FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES DAN HOLLAND NAMED TO SECOND TEAM NCAA DIVISION II PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN – JUST ONE OF TWO SOPHOMORE TO EARN DEFENSIVE ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

 MANSFIELD – Mansfield University sophomore Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) has been named to Second Team NCAA Division II Preseason All-American by the Football Gazette.

 Just one of two defensive sophomores selected on the three Preseason All-American teams, Holland had the most productive defensive freshman season in Mansfield’s 109-year football history in 2000. 

Last season Holland was the top NCAA Division II tackler in the nation with 122 stops. In addition, he ranked first in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) in solo tackles with 81 while being the first player in school history to earn PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors twice.

 Named both the PSAC East and ECAC South Rookie of the Year, Holland also earned First Team All-PSAC East honors while leading the Mountaineers in tackles, sacks and tackles for a loss.

 The son of Joe and Donna Holland of Scranton, Dan is a special education major at Mansfield.

 The Mountaineers close out their two-week preseason camp this Sunday and open the 2001 season when they host Buffalo State on Sept. 8.

RELEASE DATE: 7/19/01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES SELECT RALPH ISERNIA AS NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR – FORMER DAVIDSON STANDOUT COMES TO MU FROM DEFIANCE (OH) COLLEGE  

MANSFIELD – Ralph Isernia, who helped direct Defiance (OH) College to a 7-3 record in 2000 as offensive coordinator, has been named as the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach for Mansfield University. 

The announcement was made today by MU head coach Chris Woods.

“I’ve known Ralph for many years and I’m excited he’s joining us at Mansfield,” said Woods of his former college roommate. “Ralph’s been the offensive coordinator for the last five years for two successful programs and I know he’s going to bring success to Mansfield.”

 Ralph Isernia joins the Mountaineer staff, and rejoins college teammate Chris Woods.

 Isernia comes to Mansfield from Defiance (OH) College where he served as the offensive coordinator for the Yellow Jackets helping them to a 7-3 mark in 2000. His offense averaging 22.4 points and 354.4 yards in total offense per game last year.

 Isernia began his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant at Western Connecticut State University in 1991 where he was responsible for tight ends and wide receivers as well as the special teams coordinator. Promoted to assistant coach in 1993, Isernia was quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator.

In 1994, Isernia was hired as a full-time assistant coach at Methodist College as quarterbacks and running backs coach as well as special teams coordinator. He was promoted to offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 1996 and remained in that capacity until taking a position at Defiance College as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator in 2000.

A two-sport standout at NCAA Division I-AA Davidson College, Isernia was a four-year starter in baseball and football. As a running back, Isernia was the team offensive MVP his junior season and was the team leader in rushing, receiving and scoring. A team captain his senior year, he ranked among the national leaders in punt return and all-purpose yardage.

Isernia was selected at the Thomas D. Sparrow Award winner his senior season for outstanding sportsmanship, athletic and academic excellence at Davidson College.

 He was a four-year teammate and roommate of Mountaineer head coach Chris Woods, who was a standout on the offensive line at Davidson.

 Isernia graduated from Davidson with a BA in sociology in 1991 and earned a master’s degree in education from Western Connecticut State University in 1993. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Isernia served as an assistant professor of physical education at both Defiance College and Methodist College.

 He replaces Mike Cerasuolo, who left to take the position of offensive coordinator at his alma mater Springfield College.

 Isernia lives in Mansfield with his wife Lynn and son Rett.

###

RELEASE DATE: 4/28/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIE OFFENSE SCORES 40-34 WIN OVER DEFENSE IN RED & BLACK SPRING FOOTBALL GAME -- NORWICH'S JOHN LOISELLE RUNS FOR 191 YARDS AND THREE TOUCHDOWNS

MANSFIELD -- John Loiselle (Norwich,NY/Norwich) rushed for 191 yards and three touchdowns to lead the offense to a 40-34 win over the defense in the
annual Mansfield University Red & Black Spring Football Game Saturday morning at Karl Van Norman Field.

Loiselle carried the ball 23 times including a 95-yard scoring jaunt. Starting quarterback Travis Motley (York/Central York) connected on 7 of 16 passes for 39 yards while backup Justin Ross (Danville/Danville) was 5-7 for 19 yards.

Linebacker Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O'Hara) led the defense with 10 solo tackles and a sack with defensive end Jason Coleman (Bloomsburg/Central Columbia) adding six tackles.

The game marked the head-coaching debut for Chris Woods, who became the 21st head coach in school history in March. It also marked the 110th anniversary of the first spring game in Mansfield history played against Wellsboro on May 26, 1891.

The Mountaineers open the 2001 campaign when they host Buffalo State on Sept. 8.

###

RELEASE DATE: 4/24/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MANSFIELD CELEBRATES 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF FOOTBALL IN ANNUAL RED & BLACK SPRING GAME THIS SATURDAY -- GAME MARKS HEAD COACHING DEBUT FOR CHRIS WOODS

MANSFIELD  -- Mansfield University will celebrate the 110th anniversary of its football program when its host the annual Red & Black Spring Football Game this Saturday morning at Karl Van Norman Field.  Kickoff is slated for 10 p.m.

The inter squad game marks two historical milestones -- the 110th anniversary of Mansfield's first football game and the debut of Chris Woods as the Mountaineers 21st head football coach.

The game will be comprised of the Mountaineer offensive unit -- which posted a 38-21 win in last year's game -- against the defensive unit.

Points are awarded on offense for touchdowns, field goals, PAT, running play of more than 15 yards, passing play of more than 20 yards and first downs.

Defensive points are recorded for turnovers, stopping a drive inside the 25-yard line, sacks, tackles for loss and three plays and out.

The game also marks the head coaching debut of Chris Woods who was promoted from his position of defensive coordinator to head coach when Joe Gilbert
left to take an assistant coaching position at NCAA Division I University of Toledo.

Before Mansfield had electricity, telephones, paved streets, sewers or automobiles -- it had football.

The first game in school history was played in Mansfield on May 23, 1891 when the then called Mansfield State Normal School defeated Wellsboro High School 22-0.

A report in the Wellsboro Gazette described just how physical the game was in 1891. "Mr. S. H. Jacobson, of the High School team received a sprained ankle and is now going around on crutches. No one was killed during the engagement, but several narrow escapes were noted with faces blooded and noses broken."

The Frank A. Butsko Award Breakfast will proceed the game and a golf tournament will follow after.

While the game showcases the abilities of current players, Mansfield has signed more than 30 recruits for the 2001 season.

Admission to the game is free and open to the public.

###

RELEASE DATE: 3/21/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PAUL FULLER PROMOTED TO DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR -- DEFENSIVE LINE COACH AND SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR SET RECORD FOR BLOCKED KICKS LAST SEASON

MANSFIELD -- Paul Fuller, who served as the Mountaineers defensive line coach and special teams coordinator last season, has been promoted to defensive coordinator.

The announcement was made today by new MU head coach Chris Woods.

"Paul's an intense individual who earned the respect of our players, coaching staff and opponents with the play of the defensive line and special teams last year, " Woods said. "He knows our system  as well as the players and is the perfect choice to take over the responsibilities of our defensive coordinator."

Woods served as the Mountaineers defensive coordinator last season before being promoted to head coach after Joe Gilbert left to take over as the offensive line coach at NCAA Division I-A University of Toledo.

Under Fuller, the Mountaineers special teams unit set a new school record for blocked kicks in a season in 2000 with nine while the defensive line ranked fourth in the PSAC East with 22 sacks in 10 games.

A four-year starter on the offensive line for the University of Maine Black  Bears from 1989-92, Fuller served as team captain in 1992. He signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL in 1993 and was a starter for three seasons with three different Arena Football League teams (1995 - Connecticut Coyotes, 1996 - Minnesota Fightin' Pike, 1997 - Nashville Kats).

Fuller served as the associate head coach at  Bridgton Academy (Maine) in 1999 and was an assistant defensive coach at the United States Military Academy in 1998. He also had stints as an assistant coach at Southern Connecticut (1997), Vanderbilt, Bowdoin College, Western Connecticut State and Ohio University.

Fuller graduated from Maine with a BS in health, physical education and recreation and earned his MS in physical education from Ohio University in 1994.

###

RELEASE DATE: 3/1/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CHRIS WOODS NAMED 21ST HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AT MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY -- FORMER MOUNTAINEER DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR PROMOTED TO FIRST FULL TIME HEAD COACHING POSITION

MANSFIELD -- Chris Woods, who served as defensive coordinator for the Mountaineers last season, has been named the 21st head coach in the 110-year football history at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.

MU President John Halstead, who introduced Woods to the Mansfield community and area media at a press conference in Decker Gymnasium this afternoon, made the announcement.

"Chris has a proven record as an outstanding and successful football coach," Halstead said. "He was one of the most successful defensive coordinators in the nation at the NCAA Division III level and directed the Mountaineer defense to marked improvement last year."

"We are committed to the continued improvement of our football program at Mansfield University and feel confident that Chris Woods is the right person at the right time to bring continuity and success to the program."

In his first season as defensive coordinator at Mansfield last year, Woods directed to MU defense to marked improvement in points allowed, rushing defense and total defense.

The assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Wittenberg University from 1996-1999, Woods helped direct the NCAA Division III Tigers to a 40-4 record. His 1998 team led the nation in scoring and passing defense and earned NCAA playoff berths in 1997, 1998, and 1999.  Woods began his coaching career in 1994 as the offensive line coach at Plymouth State College and served as the linebackers' coach in 1995. In his two seasons at Plymouth State, the Panthers posted a 19-2 record. He served as interim head football coach in 1996 before being named defensive coordinator by the incoming head coach.  A 1991 graduate of Davidson College with a BA in sociology, Woods was a four-year starter on the offensive line and served as captain his senior season.

Mansfield University is a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and competes at the NCAA Division II level.  Woods replaces Joe Gilbert who resigned to accept an assistant coaching position with NCAA Division I-A University of Toledo. 

Coach Woods and his wife Stephanie reside in Mansfield.

-MU-

RELEASE DATE: 2/26/01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MU HEAD FOOTBALL COACH JOE GILBERT LEAVES TO TAKE ASSISTANT POSITION AT NCAA DIVISION I-A UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield University head football coach Joe Gilbert resigned this afternoon to accept the position of offensive line coach at NCAA Division I-A University of Toledo.

Gilbert told his players of his decision following an early morning workout today.

"This is the toughest decision I've ever had to make in my professional career," said Gilbert. "I wasn't looking to leave Mansfield. I was very happy here and excited about our recruiting class and the upcoming season. But Toledo contacted me and the opportunity to coach at an outstanding NCAA Division I-A program comes around just once in a lifetime. I felt that for myself and my family, it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up."

Named the university's 20^th head football coach in December of 2000, Gilbert posted a 1-9 mark last season after coming to Mansfield from the University of Maine where he served as the NCAA Division I-AA Black Bears offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.

"I'm deeply grateful to Mansfield University for giving me the opportunity to be its head coach. It's been a rewarding experience and there are some great people here that I will truly miss. I'm convinced the program is moving in a positive direction and the best is yet to come."

Gilbert had a strong recruiting class last year and started nine freshmen on offense in 2000. This year the Mountaineers have already sign 15 recruits, including a school record nine the first day of the signing period.

The University of Toledo is a NCAA Division I-A program that plays in the Mid-America Conference (MAC) where the Rockets posted a 10-1 record last season including a 24-6 win over Penn State.

NCAA Division I-A is the highest level of collegiate football. Mansfield University competes at the NCAA Division II level.

Longtime assistant coach Tom Amstutz took over as the head coach at Toledo in December after head coach Gary Pinkel left after 10 seasons to become the head coach at the University of Missouri.

Mansfield University plans to move quickly on replacing Gilbert and hopes to make an announcement concerning the head football coaching position in the near future.

###

RELEASE DATE: 2/07/01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MANSFIELD HAS SCHOOL RECORD NUMBER OF FIRST DAY FOOTBALL RECRUIT SIGNINGS

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield University of Pennsylvania had a first day school record nine high school student-athletes sign letters of intent to play football for the Mountaineers this fall.

Today was the first day NCAA Division I, I-AA, II institutions could accept signed letters of intent.

The class reflects the Mountaineers needs on the field with three offensive linemen and two defensive linemen making up the bulk of the first day signings.

The first day signings also include a running back, a quarterback, a linebacker and a defensive back.

It marks the first full recruiting season for head coach Joe Gilbert who was named the Mountaineers 20th head football coach in late December of 2000.

While first day signings are common in NCAA Division I and I-AA programs, they are less so at the NCAA Division II level and have been relatively rare at Mansfield.

With Mansfield still actively involved in the recruiting process, Coach Gilbert expects the Class of 2001 to contain more than 40 members.

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania is a NCAA Division II intuition that is a member of the 14 member Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. The Mountaineers participate in the PSAC Eastern Division.

Mansfield University Football
2001 Signings
29 total as of 4/4/01

This list will be updated as signed letters of intent are received.

RELEASE DATE: 12/15/00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND AND GRETCHEN RESCHKE NAMED MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY MALE AND FEMALE FALL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

MANSFIELD -- Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O'Hara) and Gretchen Reschke (Owego,NY/Owego Free) have been named the Mansfield University Male and Female Athlete of the Year for their outstanding performance on the football gridiron and field hockey pitch this year.

Holland had the most productive freshman season for a defensive player in Mountaineer history. He became the first player in school history to be twice named the PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week while ranking third in the conference in tackles (122) including first in solo tackles (81), second in tackles for a loss (17), fourth in sacks (7) and seventh in pass breakups (7).

In addition he was named the PSAC East and ECAC South Rookie of the Year and became the first freshman in school history to earn 1^st team All-PSAC East honors.

The son of Joe and Donna Holland, Dan is majoring in special education at Mansfield.

Reschke is the first athlete in school history to earn Athlete of the Year honors in her first two seasons of competition.

The team's top point producer this season, Reschke finished fourth in the PSAC in points per game (1.82), was first in the conference in assists (.53 pg) which ranked fourth in NCAA Division II.

Named to 1^st team All-PSAC honors for the second straight season, Reschke ranked seventh in the conference in goals per game. She is also the first field hockey player in school history to be named to the NFHCA All-American team in both her freshman and sophomore seasons.

In just two short years, Reschke is already MU's career all-time points leader with 78, including a school record 29 goals.

The daughter of Stella and Donald Reschke, Gretchen is majoring in biology at Mansfield.

-2000-

RELEASE DATE: 12/11/00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED ECAC SOUTH ROOKIE OF THE YEAR -- JON JOHNSON EARNS 1^ST TEAM ALL-ECAC SOUTH HONORS

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield University freshman sensation Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O'Hara) made a clean sweep of postseason Rookie of the Year honors while teammate Jon Johnson (Wyalusing/Wyalusing) earned first team recognation in the ECAC South Division II football awards.

Selected by the head coaches and sports information directors, the ECAC Division II South All-Star team consists of 25 players from 10 different schools along with Player and Rookie of the Year honors.

Holland, who was earlier selected the PSAC East Rookie of the Year, had the most productive freshman season for a defensive player in Mountaineer history. He became the first player in school history to be twice named the PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week while ranking third in the PSAC in tackles (122), including first in solo tackles (81), second in tackles for a loss (17-80 yds), fourth in sacks (7-53 yds) and seventh in pass-breakups with seven.

Johnson, who earned both preseason and post season All-American honors this season, was named to 1^st team honors at defensive back. The team leader in interceptions with four, Johnson ranked third in the PSAC in interceptions this season. A starter in all 10 games during his senior season, Johnson was credited with 70 tackles (39 solo) along with three pass breakups and a forced fumble. In addition, Johnson was Mr. Everything for the Mountaineers punting 14 times for 428 yards, returning three punts for 11 yards and gaining 26 yards off a fake punt. One of the best defensive backs in Mountaineer history, Johnson ended his career with 215 tackles (131 solo) and 15 interceptions.

2000-2001

RELEASE DATE: 11/20/00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED PSAC EAST ROOKIE OF THE YEAR -- HOLLAND AND JON JOHNSON EARN 1^ST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS -- MICHAEL KLECKO AND TYREE PATTERSON NAMED TO SECOND TEAM

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield University freshman sensation Dan Holland (Scranton, Bishop O'Hara) was selected the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Rookie of the Week and earned 1^st Team All-PSAC East honors along with senior Jon Johnson (Wyalusing/Wyalusing). Seniors Michael Klecko (Malvern/Great Valley) and Tyree Patterson (Philadelphia/Martin Luther King) were named to 2^nd Team All-PSAC East honors in voting conducted among the PSAC East head football coaches released today.

Holland had the most productive freshman season for a defensive player in Mountaineer history. He became the first player in school history to be twice named the PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week while ranking third in the PSAC in tackles (122), including first in solo tackles (81), second in tackles for a loss (17-80 yds), fourth in sacks (7-53 yds.) and seventh in pass breakups with seven. Holland is the fourth Mountaineer since 1975 to earn PSAC East Rookie of the Year and the first defensive player to do so. He was just one of only two freshman to earn 1^st Team All-PSAC honors this season.

Jon Johnson (Wyalusing/Wyalusing), a 2000 preseason All-American on two different teams, was a repeat 1^st Team All-PSAC East selection in the defensive backfield. The team leader in interceptions with four, Johnson ranked third in the PSAC in interceptions this season. A starter in all ten games, Johnson was credited with 70 tackles (39 solo) along with three pass breakups and a forced fumble. In addition, Johnson was Mr. Everything for the Mountaineers punting 14 times for 428 yards, returning three punts for 11 yards, gaining 26 yards off a fake punt and playing 10 downs as a wide receiver. In 40 games over his career, Johnson racked up 215 career tackles (131 solo) and had 15 interceptions, third best in school history.

Michael Klecko (Malvern/Great Valley) was a repeat second team selection at tight end where he led the Mountaineers in receptions with 26 for 357 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first tight end in school history to surpass 1,000 yards in career receptions and finished his career with 88 receptions for 1,114 yards and 10 touchdowns. Klecko is the eldest son of former NFL standout Joe Klecko.

Tyree Patterson (Philadelphia/Martin L. King) was named to second team honors for the second time in his career after earning the recognition as a freshman in 1997. Patterson evolved into a two-threat player this season recording 22 tackles, including four for a loss, and three sacks as a defensive lineman. In addition, Patterson was a short yardage specialist at fullback where he carried the ball nine times for 29 yards and two touchdowns. In his nine carries, Patterson gained six first downs and two touchdowns. He also rushed once for a two-point conversion. A four-year starter, Patterson is credited with 114 tackles, including 80 solo, and 12 sacks.

-2000-

LOCK HAVEN, PA -- Four Mountaineer turnovers resulted in 17 points for Lock Haven as the Mounties were shut out by Lock Haven, 24-0, in the Mountaineers season finale. The Mounties end their season 1-9 overall and 1-5 in PSAC East games.

Lock Haven struck first with Chad Koleno scoring on a 53-yard interception return off a tipped pass from Travis Motley at the line of scrimmage.

When Mansfield was given an opportunity on offense, there wasn't much response. Following a Jon Johnson interception, a Mountainer fumble on the Mansfield seven-yard line was recovered by Lock Haven which set up a field goal, increasing their lead to 10-0. The first 17 Lock Haven points were direct results of turnovers.

The Mountaineer's injury riddled offense was limited to 160 total yards, 96 of which came from Joe Holland's 22 rushing attempts.

Despite the loss the Mountaineer defense allowed a season low 238 total offensive yards and only 57 yards on the ground. Jon Johnson had two interceptions giving him four on the season and 15 for his career, the second most in school history.

The Mountaineers special teams did produce with Broderic Warner and Daricus Haynes blocking punts to give the Mountaineers a school record 10 blocked kicks for the season.

The Mountaineers finish their season 1-9 overall and 1-5 in the PSAC East conference.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- MANSFIELD FOOTBALL TEAM FALLS TO EAST STROUDSBURG IN A GAME OF BIG PLAYS -- MOUNTIE DEFENSE HOLDS ESU TO ZERO RUSHING YARDS IN THE FIRST HALF

EAST STROUDSBURG -- Mansfield fell to East Stroudsburg 34-20 in PSAC East football action today.

East Stroudsburg jumped to an early lead with a five-yard touchdown pass with 13:11 left in the first quarter. Mansfield rallied from the early deficit to land on the ESU 22 after Daricus Haynes (Syracuse, NY/Corcoran) drilled ESU punt returner Mike Patrick and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Mansfield's Steve Smith (Welland, ONT/Notre Dame) to put the Mounties within striking distance. The Mounties scored on a six-yard pass from Travis Motley (York/Central York) to Josh Rearick (Forest Hills/Forest Hills), a Tom O'Donnell (Earlville/Daniel Boone) point after attempt was no good, which left the Mounties behind ESU 7-6.

After going for a 4^th and 15 fake punt ESU turned over on downs and Travis Motley found Angel Baines (Syracuse, NY/Henninger) in the end zone, putting Mansfield up 12-7, after a two-point conversion failed the Mounties lead ESU 12-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The Mounties defense held their own throughout the game, and held ESU's top running back Andre Castiglioni to zero rushing yards in the first quarter and only 49 yards for the game. Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) had a team high, 10 tackles including eight solos, four tackles for a loss and two sacks.

Travis Motley was intercepted by Bryan Hooks and had a 50-yard return to the Mansfield 15 yard line. ESU quarterback Geoff Brobst completed a pass to Matt Triolo for a touchdown putting East Stroudsburg on top 13-12; ESU would carry that lead into halftime.

Motley ended the day 18 for 34 with 149 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The big plays fell East Stroudsburg's way, especially when Brobst hit John Kotarsky on a short hook pattern, which turned into a 76-yard touchdown, putting ESU up 20-12.

Today was not a good day for the kickers, ESU's Mike Berry missed a point after attempt and a field goal from 37 yards. Mansfield's Tom O'Donnell also missed a point after attempt and ESU's Kevin Nagle blocked a field goal from 47 yards.

On the first drive of the fourth quarter Jon Pry completed a 46-yard pass to Mike Patrick to put ESU on the Mounties 15, which set up a one-yard touchdown rush by A.J. Oliveri giving ESU a 27-12 lead.

Mansfield's Tyree Patterson (Philadelphia/Martin L. King) with 7:06 left in the fourth quarter rushed for three yards to put the Mounties back in the hunt, behind 27-20.

East Stroudsburg's A.J. Oliveri scored on the next series with 1:30 left to play, putting the game out of reach for the Mounties at 34-20.

The Mounties fall to 1-8 overall and 1-5 in the PSAC East, their season finale is November 11 away against Lock Haven.

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield University linebacker Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O'Hara) was selected the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against Kutztown University last Saturday.

   Holland had a game high 11 tackles, nine solo's, two sacks, a pass breakup and blocked a punt against Kutztown.

The 6-0, 205, freshman tops the Mountaineers, and is second in the PSAC, in tackles with 103 including 67 solo's. He also leads the team in tackles for loss (11-56) and sacks (5-36). Holland has been the team's leading tackler in seven of the eight games this season.

    It marks the second time this season Holland has earned PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors who earned the honor for his play against California University on Sept. 23.

###

RELEASE DATE: 10/28/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: KUTZTOWN DOWNS MOUNTES 27-6 -- JASON ROSCOE RUSHES
FOR 100 YARDS FOR MOUNTAINEERS

MANSFIELD -- Mike de Marteleire competed 19-of-31 passes for 212 yards and two touchdowns to lead Kutztown University to a 27-6 win over Mansfield University in PSAC East football Saturday afternoon at Karl Van Norman Field.

Kutztown took a 7-0 lead on a two-yard touchdown run by Yorel Prosser and two Marcel Kottke second quarter field goals (31, 29) extended the lead to 13-0 at halftime.  In the third quarter Rich Hamilton caught a nine-yard pass from de Marteleire and a fourth quarter six-yard pass from de Marteleire to Phil Washington rounded out the Kutztown scoring.

Mansfield would get on the board later in the fourth quarter when Dan Holland blocked a punt that was recovered by Ricky Woods at the Kutztown 20-yard line. Four plays later, senior Tyree Patterson scored his first collegiate touchdown on a two-yard plunge. The extra point attempt was blocked.

Kutztown racked up 440 yards in total offense while limiting a banged up Mansfield offense to 180 yards. They also picked off four Mansfield passes.

Jason Roscoe picked up 100 yards rushing on 16 carries for Mansfield. Quarterback Travis Motley completed 13-of-28 passes for 70 with freshman
Josh Rearick, Jason Roscoe and Steve Smith each catching three passes. Mike Klecko had tow grabs for 21 yards while freshman Angel Baines had two for
nine yards.

Dan Holland had a game high 11 tackles with two sacks, a blocked punt and a pass breakup for the Mountaineers with freshman Daricus Haynes recording seven tackles. Jason Coleman and Tyson Figueroa each had six stops with Josh Frick, Tyree Patterson, Ian Cooper and Jon Johnson each with five.

Kutztown won it's fifth straight game to improve to 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the PSAC East. The seven wins ties the school record for wins in a season
and Kutztown has a chance to tie for the PSAC East crown when they host PSAC East frontrunner Bloomsburg next Saturday.
Mansfield falls to 1-7 overall and 1-4 in the PSAC East and travels to East Stroudsburg next Saturday.

MANSFIELD – Bloomsburg scored back-to-back touchdowns in the final two minutes of the first half to break open a close 14-7 game in beating 41-7 Mansfield at Karl Van Norman Field today.

    Trailing 14-7 Mansfield University had the ball at the Bloomsburg 30-yard line with 4:36 remaining in the first half but the Mountaineers were hit with illegal substitution penalty and were forced to give the ball up on downs.

    The Huskies then drove up the field aided by a 43-yard pass from Erick Miller to Mike Lelko to score with 2:03 remaining in the half. Three plays later freshman quarterback Travis Motley(York/Central York) was picked of by Toyae Berry at the MU 36-yard line. Marques Glaze would score on a one-yard plunge with 1:09 left in the half.

    "We played a heck of a game until the last two minutes of that first half.", said Mansfield Head Coach Joe Gilbert. "That penalty on the third-and-one and at the Bloom 30 really killed our momentum and you can’t give away 14 points in the last two minutes and expect beat a team as good as Bloomsburg."

    Lelko opened scoring with a 10-yard TD grab from Miller in the first quarter. Glaze scored on a 13-yard run early in the second quarter for a 14-0 Bloomsburg lead.

    Mansfield cut the score to 14-7 midway through the second quarter on a 10-yard pass to Angel Baines(Syracuse, NY/Henninger) from Travis Motley. But Bloomsburg would put the game out of reach scoring a 43-yard pass from Miller to Lelko and less than a minute later scoring on a 1-yard plunge by Glaze after an interception.

    Bloomsburg would add scores on an 18-yard run by Glaze to start the third quarter and a 36-yard pass from Miller to Lechthaler also in the third quarter.

    Lelko had seven catches for 155 yards for Bloomsburg. . Miller completed 9-of-17 passes for 197 yards including a TD. Arrastene Henry picked up 87 yards on 14 carries for the Huskies. Glaze scored three TD’s with 1,026 yards.

     Motley connected on 24-of-46 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown for the Mountaineers.

    Baines led the Mounties on receptions with 5 for 39 yards and a TD. Josh Rearick(Forrest Hills/Forrest Hills) was right behind him with 5 catches for 29 yards.

    Joe Holland(Scaranton/Bishop O’Hara) led Mansfield on the ground with 8 carries for 31 yards. Rearick also had two rushes for 15 yards

    On defense, freshman Dan Holland(Scaranton/Bishop O’Hara) and senior Jon Johnson(Wyalusing/Wylausing) led with eight tackles each. Johnson also had an interception. Mike Lord(Covington/North Penn) finished with five tackles.

    The Mountaineers will play their final home game next weekend at Karl Van Norman Field against Kutztown University. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.

MILLERSVILLE, PA – Once again this week, nothing could go right for the Mansfield Mountaineers in the first half as they gave up 32 points including 27 in the first half to Millersville in a 32-7 PSAC East setback Saturday afternoon.

Millersville’s first possession of the ball at 13:50 in the first quarter led to a 34-yard field goal kick by Andy Ryzewski at 11:49.

Millersville got another opportunity to score after Mansfield quarterback Travis Motley(York/Central York) was sacked by Nick Reynolds and fumbled the ball and Millersville’s Jamaal Lee recovered the ball and ran it to Mansfield’s two-yard line. Craig Austin received a pass from Drew Folmer to score for the Marauders. Ryzewski’s kick was good.

While Mansfield was again unsuccessful in its possession, the ball was returned to the Marauders. They scored again at 2:20 in the first quarter by a nine-yard pass from Drew Folmer to Sean Scott with Ryzewski’s kick good. Millersville used eight plays and 64 yards on that possession.

The Mountaineer defense held Millersville for most of the second quarter until a quarterback sneak by Folmer at 4:50.

Ryzewski had two more field goals at the end of second and at 3:39 in the third quarter to bring the score to 32-0. In between those field goals, Millersville scored on a safety after the ball was snapped over the head of kicker Jon Johnson(Wyalusing/Wyalusing) into the end zone at 8:21 in the third quarter.

Mansfield finally gained the opportunity to put themselves on the score board with a 19-yard pass to Chris Hudak(Whitehall/Whitehall) from freshman quarterback Travis Motley(York/Central York) at 4:11 in the fourth quarter. The Mountaineers used eight plays and gained 65-yards in that drive. Tom O’Donnell’s(Earlville/Daniel Boone) after point attempt was good making the final score 32-7.

The Mounties were inside the Marauders 10-yard line late in the game but failed to score.

For Mansfield, freshman Dan Holland(Scranton/Bishop O' Hara) led the defense with 13 tackles, eight of which were solos, a quarterback hurry and a sack for a loss of 10 yards. Daricus Haynes(Syracuse, NY/Corcoran) came up with 10 tackles and an interception. Josh Frick(Montrose/Montrose) and Jon Johnson(Wyalusing/Wyalusing) each racked up six tackles for the Mounties.

On offense Motley connected on 9-19 passes with 102 yards and one touchdown.

Mansfield’s troops were depleted this week after losing freshman wide receivers Joe Bennett(Horseheads, NY/Notre Dame) and Josh Rearick(Forest Hills/Forest Hills) last week against West Chester. Also, senior Mike Klecko(Colts Neck, NY/Great Valley) left the game early in the first half and did not return due to injury.

Again this week, Mansfield outscored its opponent in the second half by leading 7-5. Last week, the Mountaineers outscored West Chester in the second half 14-0.

It was homecoming at Millersville, who are ranked 15^th in Division II and 1^st in PSAC East.

The Mounties return home for the next two weeks to face Bloomsburg and Kutztown on Oct. 14^th and 21^st respectively. Both of those games will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Karl Van Norman Stadium.

RELEASE DATE: 10/7/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WEST CHESTER DOWNS MOUNTIES 34-14 -- MU HOLDS GOLDEN
RAMS SCORELESS IN SECOND HALF AFTER ALLOWING FIVE FIRST HALF TOUCHDOWNS --
MIKE KLECKO HAS FIVE CATCHES FOR 141 YARDS -- QB TRAVIS MOTLEY PASS FOR 205
YARDS

MANSFIELD -- Nothing went right for the Mansfield University Mountaineers in the first half as they gave up 34 points, including 20 in the first quarter, to West Chester in a 34-14 PSAC East setback Saturday afternoon at Karl Van
Norman Field.

LeRoy Miller returned the opening kickoff 65 yards and West Chester would score five plays later.
A muffed return on the kickoff would put the Mountaineers inside their own 20-yard yard line -- a place they would start five of their eight first half drives.

"We simply didn't play well in the first half," head coach Joe Gilbert said. "West Chester may not have won a game before they came here, but they are a solid football team that played one of the toughest schedule around in their first five games. We weren't prepared for them in the first half and that was the difference in the game."

Not only did the Mountaineers have to deal with their own mistakes and a strong West Chester running game that ground out 171 yards in the first half, they also lost leading receiver Joe Bennett early in the first quarter with a shoulder injury.

But as has been their character this season, the Mountaineer did not quit and after making adjustments at halftime held West Chester scoreless in the second half.

Midway through the third quarter, Jon Johnson forced a fumble that was recovered by Jason Coleman at the MU 16. Five plays later freshman quarterback Travis Motley would find freshman Josh Rearick on a nine yard scoring strike.

Early in the fourth quarter the Mountaineers would score again on a 45-yard drive set up by two completions from Motley to Mike Klecko that accounted for 42 yards. Shaun Wilson would score from one yard out to cut the score to
34-14.

The Mountaineers then recovered an on-side kick at the 50 and drive to the West Chester 15 before giving the ball up on downs. With 2:55 to play Mansfield would again drive to the West Chester 18, but a
4th and 12 pass fell incomplete.

Motley completed 14 of 26 passes for 205 yards including a touchdown while senior tight end Mike Klecko had five catches for a career best 141 yards. Freshman running back Jason Roscoe picked up 70 yards on 13 carries before
leaving the game early in the second half. Freshman linebacker Dan Holland led the defense with 12 tackles and a sack
Freshman Daricus Haynes had eight tackles. Jason Coleman was credited with six tackles including three for a loss and a sack. Jon Johnson had five tackles while freshman Jordann Smith had an interception, as did sophomore
Josh Frick.

WCU Mansfield University
FIRST DOWNS 24 16
Rushing 12 6
Passing 10 9
Penalty 2 1
Rushing Attempts 41 41
Yards Gained Rushing 256 147
Yards Lost Rushing 16 52
NET YARDS RUSHING 240 95
NET YARDS PASSING 170 205
Passes Attempted 27 26
Had Intercepted 2 0
OFFENSIVE PLAYS 68 67
NET YARDS 410 300
Average gain per play 6.0 4.5
Fumbles 1-1 1-1
Penalties 5-45 6-51
Punts 3-108 7-230
Average 36.0 32.9
Possession Time 29:11 30:49
3rd down conversions 3-9 3-13

Rushing: WCU: Jason Muchler 16-111; Don DeFilipo 13-77; Scott Reed 4-19;
Chris Shaffer 1-16; Joe Shay 2-8; Ryan Kock 1-7; Shaihie Wynder 4-2
MANS: Jason Roscoe 13-70; Shaun Wilson 19-55; Travis Motley 9 -minus 30

Passing: WCU: Shaihie Wynder 27-17-2 170 2td
MANS: Travis Motley 26-14-0 205 1td

Receiving: WCU Chris Shaffer 5-26; Scott Reed 3-19; Jason Muchler 2-42;
Elzar Camper 2-28; Ryan Koch 2-14; Brian Bradley 1-14; Don DeFilipo 1-14;
Bret Terry 1-13
MANS: Mike Klecko 5-141; Steve Smith 4-31; Jason Roscoe 2-16; Josh Rearick
1-9; Chris Hudak 1-8; Joe Bennett 1-0

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield scored on the opening series with a one yard touchdown run by Jason Roscoe (York/York) and held the lead throughout the entire game to beat Cheyney 29-7 and give coach Joe Gilbert his first win as Mountie head coach.

"The win feels great, we made some mistakes early on where we could have pulled the game apart earlier but they came out and played hard and did some good things." said Coach Gilbert on his first win.

Offensively for Mansfield Joe Bennett (Horseheads, NY/Notre Dame) led the Mounties in receiving with five receptions for 88 yards. Senior TE Mike Klecko (Colts Neck, NY/Great Valley) had five receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown. Tom O'Donnell (Earlville/Daniel Boone) connected on two of three field goal attempts from 34 and 44 yards. O'Donnell missed a 37 yard attempt in the fourth quarter.

On defense Josh Frick (Montrose/Montrose) had one interception for a 26-yard touchdown return with 3:15 left to play. Mike Lord (Covington/North Penn) led the Mounties in tackles with 16 including 8 solos.

"The defense came out in the second half and really put us in a situation to win the game." said Coach Gilbert.

The nine points scored by Cheyney is the lowest number of points Mansfield has given up since a 1997 win over Cheyney 20-7.

Mansfield's next game is homecoming against West Chester, Saturday October 7 at 1:00 p.m.

RELEASE DATE: 9/25/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES DAN HOLLAND NAMED PSAC EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK -- FRESHMAN RACKS UP 24 TACKLES AGAINST CALIFORNIA

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield University freshman linebacker Dan Holland(Scranton/Bishop O'Hara) has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against California University of Pennsylvania.  Holland was credited with 18 solo tackles, six assisted tackles a tacklefor a loss, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry in the Mountaineers 17-7 loss to California.

    "Dan has been stepping up and playing like a junior of senior instead of a freshman for the past two weeks," said Mountaineers head coach Joe Gilbert. "I'm glad the conference recognized him as the player of the week because Dan really earned it." 

It marked the second straight week that Holland has been the game's leading tackler. In his first three collegiate contest, Holland has recorded 53 tackles including 38 solo stops.  In addition, he has three tackles for a loss; four pass breakups and a sack.

    The son of Joe and Donna Holland of Scranton, Holland is majoring in special education. Dan's older brother Joe is a red-shirt freshman at Mansfield where he was the starting fullback until he was sidelined with an injury in the first game of the season.

###
RELEASE DATE: 9/23/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

ITHACA, NY -- CALIFORNIA OUTLASTS MANSFIELD 17-7

Wesley Cates rushed for 133 yards including a 40-yard touchdown to lead California University of Pennsylvania to a 17-7 win over Mansfield University in the Mountaineers home opener Saturday afternoon at Mansfield's Karl Van Norman Field.

"We played tough on defense this afternoon," said head coach Joe Gilbert. "But a couple of turnovers and not being able to capitalize on some breaks hurt."

Mansfield fumbled on the first series of downs of the game with California recovering on it's own 45 yards line. Four plays later, Cates reversed his field to score on a 40-yard run.

California would increase it's lead to 14-0 at the 9:25 mark of the second quarter when quarterback Joe Signorella capped off an eight play, 54-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run.

Mansfield would come right back with freshman quarterback Travis Motley finding tight end Mike Klecko on a 10-yard scoring strike with 3:17 to play in the first half, cutting the score to 14-7.

The two teams then settled in a defensive standoff throughout the third and most of the fourth quarter until Cal's Jason Gross added a 29-yard field goal with 4:20 left in the game to seal the victory.

California ground out 332-yards rushing, running 76 offensive plays to the Mountaineers 55 while controlling the time of possession 36:50 to 23:10. The Mountaineers held a pair of Cal quarterbacks to three completions in 11 attempts for just 13 yards.

Motley connected on 8-21 passes for 79 yards including a touchdown while being intercepted once. Joe Bennett (Horseheads,NY/Elmira Notre Dame) had three catches for 45 yards while Klecko had two catches for 18-yards.

Freshman running back Jason Roscoe (York/York) was held to 48 yards on 22 carries. Freshman linebacker Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O'Hara) had a game high 19 tackles while freshman defensive back Daricus Haynes (Syracuse,NY/Corcoran) was credited with 16 stops and blocked a field goal. Wellsboro's Noyes Lawton had eight tackles including an 11-yard sack. North Penn's Mike Lord also had eight tackles.

Mansfield falls to 0-3 on the season while California improves to 3-1. The Mountaineer will open the PSAC East season next Saturday when they travel to Cheyney to face the 2-1 Wolves.

RELEASE DATE: 9/16/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES FALL 31-0 AT ITHACA

ITHACA,NY -- Tommy Giorgio ran for 137-yards and three touchdowns to lead Ithaca College to a 31-0 win over Mansfield University Saturday afternoon.
The Mountaineers struggled offensively most of the afternoon with freshman quarterback Travis Motley (York/Central York) completing hitting six of 26
passes for 86 yards while being intercepted three times.

"Our defense played very well and kept us in the game until the fourth quarter," said Mountaineers head coach Joe Gilbert. "We just could not move the offensively." 

Ithaca scored the early in the game when the picked off an interception on the Mountaineers first offensive possession of the game on the Mansfield 22 yard line. The

MU defense stiffened an Ithaca had to settle on a 20-yard field goal.  Ithaca capped off an 80-yard drive early in the second quarter with an 11-yard run by Giorgio. The drive was prolonged by two third down penalties.  The Mountaineers were flagged 13 times for 117 yards in the game.  Ithaca would score twice in the third quarter with Giorgio scoring on an 8-yard TD run and Ron Amato would score just: 32 seconds later on a 36-yard interception return. 

Despite the final score, the Mountaineer defense played a strong game picking off Ithaca quarterback three times while sacking him three times.  Freshman linebacker Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O'Hara) recorded a game high 13 tackles including three for a loss, three pass breakups and a sack.  Senior Jon Johnson (Wyalusing/Wyalusing) was credited with 12 tackles while Ricky Woods (Syracuse,NY/Corcoran), Jason Coleman (Bloomsburg/Central Columbia), Mike Lord (Covington/North Penn) and Daricus Haynes (Syracuse,NY/Corcoran) each had five stops. Haynes,  Victor Dei(Montreal,QUE/Vanier) and Josh Frick (Montrose/Montrose) each had interceptions.  Joe Bennett (Horseheads,NY/Elmira Notre Dame) had four catches for 49 yards. Shaun Wilson (Denver/Cocalico) ran for 57 yards while freshman Jason Roscoe (York/York), who was hampered by an injury, picked up 41 yards on the ground.

The Mountaineers fall to 0-2 overall while Ithaca improves to 2-0.

Mansfield will host California University of Pennsylvania

RELEASE DATE: 9/9/00

BUFFALO – The Mansfield University Mountaineers dropped their season opener 39-29 to Buffalo State Saturday – but they did plenty of things well and trailed by just three points late in the game.

Freshman quarterback Travis Motley (York/Central York) completed 20-36 passes for 228 yards including a 47-yard touchdown to freshman wide receiver Joe Bennett (Horseheads,NY/Notre Dame). In addition freshman running back Jason Roscoe (York/York) carried the ball 21 times for 105 yards and two touchdowns.

"We did some really good things today and put ourselves in position for a shot of winning late in the game," said Joe Gilbert about his first game as a head coach. "But we also made some mistakes that wound up hurting us."

The Mountaineer defense struggled at times in stopping Buffalo State’s high-powered offense with the Bengals scoring on a three-yard touchdown early in the first quarter.

Mansfield came right back with Motley hitting Joe Bennett less than two minutes later with a 47-yard touchdown. It was Motley’s first college completion and Bennett’s first reception. In his first collegiate game, Bennett pulled in eight passes for 165 yards. The fifth best pass receiving game in school history.

Buffalo State would increase it’s lead to 20-7 with two touchdown runs by Brandon Janesz but Mansfield would score a two-point conversion when Victor Dei blocked the extra point attempt and returned it for a two point defensive conversion.

Jason Roscoe than cut the lead to 20-16 on a 10-yard run with 1:36 remaining in the first half.

Buffalo State would score again with just :04 remaining to take a 26-16 lead into the locker room.

The Bengals would add another touchdown in the third quarter for a 33-16 lead, but the Mountaineers would not give up.

Jason Roscoe scored on a six yard run to start the fourth quarter and seven minutes later Ian Cooper returned an interception 38-yards for a touchdown cutting the score to 33-29.

Buffalo put the game away on an 11-play 94 yards scoring drive capped off with a 26-yard touchdown on a fourth and 22 yard down.

The Mountaineers rolled up 333-yards on offense, but were penalized 14 times for 111-yards.

Mike Lord (Covington/North Penn) led the defense with 15.5 tackles including nine solo’s freshman Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) had nine tackles with Jon Johnson (Wyalusing/Wyalusing) recording six tackles and an interception.

The Mountaineers will travel to Ithaca next Saturday.

RELEASE DATE: 9/5/00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NAUTICOM TO BROADCAST NINE MOUNTAINEER FOOTBALL GAMES ON WORLD WIDE WEB -- INTERNET BROADCAST START WITH SEASON OPENER AT BUFFALO STATE THIS SATURDAY

MANSFIELD -- Starting Saturday, Mountaineer football fans will be able to listen to live broadcast of games anywhere in the world over the worldwide Internet.

The Nauticom Sports Network has entered an agreement with Mansfield University to broadcast nine of the Mountaineers football games this season over it's website.

Nauticom is a regional leader in Internet sports broadcast and will pick up the feed of the Mountaineers games broadcast by WIGGLE 100.3 FM and THE ZONE 1310 AM.

Mike Powers will handle the play-by-play responsibilities with Terry Day providing color commentary.

Nauticom has a link for the broadcast on the Mansfield University football homepage. To gain access to the broadcast through your computer go to the Mansfield University homepage: www.mansfield.edu. Click on MU News and the sports homepages will be listed on the right. Click on football homepage and then the Nauticom logo.

Game time is set for 1 p.m. this Saturday with the 12:45 broadcast time for the pregame show.

###

RELEASE DATE: 8/29/00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: WIGGLE 100 FM AND THE ZONE AM 1310 TO BROADCAST MOUNTAINEER FOOTBALL GAMES -- NORTHERN PENNSYLVANIA'S MOST POWERFUL BROADCAST STATION WILL ALLOW GAMES TO BE PICKED UP FROM ELMIRA, NY TO WILLIAMSPORT, PA

MANSFIELD -- WIGGLE 100.3 FM and its sister station THE ZONE 1310 AM in conjunction with the Mansfield University sports information office will broadcast nine of the ten Mountaineer football games this upcoming season.

"We're really excited to have the most powerful radio station in northern Pennsylvania broadcast our games this year," said Mountaineers first-year head coach Joe Gilbert. "There's been a resurgence of interest in our football program and this will give area fans the opportunity to follow the team both home and away all season."

WIGGLE 100 FM's Mike Powers will handle the play-by-play for nine of the Mountaineers ten games this season. WIGGLE 100 FM has the largest transmitter in northern Pennsylvania -- the second largest in the twin tiers -- with 25,000 watts of power. THE ZONE 1310 AM is the only 24 hour/seven days a week all sports station in northern Pennsylvania and is a member of the ESPN Radio Network.

Elmira, NY area fans can also listen the Mountaineer football Saturday's on WIGGLE 100.3 FM or WIGGLE 102.9 FM.

Broadcast of the games will start at 12:45 p.m. with a pregame show before the 1 p.m. kickoffs.

Six games will be broadcast on WIGGLE 100.3 FM with three contest being carried by THE ZONE 1310 AM

###

RELEASE DATE: 8/14/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JETS WAIVE MU'S MARK BRISTOL WHEN JUMBO ELLIOT COMES OUT OF RETIREMENT -- BRISTOL MAYBE PICKED UP BY ANOTHER TEAM OR RESIGNED BY THE JETS AFTER CLEARING WAIVERS

MANSFIELD -- The return of Jumbo Elliot led to the departure of Mansfield University's Mark Bristol from the New York Jets training camp when the NFL
team waived Bristol Monday.

All is not over however for the 6-6, 305 offensive tackle.  Jacksonville, one of the team's interested in Bristol during the NFL draft, has suffered a
rash of injuries on its offensive front line during preseason and could be interested in claiming Bristol. If Bristol clears waivers, he could be
resigned by the Jets as a development player.

Elliot, an All-Pro tackle for the Jets, had announced his retirement from the NFL five months ago because of nagging injuries.

###


RELEASE DATE: 8/9/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTAINEERS PICKED TO FINISH SEVENTH IN PSAC EAST IN PRESEASON COACH'S POLL

BLOOMSBURG -- Mansfield University was picked to finish seventh in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Coaches Preseason Poll released at the PSAC East Football Media Day.

    The Mountaineers, who finished sixth in the PSAC East last season with a conference mark of 1-5, were listed behind preseason favorite Millersville followed by 1999 PSAC East Champion West Chester, Bloomsburg, Kutztown, East Stroudsburg and Cheyney.

    IUP was picked by the coaches to finish first in the PSAC West followed by Slippery Rock, Shippensburg, Edinboro, California, Clarion and Lock Haven.

    "I'm not surprised we were picked to finish seventh," said first-year head coach Joe Gilbert at the PSAC Media Day. "I think the coaches voted for the most part on what happened the last couple of years. They don't know a lot about us yet, but I think we're going to surprise some people in this conference this year."

    The PSAC is celebrating its 50^th season during the 2000-2001 academic year.

    Eight-seven players are scheduled to report to the Mountaineer preseason camp on August 15^th.

    Mansfield opens the 2000 season at Buffalo State on Sept. 9.

###

RELEASE DATE: 4/10/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: BERWICK'S BRYAN CONFER NAMED FRANK BUTSKO AWARD WINNER FOR MOUNTAINEER FOOTBALL

MANSFIELD -- Berwick native Bryan Confer, a starting offensive lineman for the Mansfield University football team, has been named the 2000 recipient of the Frank A. Butsko Memorial Award.

    The Frank A. Butsko Award is the most prestigious award present by the Mountaineer football team and honors the memory of Frank Butsko. The offensive line coach for the Mountaineers in the mid-1980s, Butsko died in a tragic automobile accident while on a recruiting visit in January 1986. The award has been presented annually to the offensive linemen who most demonstrates Butsko's commitment to excellence and loyalty to his fellow players.

    Presented annually since 1986, past award winner including 1999 winner Mark Bristol who is currently a member of the New York Jets, 1996 winner Nate Gibson who was a member of the San Diego Chargers and 1988 winner Jim Shiffer the offensive line coach for Millersville University.

    The 6-0, 270 pound Confer was presented with the honor at the Frank A. Butsko Breakfast attended by more than 250 people prior to the 2000 Spring Football Game.

    A senior majoring in criminal justice administration, Confer is the son of Larue and Susan Confer of Berwick. The award also includes a one-year scholarship.

###

Photo Caption: Berwick's Bryan Confer is presented with the Frank A. Butsko Award prior to the Mansfield University annual Spring Football Game.

RELEASE DATE: 5/9/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARK BRISTOL MAKES IT THROUGH FIRST HURDLE TO NFL --
FORMER MOUNTIE STANDOUT DOES WELL AT JETS ROOKIE MINI-CAMP -- BIG TUNA DUBS
HIM THE "FRENCH FRY"

MANSFIELD -- For former Mountaineer football standout Mark Bristol the dream continues.
Bristol, who signed a free agency contract with the New York Jets hours after the 2000 NFL draft, got through his first rookie camp with the Jets (April 27-30) and was invited back to a second mini-camp from May 15-22 at the Jets training site on Long Island. He will remain at the training facility from the conclusion of mini-camp until June 30 to participate in the Jets summer conditioning.

"The first thing I noticed is that there really isn't as big of a difference size wise between Division I and Division II players as people think," said Bristol just before he received his dual degree in premed biology/chemistry during MU's commencement ceremonies Saturday afternoon at his old playing site of Van Norman Field. "The biggest difference is the amount of coaching position players get in Division I. But I'm not really worried about my chances. I think I'll do fine. I really do. My position coach (Bill Muir) was giving me some good feedback. Of course, he said there were some things I need to work on technique-wise like learning the right way to 'sit' when I backpedal. "But I'm confident that I'll be there when the season starts, whether it's on the 53-man roster or the practice squad."

    Part of that confidence comes in Bristol's faith in himself and part of it could in the expected retirement of Jets staring left tackle and former All-Pro Jumbo Elliot. Bristol worked out at exclusively as left tackle in the first mini-camp. Also going in Bristol's favor along with Elliot's retirement is the fact he was the only offensive lineman the Jets signed as a draft pick or free agent this year.

    Ian Rafferty, who signed with the Titans as a free agent in 1999 after a career at North Carolina State, is listed as Elliot's backup on the Jets depth chart. Rafferty is listed a 6-5, 305 while Bristol played at 6-6, 300 for the Mountaineers this past season.

    As for meeting Bill Parcells, who resigned as the Jets head coach at the end of last season to become the GM, and new head coach Al Groh, Bristol was impressed if not intimidated.

    "Coach Groh seemed pretty nice, but coach Parcells tried to get to me a little," explained Bristol. "He called me 'french fry' because he said I have basketball legs instead of football legs. I'm kind of hoping that name doesn't stick."

###


RELEASE DATE: 4/29/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OFFENSE DEFEATS DEFENSE 38-21 IN RED & BLACK SPRING
GAME -- FRESHMAN RUNNING BACK JASON ROSCOE RUSHES FOR 164-YARDS AND A TOUCHDOWN

MANSFIELD -- On a beautiful sunny day in front of a record crowd of 1,000 fans, red-shirt freshman Jason Roscoe (York/York) rushed for 164 yards including a 90-yard touchdown to lead the offense to a 38-21 win over the defense in Mansfield University's Red & Black spring football game.

    Roscoe scored the first touchdown of the game early in the second quarter when he took the handoff and raced 90 yards around right end. Patrick Breuer (Penn Yan/Penn Yan) added the extra point.
   
    The White team would add another touchdown at the beginning of the third quarter when quarterback Chris Hudak (Whitehall/Whitehall) hit Shaun Wilson (Denver/Cocalico) with a 35-yard pass and added another touchdown on a Tom Denison (Beamsville,ONT/Beamsville) to Gary Aurand (Northumberland/Shikellamy) three-yard toss.
   
    Mike Lord (Covington/North Penn) led the defense with six tackles while Devin O'Rourke (Montgomery/Montgomery), Tyree Patterson (Philadelphia/Martin Luther King), Bob Evans (Binghamton/Chenango Forks), and Brian Bricker (Watsontown/Warrior Run) each were credited with four stops.
   
    The game marked the debut of Joe Gilbert who was named the 20th head coach in MU's 109-year football history in December.

    Mansfield opens the 2000 season at Buffalo State on Sept. 9.

###


RELEASE DATE: 4/18/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MU'S MARK BRISTOL SIGNS FREE AGENCY CONTRACT WITH NY
JETS -- FOUR YEAR STARTER TO REPORT TO MINI-CAMP NEXT THURSDAY

MANSFIELD -- Mark Bristol, a four-year starter on the Mountaineer offensive line, has signed a free agency contract with the New York Jets of the NFL.

    "My agent called me on Saturday night to say it looked like I would be drafted in the seventh round by the NY Jets if I wasn't drafted by Jacksonville before then," said Bristol. "As soon as the draft ended he called back to say that the Jets drafted a Division I defensive lineman (Richard Seals of Utah) with that pick because they were not sure he would be available as a free agent. Both the Jets and the San Diego Chargers called right afterwards and I went with the Jets because they had been out to see three of my games and had kept in contact with me."
   

    The 6-6, 307, Bristol has been one of the top linemen in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference for the past two seasons earning first-team All-PSAC East honors. He was also a first team All-ECAC South selection and was nominated for three post season All-American teams.

    A captain for the Mountaineers last season, Bristol is scheduled to graduate in May and has been preparing to retake his medical school entrance exams. He hopes to someday be a doctor.

    Bristol had been contacted by the Jets, Chargers, Jaguars and New England Patriots and had attended pre-draft workouts.
   
    A versatile athlete as well as a scholar-athlete, Bristol was a member of the MU basketball team last year where he appeared in 10 games with one start. In his junior year, Bristol was also a member of the wrestling team.
   
    A graduate of Philadelphia's Martin Luther King High School, Bristol didn't start playing football until his junior year. He had never participated in organized basketball or wrestling until he came to Mansfield.
   
    Bristol becomes the fifth Mountaineer football player since 1991 to sign a professional contract. Tony Grego, who transferred to MU from Penn State, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1991 while Dean Stewart was drafted in the fifth round by the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL in 1993. Jeff Benoit was drafted by the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos in the seventh round in 1994.

    Nate Gibson, a former teammate of Bristol's signed a free agency contract with the San Diego Chargers in 1996.

    Bristol is scheduled to report to the first of three mini-camps with the Jets next Thursday.

RELEASE DATE: 3/15/00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIE FOOTBALL CLASS OF 2000-- 21 PLAYERS MAKE UP FIRST RECRUITING CLASS OF NEW HEAD COACH JOE GILBERT

    MANSFIELD-- New Mansfield University head football coach Joe Gilbert announced the 2000 recruiting class this afternoon.

    The class of 21 student-athletes includes Brian Harkness and Don Snyder of Elmira Notre Dame along with Joe Bennett a former Notre Dame All-State selection who played at Wyoming Seminary Prep last season and Southside's Josh Palmer, who is transferring from Alfred University.

    "When you look at the number and the quality of the student-athletes we've signed, I think it becomes pretty obvious that we're very pleased with this recruiting class," commented Gilbert about his first recruiting class as head coach.

    "We concentrated on getting some outstanding all-around athletes as well as increase our team speed and I think we accomplished that mission. There are a number of offensive skill players who should be able to help us in the upcoming season and I'm certain we really improved our speed on defense. We are very pleased with this group, but we're not done yet. We expect to be adding more players before the end of the school year."

    The Class of 2000 includes a number of players who earned All-State recognition while almost all were all-conference performers.

    Gilbert, who was the offensive coordinator at the University of Maine before coming to Mansfield, is known for his wide-open offensive attack. His recruiting class features two quarterbacks including Travis Motley - one of the top ranked quarterbacks in Pennsylvania - and five wide receivers including first-team NY All-State selections Joe Bennett and Quame Patterson of Oneonta. Motley completed 312 of 493 passes for 4,801 yards and 52 TDs in his high school career. Speedster's Josh Rearick and Arnoldo Santiago also signed as wide receivers.

    The Mountaineers also signed fullback John Loiselle of Norwich who earned NY All-State honors and was named one of the Top 50 Players in New York after rushing for 1,719 yards and scoring 25 touchdowns last season. Dan Jaquay, a 6-3, 310 offensive lineman from Red Lion, PA was a two-time first team all-conference selection.

    Defensively the Mountaineers top signees include: Ricky Woods, Daricus Haynes and Denvil Hammons from Syracuse along with transfer Kyle Pischke.

    The Mountaineers will open spring football practice on April 4, and conclude with the annual spring game on April 29. Mansfield opens the 2000 season on Sept. 9, at Buffalo State.

Ryan Andres Oil City, PA/Oil City HS 5-11, 220 LB
   Played LB/OL for Oil City HS

Angel Baines Syracuse,NY/Henninger HS 6-1, 190 WR
   1999 - 25rec/600 yds/4 TD
    1998 - 15 rec/300 yds/3 TD

Joe Bennett Elmira, NY/Notre Dame HS 6-4, 215 WR
   1998 - 27 rec/ 1841 yds/ 10 TD 1^st Team All-State
                        All-Twin Tiers Section IV All-Star
    1999 - 37 rec/ 680 yds/ 12 TD at Wyoming Seminary Prep

Cheyne Dewald Danville,PA/ Danville HS 6-0, 200 LB
   1999 - 1^st Team All-Conference Team Record 11-1

Denvil Hammons Syracuse,NY/ Henninger HS 6-2, 200 DE
   1999 - 70 tackles
                        All-Central NY

Brian Harkness Elmira,NY/ Notre Dame HS 6-2, 260 OL
    Two year starter with a 20-3 record
    -100 tackles/ 3 int/ 3 fumble recoveries
    26 punts/ 37.0 ypp

Matt Harnish     Lancaster,PA/ Lancaster Catholic 5-9, 200 LB
   1999 - 117 tackles 2^nd Team All-Conference

Dan Jaquay Red Lion,PA/ Red Lion 6-3, 310 OL
   1999 1^st Team All-YAIAA Team Captain 66 tackles/ 8 sacks
    1998 1^st Team All-YAIAA

John Loiselle Norwich,NY/ Norwich HS 6-2, 250 FB
   1999 273 att/ 1,719 yds/25 TD/6.3 ypc 176 points
                Section IV Player of the Year -
                All-Metro, All-County, Ernie Davis All-Star
                Top 50 Player in NY

Bill McKean Pittsford,NY/ Rush Hennrietta JS 6-2, 200 SS
   1999 All-Conference
                Two year starter

Travis Motley York,PA/ Central York HS 6-0, 205 QB
   1999 York County Player of the Year
                1^st Team All-Conference
                Big 33 Nominee
                Career 493 att/ 312 comp/ 52 TD's/ 63% completion

Josh Palmer Elmira,NY/ Southside 5-10, 160 DB
   Transfer from Alfred University
    1998 1^st Team All-Twin Tiers
                1^st Team All-Conference
                Ernie Davis Award Finalist

Quame Patterson Oneonta,Ny 6-0, 190 WR
   Transfer from Pasco-Hernando JC in Florida
    1998 1^st Team All-State
                Parade All-American (East Regional)

Kyle Pischke Louisville,CO/ Centaurus HS 5-9, 180 DB
   Transfer from Hastings Junior College, NEB
    High School - Three-year starter at DB/WR/KR/PR
    54 tackles 402 All-purpose yds, 6 TDs

Josh Rearick Forest Hills,PA/ Forest Hills HS 5-6, 160 WR
    1999 1^st Team All-Area
                1^st Team All-Conference
                42 rec/696 yds
    Career 98rec/ 1,777 yds/ 19 TDs

Justin Ross Danville,PA/ Danville HS 6-2, 175 QB
   1999 1^st Team All-Conference
                158att/85 comp/ 1,186 yds/ 12 TDs

Arnoldo Santiago Utica,NY/ Proctor HS 6-1, 180 WR
    20 rec/305 yds/1 TD/ 15.3 ypc 34 tac/5TFL/3 int

Don Snyder Elmira,NY/ Notre Dame HS 6-0, 225 OL
   Three year starter
    Team record 29-4

Ricky Woods Syracuse,NY/ Corcoran HS 5-11, 205 OLB
   1999 1^st Team All-League
         2^nd Team CNY
                79 tac/12 sacks/3 fumble rec.

Jamie Zublick Mt. Carmel,PA/ Mt. Carmel HS 5-11, 170 DB
   1999 32 tackles Coaches Award Winner

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