Release Date: 8/3/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIE FOOTBALL HAS THREE NAMED TO PRE-SEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAM

Mansfield- Mansfield Univeristy standouts Joe Bennett ( Horseheads , NY / Notre Dame), Brian DeCecco (McKeesport/South Allegheny) and Earnest ‘Poohbear’ McNeal ( Orlando , FL /Lake Highland Prep) were named to the 2004 Don Hansen’s Football Gazette NCAA Division II preseason All-American team.

Last season Bennett, a first team All-PSAC East selection, led the PSAC in reception yardage (1,184) and receiving touchdowns (17) while ranking among the nationally leaders in each category. He comes into the 2004 season as one of the top ranked receivers ranking 5^th in receiving yards and 8^th in touchdowns among the nationally ranked returnees from a year ago.

In 27 games thus far in his collegiate career, Bennett has 129 catches for 2,386 yards and 24 touchdowns. He is averaging 18.5 yards per reception.

One of the premier nose guards in NCAA Division II, DeCecco was a first team All-PSAC East selection last season and was the anchor of the defensive line. He recorded and led the defensive line with 51 tackles; including 30 solo, and led the team in tackles for a loss with 11 and was second in sacks with three.

In 2003, McNeal was named the ECAC Division II Rookie of the Year. Just a freshman, McNeal led the nation in all-purpose yards (2,392) and was tops in the PSAC in rushing yards (1,684).This mark was good enough to set a new school record for rushing yards in a season, a feat he also accomplished for rushing touchdowns (17) and touchdowns in a season (19).

McNeal enters the season as one of top ranked rushers in NCAA Division II returning this year.  Nationally he is ranked 5^th in touchdowns and 9^th in average kick off return yards (29.4) among players returning in 2004.

Last year the Mountaineers finished with an 8-3 overall record and 3-3 in conference play.  Mansfield will kick off the 2004 season on Aug. 28 on the road against California University of Pennsylvania.