RELEASE DATE: 10/06/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: POOHBEAR McNEAL NAMED PSAC EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR THE THIRD TIME THIS SEASON – FRESHMAN SETS SCHOOL RECORD WITH 272 RUSHING YARDS IN WIN OVER MILLERSVILLE

MANSFIELD -- Mansfield University freshman sensation Poohbear McNeal ( Orlando , FL /Lake Highland Prep) has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his record breaking performance in Mansfield’s 39-27 win over Millersville last Saturday.

It marks the third time in five games this season that McNeal has earned the honor. He also won the honor last week.

In the Mountaineers historic win over Millersville, McNeal ran for a school record 272 yards including a 39-yard touchdown on 40 carries. He shattered the previous record of 241 yards set by James Tillman against Cheyney in 2001. McNeal also had 60 yards in kickoff returns for 332 all-purpose yards in the game.

McNeal is the leading rusher in the nation in NCAA Division II averaging 189.2 yards per game and also tops Division II in all-purpose yardage (269.4 ypg).

In just five games this season, McNeal has rushed for 946 yards and eight touchdowns. Mansfield rushed for just 818 yards as a team in all of last season.

The Mountaineers are 5-0 for the first time since 1938 and host Kutztown (4-1, 1-0) this Saturday at Karl Van Norman Field for Homecoming.

| Mansfield Football | | Main Sports Page | News Page | ©2003 Mansfield University of Pennsylvania Send comments to Sports Information Department