, N.Y. (Brockport)

Tony Sparano, DE, 5-11, 231, Colleyville, Texas (Grapevine)

Apollo Story+, SE, 6-2, 198, North Babylon, N.Y (North Babylon)

Steve Talarico#, OG, 6-2, 295, Peckville, Pa. (Bishop O'Hara)

Adam Tanalski+, PK, 5-9, 183, Bellerose Village, N.Y. (St. Francis Prep)

Kevin Wagner, ROV, 5-11, 195, Howell, N.J. (Freehold Township)

Dave West, OLB, 5-10, 190, Toms River, N.J. (Toms River North)

Cleon Wilson, CB, 6-0, 165, Lakewood, N.J. (Lakewood)

*Valley Forge Military College transfer

+Nassau Community College transfer

^Erie Community College transfer

++Dean Junior College

#Lackawanna College

     Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Kurt Campbell was taken in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, April 24. Campbell, who was the 245th player selected, is the first UAlbany football player to be chosen in the draft.

     Campbell, projected as a strong safety at the pro level, earned four varsity letters as a Great Dane defender. He finished his career with 120 tackles and 19 pass break-ups while playing both roverback and cornerback.

     "I’m both surprised and excited," said Campbell, who is the first Northeast Conference player to be taken in the NFL Draft since 2002 when the Dallas Cowboys chose Sacred Heart’s Deveren Johnson in the sixth round. "I am just glad that I still get to play football. Now the work starts."

     In addition, All-America offensive tackle Geir Gudmundsen agreed in principle to a free-agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. Gudmundsen, who will most likely move to guard or center in the NFL, made 44 consecutive starts at left tackle on UAlbany’s offensive line. In 2004, he was named to the AFCA Division I-AA Coaches’ All-America first team, and earned a spot on both The Sports Network and Football Gazette I-AA Mid-Major All-America squads.