RELEASE DATE: 10/10/04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MU’S PAUL GAROFALO NAMED PSAC EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – SOPHOMORE RUSHES FOR 268 YARDS AND THREE TD’S IN WIN OVER CHEYNEY

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University running back Paul Garofalo (McKean/General McLane) was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Division Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in the Mountaineers 26-19 win over Cheyney on Saturday.

The 5-5, 188, sophomore literally carried Mansfield to the victory rushing for 268 yards on 44 carries including three touchdowns. The 268 rushing yards are the second most in a single game in school history just behind the 272 yards by Poohbear McNeal against Millersville last season. His 44 carries also rank as send most in school history behind Lee Brannon’s 46 carry effort against Cheyney in 1999.

As impressive as his rushing totals are for the game, it was his effort in the fourth quarter that produced the first victory of the season for his team.

Trailing 6-5 entering the fourth quarter, Garofalo carried the ball for 13 of Mansfield’s 16 offense plays over the final 15 minutes where he rushed for 124 yards and touchdowns of 3, 16, and 30 yards.

Coming into the game, Garofalo had carried the ball 19 times for 30 yards over the first five games of the year.