RELEASE DATE: 5/18/10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thirty-nine recruits commit to Mansfield football

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University head sprint football coach Dan Davis announced today the commitment of 39 incoming student-athletes to the Mountaineers sprint football program.

“I think it’s a very solid class both in quality and quantity,” said Davis. “We have 39 commitments so far but there will be more within the next couple of weeks. According to their high school coaches this is a very good character class that includes a number of potential impact players.”

The recruiting class includes student-athletes from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Washington State and Alaska as well as former Northern Tier League, Corning, Elmira and Lycoming County players.

The recruiting class also includes an All-State quarterback and a 1,000 yard rusher, along with numerous All-Region and All-League selections.

Ian Smith earned All-State honors from the Pennsylvania Football News at South Western High School in Hanover last season. Smith led the Mustangs to a 10-2 record and was named First Team York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association quarterback after passing for a school-record 1,483 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Brett Kuwik started on both offense and defense last season at Lakeland High School where he rushed for 1,085 yards and ten touchdowns in helping his team to an 8-4 mark as a senior last year. Hunter Geedey was an All-Twin Valley Conference selection on both offense and defense last season at Juniata High School where he rushed for 782-yards and 12 touchdowns and also started at linebacker.

Travis Thomas was a two-way starter at Truman High School in Levittown where he averaged 19.3 yards per catch and ran for 357 yards from the wingback position. He also recorded 49 tackles as a defensive back. Blaine Wainwright was a team captain and three-year, two-way starter on the offensive and defensive lines at Blairsville High School. Blair was an All-League and All-Regional selection last season.

Local standouts include Nick Coyle and Josh Stone of Sayre, both of whom were named to All-NTL honors.

Mansfield went 2-5 last season in its first year as a full-member of the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL). The other CSFL members are Army, Cornell, Navy, Pennsylvania, and Princeton. Post University (CT) will start a program in 2010 and hopes to become a full-fledged member of the CSFL in 2012.

Mansfield will open the 2010 by hosting Cornell University on Sept. 18 for the Josh Palmer Pigskin Classic.

2010 Mansfield Sprint Football Recruiting Class

Julian Gentile, Wide Receiver, The Perkiomen School, Pennsburg, PA, 5’8

Julian enjoyed a very good year this fall at The Perkiomen School.  He took over the quarterback role this season and led his team to a 7-1 record while being named all-league and all-area.  Julian played wide receiver his sophomore and junior seasons at Perkiomen, doing very well at that position as well.  He plays basketball and baseball as well and is undecided on his major at this time.

Richard Ruggiero, Offensive Line, Harpursville (NY) HS, 5’9

Richard is a two-year starter at Center for Harpursville.  “He is an aggressive blocker who on film moves his feet well and stays on his blocks,” said Mansfield head coach Dan Davis.  Ruggiero also participates in track at Harpursville, running both the 100 and 200 meter dashes.  He served three years as class president and is vice-president of the student council at Harpursville.  He was on the search committee that selected the current Harpursville head football coach and will be a liberal studies major at Mansfield.

Tony Wood, Offensive/Defensive Line, Chenango Valley (NY) HS, 6’0

Tony started at both offensive guard and defensive end for Chanango Valley and was named top defensive lineman for the Warriors this season.  Tony also plays hockey and lacrosse for Chenango Valley.  He has been a member of the school’s honor roll several times during his career and will be studying criminal justice with an emphasis in forensic science at Mansfield.

Brian Fosko, Defensive Line, Northampton (PA) HS, 5’9

Brian is a scholar-athlete who played all over the defensive front 7 and was a standout on special teams at Northampton during his career there.  “His work ethic and desire are certainly something you would be looking for,” says Brian’s high school coach, Bob Steckel.   Brian will be a valuable addition to Mansfield University and its sprint program and will major in history at MU.

Ryan Lose, Placekicker, Warrior Run (PA) HS, 6’0

Ryan won the Most Improved Player award this year at Warrior Run.  He was the starting placekicker and punter this year for the WR Defenders.  “For two years, Ryan has become one of the most valuable members of our team,” says Warrior Run Head Football Coach Chris Eiswerth.  Ryan also participated in wrestling and track at WRHS and will be studying Criminal Justice at Mansfield.

Nick Coyle, Linebacker/Offensive Line, Sayre (PA) HS, 5’10

Nick had an outstanding year for Sayre and their coach Larry Hanafin in 2009.  He led the Redskins in tackles and was named All-Northern Tier League at linebacker this fall as well as making the Towanda Daily Review All-Star team.  He also started on the offense line at guard. Nick also participates in track at Sayre and will enter Mansfield undecided on his major.

Nick Sheaffer, Wide Receiver/Safety, Big Spring (PA) HS, 6’0

Nick is a three-year starter on both offense and defense for Big Spring and coach Brent Stroh.  He was part of a turnaround that helped Big Spring finish with their best record in five years this past fall.  Coming from a run-oriented offense, he still averaged over 20 yards per reception in 2009.  Nick also played free safety for Big Spring.  He is undecided on his major at this time.

Jake Myers, Linebacker/Offensive Line, Greater Nanticoke Area (PA) HS, 6’0

Jake is a three-year starter on the offensive line as well as linebacker for Greater Nanticoke, coached by Lou Cella.  He was named All-Wyoming Valley Conference and played in the UNICO All-Star football game last November in Wilkes-Barre.  Jake also plays on the basketball and track teams at Nanticoke and will be studying history at Mansfield.

Brett Kuwik, Running Back/Linebacker, Lakeland (PA) HS, 6’0

Brett started on both offense and defense this past year for Lakeland and coach Jeff Wasilchak.  He ran for 1,085-yards and scored 10 touchdowns, averaging almost 7 yards per carry in 2009.  He also caught six passes out of the backfield and averaged 37 yards a kickoff return for Lakeland, a team which finished with an 8-4 record last fall.  Brett is also a member of Lakeland High School’s honor roll and will be studying history education at Mansfield.  

Hunter Geedey, Running Back/Linebacker, Juniata (PA) HS, 5’7

Hunter started on both offense and defense for Juniata and Coach Gary Klingensmith.  He served as a team captain at Juniata and was an honor roll student as well as student of the month at JHS.  Hunter led Juniata in rushing this year with 782-yards and scored 12 touchdowns.  He also was the second leading receiver for the Indians.  Hunter was selected All-Twin Valley Conference on both offense and defense and will be studying criminal justice at Mansfield.

Blaine Wainwright, Offensive/Defensive Line, Blairsville (PA) HS, 5’10

Blaine was a team captain and three-year, two-way starter for Blairsville.  He was named to the all-star teams for the Heritage Conference, the Southern Alleghenies Football Coaches Association (SAFCA), and the Indiana Gazette.  In addition, Blaine was selected as Blairsville’s most valuable defensive player at the SAFCA banquet earlier this year.  Blaine is also an outstanding wrestler and track athlete at Blairsville and will be studying communications at Mansfield.

Trace Dickinson, Running Back/Defensive Back, North Penn (Blossburg, PA) HS, 5’9

Trace is the son of current North Penn head football coach and former Mansfield player and assistant coach Tom Dickinson.  He averaged nearly 5 yards a carry this past fall for North Penn and scored three touchdowns.  Trace also contributed on defense for the North Penn Panthers, who finished 2009 with a 5-5 record.  He also participates in basketball and track for North Penn and will be studying forensic science at Mansfield.

Julian Shorter, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Southside (Elmira, NY) HS, 5’11

Julian will be joining former teammate and current Mountaineer Trevor McHenry at Mansfield.  He played at Southside High School for coach Brian Moore.  Julian, though a defensive back in high school, is going to try out for defensive end at Mansfield.  He also participated in track for the Southside Green Hornets.  Julian will be studying psychology at Mansfield.

Jon Keller, Linebacker/Running Back, Boiling Springs (PA) HS, 5’8

Jon played outside linebacker and wingback for Boiling Springs and coach Matt Heiser.  Coach Heiser describes Jon as “a hard-working kid who will give you everything he has.”  Jon was named to the honor roll at Boiling Springs for the Fall Semester of the 2009-2010 school year.  Jon also participated in baseball for the Boiling Springs Bubblers and will be studying Criminal Justice at Mansfield.

Levi Eck, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Jersey Shore (PA) HS, 5’11

Levi started at wide receiver for Jersey Shore and coach Steve Eck.  He had 28 receptions for 471 yards (16.8 yards per catch) and scored five touchdowns for the Bulldogs in 2009.  He was named to both the  All-Pennsylvania Heartland Athletic Conference and Lock Haven Express teams at the wide receiver position.  Levi , a member of the Jersey Shore academic honor roll, also participated in wrestling at Jersey Shore and will be studying Criminal Justice at Mansfield.  Note:  Levi recently enlisted in the Air Force Reserves and will be enrolling at Mansfield in the Fall of 2011!!

Brian Lucas, Linebacker/Wide Receiver, Jersey Shore (PA) HS, 5’11

Brian Started at both outside linebacker and wide receiver for coach Steve Eck’s Jersey Shore Bulldogs in 2009.  He ended up averaging 21 yards a reception last season as well as being a force on the defensive side of the football. Brian is also a member of Jersey Shore High School’s Distinguished Academic Honor Roll and will be studying criminal justice at Mansfield this fall.

Corey Smith, Defensive Back, Corning West (NY) HS, 5’10

Corey is transferring to Mansfield from Corning Community College.  He played for Corning West and coach Mike Johnston for the 2006 season.  Despite limited experience, Corey is passionate about the game of football and excited to be a part of Mansfield Sprint Football.  Corey will be studying early childhood education and math at Mansfield.

Maurice Garrison, Defensive Back, Gratz (PA) HS, 5’8

Maurice will graduate from Carver High School this spring.  He spent his playing career at Gratz High School in Philadelphia, playing both defensive back and running back.   He will tryout for a spot in the defensive backfield at Mansfield.  Maurice is the son of Richard Johnson and Shirley Garrison and will be enrolling at Mansfield for the summer of 2010.

Tim Horst, Quarterback/Defensive Back, Glennallen (AK) HS, 5’11

Tim played basketball for Glenallen High School for the past three seasons.  His parents, Gene and Pam, are both from Pennsylvania originally.  Tim is a scholar-athlete with limited football experience, but he has a passion and excitement about the game and is excited to be a part of sprint football.  Tim will be studying business management at Mansfield.

Joshua Owens, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Jersey Shore (PA) HS, 5’7

Josh participated in soccer, wrestling, and track and field at Jersey Shore.  He is intending to participate in sprint football here at Mansfield.  Josh is the son of Charles and Melanie Miller and will be studying Criminal Justice at Mansfield.  As a member of the track team at Jersey Shore, Josh participated in the 4 x 100 meter relay as well as the 200 meter dash.  He was also a standout on the soccer team there.

David Chini, Offensive Lineman, Westhill (NY) HS, 5’10

David started at center for Westhill, which in 2009 finished with an 11-1 record, losing in the class B semifinals to eventual state champion Hornell.  David won all-section 3 honors at center for Westhill and is also a scholar-athlete for the Warriors.  David is the son of Daniel and Patricia Chini of Syracuse and will be studying marketing at Mansfield.

Michael Wallace, Running Back/Defensive Back, Upper Darby (PA) HS, 5’4

Michael started at both cornerback and running back for Upper Darby.  He was named all Central League and had two interceptions against Haverford last fall in their 88^th Thanksgiving Day battle.  He also had a 90-yard kickoff return earlier in the season against Lower Merion High School.  Michael ended up averaging almost 30 yards a kickoff return as was also the leading rusher for Upper Darby.  He will be studying history at Mansfield.

Harold Royster, Offensive Line/Defensive Line, Asbury Park (NJ) HS, 5’10

Harold is a two-year starter at center for Asbury Park.  Both years he started, Asbury Park finished with 11-1 records and won the Central New Jersey Group One Championship.  Royster also was a standout wrestler for Asbury Park.  Harold also started on the defensive side of the ball his senior year and is looking at studying criminal justice at Mansfield.

Shane McHenry, Running Back/Linebacker, Potsdam (NY) HS, 5’7

Shane played fullback and linebacker for Potsdam and coach Jim Kirka over his career.  He also did some placekicking during his time at Potsdam.  Shane is known as a solid tackler with a penchant for stripping the football from opposing players.  He also participated on the under 19 football team that won its league championship over in Canada.  Shane will be studying criminal justice at Mansfield.

Aaron Besch, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Hampton Bays (NY) HS, 5’11

Aaron started at both Wide Receiver and Free Safety for Hampton Bays High School on Long Island.  The Baymen finished 7-2 in 2009, their first winning season in five years.  Aaron was a team captain and according to Coach Michael Oestreicher, “… a natural leader and one of our hardest workers throughout the year.”  Aaron had 23 catches for 368 yards and 6 touchdowns for Hampton Bay in 2009.  He will be studying criminal justice at Mansfield.

John Havens, Slotback/Defensive Back, Hampton Bays (NY) HS, 5’9

John started on both offense and defense for Hampton Bays in 2009.  He is joining teammate Aaron Besch from Hampton Bays to join the Mountaineers.  John was a team captain for the Baymen as well as a member of the National Honor Society.  At Hampton Bays in 2009, John rushed for 556 yards, averaging 9.75 yards per carry.  He also caught 10 passes and scored 8 touchdowns for the Baymen.  John was an All-Long Island pick at cornerback in 2009 and is undecided on his major at this time.

Brandon Clemmer, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Pottsgrove (PA) HS, 6’1

Brandon started at wide receiver for Pottsgrove, which finished 2009 with a 14-1 record and making the quarterfinals in Class AAA of the PIAA.  Pottsgrove was primarily a running team, but Brandon was well regarded as a blocker as well as for his receiving skills at PHS.  His high school coach was Rick Pennypacker.    Brandon, also an Eagle Scout, is interested in studying history at Mansfield.

Josiah Johnson, Quarterback, Athens Area (PA) HS, 6’0

Josiah, a 2009 graduate of Athens, is attending Mansfield for the first time in Fall of 2010 after spending time in the United States Air Force.  He played limited high school football due to injuries, but is excited to be a part of the Mansfield University sprint football program.  Brandon will be studying education at Mansfield.

Travis Thomas, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Truman (PA) HS, 6’0

Travis started at both wide receiver/wingback and defensive back for Truman High School in Levittown and coach John Ianucci.  He finished 2010 as the leading receiver for Truman, averaging 19.3 yards per catch and scoring 3 TD’s. Travis also ran for 357 yards from the wingback position and scored another 3 touchdowns there as well.  He contributed 49 tackles from his defensive back position.  Travis is enrolled in the liberal studies program here at Mansfield.

Josh Stone, Linebacker/Offensive Line, Sayre (PA) HS, 5’8

Josh started at both offensive tackle and linebacker for Sayre the last two years, winning all-league and all-Valley honors along the way.  He helped Sayre finish second in the Northern Tier League small school division in 2009.  Josh also participated in track and wrestling during his time at Sayre.  He will be studying nutrition at Mansfield with hopes of becoming a personal trainer when he graduates.

Aaron Cruz, Defensive Back/Running Back, William Allen (PA) HS, 5’11

Aaron started in the defensive backfield at William Allen the past two years, recording over 150 tackles total during that span.  He also set a school record with 10 field goal blocks in a single season his junior year at William Allen.  Aaron also participates in track in field at William Allen and will be studying history education at Mansfield.

Eric Kamus, Wide Receiver, Jersey Shore (PA) HS, 6’2

Eric Started at wide receiver for Jersey Shore and Head Coach Steve Eck in 2009.  He lettered in football at Jersey Shore and played both wide receiver and tight end during his time with the Bulldogs.  He also made the Honor Roll during his time at JCHS.  Eric will enter Mansfield as a freshman wide receiver in 2010 and will be majoring in art at MU.

Jared Berken, Offensive Line/Linebacker, Aberdeen (WA) HS, 5’8

Jared was a part-time starter at Aberdeen High School in Washington State in 2009.  He played right guard and linebacker for the Bobcats and Head Coach Ron Clark.  Jared also participated in track at Aberdeen and was ranked first in the state of Washington’s High School athletic association 181 pound weight class for powerlifting.  He is also an honor student at Aberdeen and will be studying history at Mansfield.

Ian Smith, Quarterback/Kicker, South Western (PA) HS, 6’0

Ian threw for a school record 1,483 yards and 16 touchdowns for South Western High School and coach Don Seidenstricker in 2009.  The Mustangs had a great year, finishing with a record of 10-2, losing to eventual state semifinalist Penn Manor in the PIAA playoffs.  Ian was named first team York Area Interscholastic Athletic Association quarterback.  He also was honored as honorable mention all-state by the Pennsylvania Football News.  Ian, also an outstanding placekicker, will be studying business at Mansfield. 

Greg Stifter, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Hoosick Falls Central (NY) HS, 5’7

Greg started at both wide receiver and cornerback for Coach Ron Jones’ Hoosick Falls Panthers in 2009.  Hoosick finished the year with an 11-1 record, making it to the semifinal round in the New York State Class C football playoffs.  In the semifinal game against Bronxville, Greg had an outstanding game in the defeat, averaging 15 yards a catch.  He made second team all-district receiver and won the Regional Sportsmanship Award.  Greg will be studying business at Mansfield.

Ako Sayed, Running Back/Defensive Back, Mechanicsburg (PA) HS, 5’7

Ako started at safety and also played running back for Mechanicsburg and Coach Chris Hakel in 2009.  The Wildcats rebounded from a 0-4 start to finish the regular season at 6-4 and qualify for the Pennsylvania District 3-AAA playoffs, where they fell to perennial power West York by a touchdown.  Ako finished 2009 as the third leading tackler for Mechanicsburg.  He also participated in wrestling and lacrosse at Mechanicsburg.  Ako, an honor roll student, will be studying business at Mansfield.

Jacob Martin, Offensive Line/Defensive Line, Jersey Shore (PA) HS, 5’8

Jake started at both center and defensive end for Jersey Shore and Coach Steve Eck in 2009.  He tied for the team lead in sacks for the Bulldogs and handled all the snaps for their “Pistol” offense.  Jake also participated on the wrestling and track and field teams at Jersey Shore.  He is an honor roll student and will be studying criminal Justice at Mansfield.

Thomas Powell, Running Back/Defensive Back, Hightstown (NJ) HS, 5’5

Thomas was a 3 year starter at running back for Hightstown and Coach Steven Jablonski.  He lead the Rams in rushing his sophomore and senior seasons after being injured his junior season.  Thomas also returned kicks and played some defensive back as well.  Thomas won the Hightstown Elks Citizenship Award and served as an elementary school volunteer.  He will be studying criminal justice at Mansfield.

Patrick Mackewicz, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back, Pine Grove (PA) HS, 5’10

Pat was a two-year starter at quarterback for Pine Grove and their head coach, MU alum Jeff Sampson.  As a junior, he led the Cardinals to the state playoffs.  He has been an all-conference performer the past two seasons as well as an outstanding baseball player.  Pat tied the school record with a 95 yard kickoff return his junior year.  Also an honor student at Pine Grove, Pat will be studying chemistry at Mansfield.