RELEASE DATE: 4/10/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: LUKE HARRIS NAMED OFFENSIVE LINE COACH AT MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY

MANSFIELD – Luke Harris has joined the Mansfield University football staff as a full-time assistant where he will serve as the offensive line coach for the Mountaineers. The announcement was made today by head coach Chris Woods.

“We’re really pleased to have Luke join our staff,” Woods said. “We think he’s a perfect fit for us. He has a strong background in coaching the offense line at the Division I and III levels and is an excellent recruiter.”

Harris served as a full-time assistant coach at Mt. Ida College (MA) for the past three seasons where he was the Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator. In addition, Harris was responsible for the offensive line during the 2000 and 2001 seasons while overseeing the quarterbacks in 2002.

Prior to Mt. Ida, Harris was a full-time assistant coach at Frostburg State University (MD) where he was responsible for the offensive line and tight ends. Harris was a graduate assistant coach at Temple University in 1999, working with the offensive line. He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant coach at his alma mater, Dickinson College, from 1996-98.

A 1996 graduate of Dickinson with a degree in English, Harris had a stellar career for the Red Devils as a four-year starter on the offensive line. A three-time All Centennial Conference selection at center, Harris helped his team win three-conference championships and earn three NCAA Division II berths during his career.

In 1998, Harris was awarded a masters degree in communication from Shippensburg University.

A native of Philadelphia, Harris graduated from Germantown Academy where he was a football and baseball standout.

The Mountaineers are current in the middle of spring practice where concludes with the annual Red & Black Spring Game on Saturday, April 26.

###

RELEASE DATE: 2/5/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JOHNSTOWN LINEBACER JOSH WATSON FIRST DAY SIGNING FOR MOUNTAINEERS

MANSFIELD – Ferndale Area High School standout Josh Watson (Johnstown) has signed a letter of intent to play football for the Mansfield University Mountaineers. Today is the first day football high school student-athletes may sign a letter of intent.

Watson is a four-year starter at linebacker for Ferndale. He was named to the Pennsylvania Football News All-State Team this season and was also named to the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat All-Area Team.

Watson is expected to play at a linebacker spot at Mansfield where he will join Dan Holland, the NCAA Division II Linebacker of the Year.

An NCAA Division II program and member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), Mansfield competes in the PSAC Eastern Division and posted a 3-7 mark last season. Three of those six losses came by a total of eight points.

###

RELEASE DATE: 1/16/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED PSAC FALL TOP TEN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE

Mansfield -- Mansfield University’s standout linebacker Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) has been named to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s group of outstanding student-athletes as the league’s Fall Top Ten Awards winners. The group included five All-Americans, four conference athletes of the year and three repeat selections from a year ago.

The Top Ten Awards, selected by the PSAC’s sports information directors, recognize student-athletes who distinguish themselves in the classroom, as well as in the arena of competition. The conference designates Top Ten Award winners after each of the sports seasons: fall, winter and spring.

To be a candidate for the Top Ten Awards, a student-athlete must have achieved a minimum of a 3.25 cumulative grade point average and must be a starter or key reserve with legitimate athletic credentials. Only student-athletes from the fall sports season are eligible for the Fall Top Ten Awards. Those sports are: men’s and women’s soccer, football, field hockey, women’s volleyball and men’s and women’s cross country.

Holland carries a 3.42 GPA as a special education major. The Eastern Division Defensive Player of the Year from his linebacker spot, Holland led the country with 14.1 tackles/gm and 8.5 solo tackles/gm. He was also second in the conference with 1.7 tackles for loss/gm. In addition to being named All-PSAC East for the second straight season, Holland earned All-America accolades from Daktronics and Football Gazette (1st team), D2Football.com (2nd team) and Associated Press (3rd team). Football Gazette named Holland their “Linebacker of the Year.”

At the end of the academic year, the league announces the Scholar-Athlete Awards, which recognize student-athletes on all PSAC squads with 3.25 cumulative GPAs or better. Additionally, the PSAC names the top Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of Year.

###

RELEASE DATE: 1/15/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED NCAA DIVISION II LINEBACKER OF THE YEAR – BECOMES FIRST FOOTBALL PLAYER IN SCHOOL HISTORY TO EARN CONSENSUS ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University junior linebacker Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) capped off his extraordinary season by being named the NCAA Division II National Linebacker of the Year by the Football Gazette.

“It’s an honor for the program as much as it is for me,” Holland said. “I started here as a walk on and our coaching staff help me realize my potential. There are a lot of great players on our defense. I just the one who usually gets noticed.”

Holland also become the first football player in Mountaineer history to become a consensus All-American when he was named to First Team NCAA Division II honors by the Football Gazette.

“It’s a great and well deserved honor for Dan”, said Mountaineer head coach Chris Woods. “But it doesn’t surprise me. Nothing about Dan surprises me anymore. I considered him the best defensive player in the nation before the season started and he justified that high opinion. What you need to understand about Dan is that not only is he a great instinctive football player, he just does everything right. He trains right, he eats right, he practices right and he does academics right – and the best part of it all is that he is just a junior.”

The Football Gazette All-American team is the last of the four major NCAA Division II All-American Football teams to be announced. Holland had already been named to Third Team AP Little All-American, Second Team D2football.com All-American, First Team Daktronics All-American and now First Team Football Gazette All-American honors.

The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Defensive Player of the Year, Holland led the nation in tackles (141) and solo tackles (85) this season. In addition, he racked up 15.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks and recovered three fumbles.

Holland, who has a 3.42 GPA in special education, also earned All-PSAC Scholar-Athle. He is the son of Donna and Joe Holland of Scranton.

###

RELEASE DATE: 1/07/03

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED TO FIRST TEAM DAKTRONICS DIVISION II ALL-AMERICAN FOOTBALL TEAM – TOP VOTE GETTER FOR LINEBACKERS

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University standout Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) made history again this afternoon when he became the first Mansfield University football player to earn first team Daktronics Division II All-American Football team honors.

The Daktronics All-American team is the third of the four NCAA Division II All-American football teams and is selected by the 150 NCAA Division II sports information directors. Holland was the top vote getter on the team at the linebacker position.

Holland was named earlier to second team honors by D2football.com and third team honors by Associated Press on their Little All-American team.

Holland was the PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year this season after leading NCAA Division II in tackles (145, 14.5 p/g) and in solo tackles (85, 8.5 p/g). He became the first player in MU history to earn All-PSAC East first team honors in each of his first three seasons. The junior has also earned first team All-ECAC honors in each of his first three seasons.

Holland shattered the Mansfield University single season record for tackles and solo tackles in a season this year and has record more than 100 tackles in each of his first three seasons.

So far this season, Holland has been named the Football Gazette NCAA Division II National Defensive Player of the Week, PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week, first team All-PSAC East, first team All-ECAC South and first team All Northeast Regional in addition to his All-American honors.

###

RELEASE DATE: 12/26/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MU’S DAN HOLLAND NAMED TO AP LITTLE ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

Mansfield – The honors continue to pour in for Mansfield University football standout Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) who was named to the AP Little All-American Football Team.

Holland, a junior, was one of only nine linebackers to be named to the team earning third team honors.

“An outstanding honor for an outstanding football player,” Mansfield University head coach Chris Woods said. “AP Little All-American is the toughest All-American football team in the country to be named to. It’s three times tougher to make than any NCAA Division I All-American team. That how good a football player you have to be to be named to this team and that’s how good a football player Dan is. It is difficult for me to believe there is a better defensive football player in the country than Dan Holland.”

The AP Little All-American Football team is comprised for football players from the NCAA Division II, Division III and NAIA levels. There are more than 500 football programs competing around the nation at that level compared to 117 at the NCAA Division I level.

Holland led NCAA Division II in total tackles (145) and solo tackles (85) this season and was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East Defensive Player of the Year. He has also been named to All-PSAC East, All-ECAC, All-East Regional and d2football.com All-American honors so far this year.

###

RELEASE DATE: 12/16/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED TO D2Football.com ALL-AMERICAN HONORS – ONE OF JUST SIX LINEBACKERS IN THE NATION TO EARN FIRST OR SECOND TEAM RECOGNITION

Mansfield – Mansfield University standout Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) continued his run of post-season honors by being named to the 2002 D2Football.com All-American team. Holland was named to second team honors at linebacker. The team was released this afternoon.

D2Football.com is the first of the four major All-American teams in NCAA Division II. The AP Little All-American, Daktronics NCAA Division II All-American and Don Hansen Football Gazette Division II All-American teams will be released later this month.

“I can’t believe there is a better linebacker in the nation than Dan,” said head coach Chris Woods. “It’s just the first of what I’m sure is going to be a clean sweep of All-American honors for him. I’ve never coached a player that works harder and prepares more than Dan Holland. He is truly an exceptional football player and human being.”

Holland shattered the Mansfield University single season record for tackles and solo tackles in a season. He also earned the Football Gazette NCAA Division II National Player of the Week honors during the season.

Only three players are chosen at linebacker on each of the first and second team D2Football.com All-American teams. Holland is the only linebacker from the East selected. He is just one of two juniors to earn first or second team honors.

NCAA Division II consists of 157 teams from around the nation.

###

RELEASE DATE: 12/12/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED ALL-ECAC FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University standout Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) has been named to the 2002 ECAC Division II All-Star team released today.

Holland was one of just 27 players honored by the ECAC Division II head coaches and the only player who earned All ECAC honors in each of his first three seasons.

The junior linebacker led the nation in tackles (145) and solo tackles (85) this season while ranking second in the PSAC in tackles for a loss (15.5) and sixth in sacks (6.0).

The 2002 PSAC East Defense Player of the Year, Holland is also a three-time All-PSAC East first team selection.

###

RELEASE DATE: 11/21/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED PSAC EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR – HOLLAND BROTHERS, BRIAN DeCECCO AND RYAN McCLELLAN EARN ALL-CONFERENCE HONORS

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University junior linebacker Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) became the first player in school history to be named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Defensive Player of the Year. His brother Joe Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara), along with sophomores Brian DeCecco (McKeesport/South Allegheny) and Ryan McClellan (Tyrone, PA/Bellwood Antis) were selected to All-PSAC East second team honors.

The All-PSAC Football Team was selected by the PSAC head coaches and released today.

“Dan certainly earned this honor”, said Mountaineer head coach Chris Woods. “Because he is such a skilled player, it sometimes get overlooked that his greatness comes from determination. Dan works harder than anyone, both on and off the field. He is the complete package – a great athlete, great student, and great person.”

Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara), who also earned first-team All-PSAC East honors for the third straight season, led the nation in tackles (141) and solo tackles (85) while ranking among the top five in the PSAC in tackles for a loss (15.5-63) and sacks (6.0-38). He also recovered three fumbles and blocked a kick.

The first player in school history to earn first-team All-PSAC East honors in each of his first three seasons, Holland has racked up 365 tackles in his career, including 239 solos. He holds the school career record for tackles for a loss with 47.5 while also recording 16 sacks.

Dan’s older brother Joe Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) earned second-team All-PSAC East honors at defensive end. Joe recorded 26 tackles on the season including 18 solo’s. He also had seven tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks.

It marks the first time in school history a pair of brothers have earned All-PSAC East honors in the same season.

Sophomore Brian DeCecco (McKeesport/South Allegheny) earned second team honors at noseguard. The 5-10, 283 pound sophomore led the defensive line in tackles this season with 34, including 18 solo’s. He also had a tackle for a loss and forced a fumble.

Ryan McClellan (Tyrone, PA/Bellwood Antis) anchored the offensive line at his left tackle spot. Despite playing much of the season with a broken hand, McClellan’s protection of quarterback Travis Motley resulted in the PSAC’s second best passing attack.

RELEASE DATE: 11/16/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MANSFIELD FALLS TO WEST CHESTER IN THE FINAL TEN SECONDS OF PLAY TO FINISH THE SEASON 3-7 OVERALL –

DAN HOLLAND BECOMES SINGLE SEASON TACKLE LEADER

WEST CHESTER, PA – Ten seconds – that’s all that separated Mansfield from defeating West Chester for the first time in school history in a 9-7 loss in the mud and rain at West Chester’s Farrell Saturday afternoon in the 2002 season finale.

Mansfield held a 7-6 lead with 2:18 seconds to play and had West Chester at their own 43-yard line before West Chester quarterback Bob Findora put up a wounded duck throw that was pulled down by Cory DeForest to put the Golden Rams on the Mansfield 11-yard line.

With fifteen seconds left, on fourth down, West Chester elected to attempt an 18-yard field goal after missing two earlier in the day. Dan Welbourne’s kick split the uprights to give West Chester the 9-7 decision. Welbourne, who had one kick blocked and missed a 28-yard attempt minutes earlier gave the Golden Rams their fifth win of the season.

“It’s an incredibly tough loss,” said Mounties head coach Chris Woods following the loss. “It’s been a season of big plays and we just couldn’t contain West Chester on that final pass play.

Both teams were bound by a scoreless tie at halftime until Fidora connected on a 48-yard touchdown pass with 7:38 remaining in the third quarter. West Chester failed to convert the extra point leaving the Mounties to within six.

Mansfield capped off a five play, 37-yard drive four seconds into the fourth quarter when John Loiselle found the end zone on a second effort from two-yards out.

Mansfield quarterback Travis Motley threw for 125 yards while completing 12 of 25 pass attempts in driving rain and wind all day.

Steve Smith came out in the second half and quickly became Motley’s favorite target, pulling in three catches for 71 yards. Smith became only the ninth Mountaineer in school history to surpass the 1,000-yard career receiving mark. Smith came into the game needing only 11-yards to reach the milestone.

In the first quarter, after a bizarre turn of events, West Chester running back Mike Eckmeyer was ejected from the game after officials measured his cleats and found them to be longer than the legal limit ½ inch. Eckmeyer rushed for 69 yards in the first quarter, on ¾ inch cleats, and accounted for 70% of the total offense in the first half for West Chester.

Mansfield would hold the lead until the final ten seconds of the game when West Chester connected on the game winning 18-yard field goal.

With seven seconds left, Mansfield had one shot to go 57-yards and used a hook and lateral play from freshman Mike Zulkowski to Steve Smith. Smith and Zulkowski went 15-yards to the West Chester 43-yard line to end the game.

Mountie linebacker Dan Holland set a new school record for single season tackles surpassing Steve Radocaj and Ricki Kimball (133) as he recorded a game-high 16 tackles to finish the season with 141 stops. Red-shirt freshman Randy Reinert added seven tackles including six solo.

The Mountaineers end the season at 3-7 overall and 2-4 in the PSAC East. Three of Mansfield’s losses came by a combined total of eight points with six of the seven losses have been by 11 or less points.

RELEASE DATE: 11/9/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES FALL TO BLOOMSBURG TO END PSAC TITLE HOPES – MOTLEY PASSES FOR 196 YARDS

MANSFIELD – The Mountaineer seniors came to play in their final home game at Karl Van Norman field; however, it was not enough to overcome the 23^rd ranked huskies from Bloomsburg University, 17-6.

Seniors Conway Brown returned three kickoffs for a total of 129 yards including a 79-yard return to spark the Mounties. Chamell Hampton recorded 11 tackles including four solo, 3.5 tackles for a loss and a sack.

Rocco Forgione caught seven passes for 117 yards including a 45-yard touchdown to lead Bloomsburg University to a 17-6 win over Mansfield University in PSAC East football at Karl Van Norman Field Saturday afternoon.

The win clinches at least a tie for the PSAC East title for Bloomsburg. The Huskies have now won at their third straight PSAC East title.

Bloomsburg open the scoring when Tim Oliver capped off a 76-yard drive with a 21-yard field goal at the 14:45 mark of the second quarter.

Forgione scored on a 45-yard pass from quarterback Andrew Hermann nine minutes later to give Bloomsburg a 10-0 lead at halftime.

Bloomsburg would increase its lead to 17-0 late in the third quarter on a 22-yard run by Mike Ceroli. Mansfield would cu the score to17-6 with eight minutes to play when Mike Zulkowski caught an 18-yard pass from quarterback Travis Motley.

Mansfield missed two field goals, including a 32-yard attempt that was blocked early in the third quarter.

Herrmann completed 14 of 29 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown for Bloomsburg. Travis Motley led Mansfield completing 18 of 39 passes for 196 yards and a touchdown. Arnaldo Santiago had eight catches for 104 yards for Mansfield.

Dan Holland had a game high 18 tackles and sack to lead the Mountaineer defense with Chemell Hampton ranking up a season high 11 tackles including 3 ½ for a loss and a sack. Daricus Haynes was credited with eight tackles and Canton’s Guy Kapichok with seven.

Bloomsburg ends the regular season with an 8-2 overall record and 5-1 in the PSAC East. Mansfield falls to 3-6 overall and 2-3 in the PSAC East and will close the season at West Chester next Saturday.

RELEASE DATE: 11/04/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: RYAN GEISHAUSER NAMED PSAC EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – SOPHOMORE RUNS FOR 104-YARDS AND SCORES THREE TD’S IN WIN OVER CHEYNEY

MANSFIELD – Ryan Geishauser (Altoona/Bishop Guilfoyle) has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in a 49-17 win over Cheyney University Saturday afternoon.

A sophomore, Geishauser had the most productive day of his collegiate career at Cheyney running for 104 yards on 23 carries including touchdown runs of 4, 7, and 2 yards. In addition, he caught a team high four passes for 59.

Although limited by injuries early in the season, Geishauser has rushed for 225 yards on 67 carries this season while catching 22 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns.

The son of Beth and George Geishauser of Altoona, Ryan is majoring in business at Mansfield.

It marks a school record fourth time a Mountaineer has been chosen as PSAC East Player of the Week this year with Travis Motley and Mike Zulkowski earning Offensive Player of the Week and Dan Holland earning Defensive Player of the Week by the PSAC earlier in the season.

Mansfield is 3-5 overall on the season and 2-2 in the PSAC East. It marks the most wins for the Mountaineers since 1996 and most conference victories since 1994. Mansfield will host Bloomsburg University this Saturday.

###

MANSFIELD DEFEATS CHEYNEY, 49-17

CHEYNEY – Sophomore Ryan Geishauser (Altoona/Bishop Guilfoyle) ran for a career best 104 yards and three touchdowns to lead Mansfield University to a 49-17 win over Cheyney University (0-9;0-4) at O’Shields-Stevenson Stadium Saturday afternoon in PSAC East action.

The win gives the Mountaineers a 3-5 overall record and 2-2 in the PSAC East. It is the most wins for Mansfield since the 1996 season and the most conference wins since 1994.

“We knew coming in that we’d have to score early and protect the ball,” said Mansfield head coach Chris Woods. “For the most part, we were able to do that and control the tempo of the game. Ryan Geishauser had a strong all around game for us and Travis Motley continues to show why he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the PSAC East.”

The Mountaineers scored on the opening series of the game capping off a 60-yard, four minute drive that was sustained by a 17-yard scramble by Motley on a third and 16. Three plays later Motley took a quarterback draw five yard up the middle for the score. The extra point attempt failed.

Mansfield would score again on their next series set up by a 40-yard pass by Motley over the shoulder of Geishauser to the Cheyney four-yard line. The next play Geishauser found the end zone for his first touchdown of the season.

In the first quarter, Mansfield gained 126 yards in total offense while holding Cheyney to only one total yard of offense.

The Mounties would increase their lead to 21-0 early in the second quarter on and eight-yard run by Geishauser.

Cheyney cut the margin to 21-7 when Diore Paire scored on a one-yard run.

The Mountaineers would retaliate when freshman Mike Zulkowski pulled down a 42-yard pass from Motley in the end zone, increasing their lead to 28-7 and would score again before halftime when Motley connected with Quame Patterson on a 38-yard pass to give the Mounties a 35-7 lead going into the half.

Cheyney came out of the half and went 63-yards in seven plays to cut the score to 35-14 when Lacy Lancaster connected with Ed Giddings for a 17-yard touchdown.

Geishauser continued his career day with a two-yard run into the end zone with 9:47 left in the third quarter.

Cheyney could not find the first down and was forced to attempt a 27-yard field goal, which was good.

Mansfield capitalized on a botched Cheyney punt when the Wolves punter was downed on the Cheyney 28 yard line. Three plays later freshman Jason Brobst scored his first career touchdown on a 10-yard run giving the Mountaineers the 49-17 final.

Motley, who played the first three quarters, finished the day completing 17 of 28 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. He becomes only the second player in Mountaineer history to surpass the 5,000-yard milestone in career passing. He now has 5,262 yards.

In addition to his 104 yards rushing, Geishauser caught four passes for 59 yards.

Tight end Eddie Van Buren had four receptions for 52 yards. Senior Steve Smith finished the day with three receptions for 30 yards. Zulkowski had two for 66 yards including a touchdown. Patterson pulled in two passes for 56 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown reception.

The Mountaineer defense limited Cheyney to 60 yards on the ground. Junior Dan Holland had eight tackles and a sack for the Mountaineers. Joe Frick had seven tackles including one for a loss and an interception. Daricus Haynes had five tackles along with Joe Holland. Holland added two sacks. Drew Grieshober had four tackles including two sacks and a forced fumble.

Dan Holland becomes the first player in school history to record three 100-tackle seasons in his first three seasons as a Mountaineer.

The Mountaineers improve to 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the conference. Cheyney falls to 0-9 overall and 0-4 in the conference. Mansfield, which still has an outside shot to tie for the PSAC East crown, will host division leaders Bloomsburg next Saturday, and travel to West Chester to end the season.

RELEASE DATE: 10/30/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES JOE BENNETT WILL MISS THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON – MEDICAL REDSHIRT WILL GIVE HIM TWO MORE YEARS

MANSFIELD – Mansfield University wide receiver Joe Bennett (Horseheads,NY/Notre Dame) will not play for the Mountaineers the rest of this season and apply for a medical red-shirt.

Bennett, who has been sidelined since suffering an injury in practice after the first game of the season, decided it would be better to miss the final three games of the season and allow his injury to fully heal.

An All-PSAC East selection last season when he caught 53 passes for 819 yards, Bennett had two catches for 36 yards in the season opener against East Stroudsburg.

By applying for a medical red shirt, Bennett will have two full seasons of eligibility remaining.

In his career at Mansfield, Bennett has 76 catches for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games.

The Mountaineers will travel to Cheyney University this Saturday for a PSAC East matchup against the Wolves.

###

Release Date: 10/26/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES FALL SHORT TO CALIFORNIA (PA) 17-9

MANSFIELD 9 CALIFORNIA (PA) 17

CALIFORNIA, PA – California's RJ Abercrombie returned a kickoff 83 yards early in the 4th quarter and California held on to the lead to beat Mansfield 17-9 in late night football action at Adamson Stadium.

California opened the scoring when Mike Dalicandro kicked a 38-yard field goal at the 8:15 mark of the first quarter.

Mansfield took the kickoff and drove to the California one-yard line, but

Mike Zulkowski had the ball stripped out of his hands going into the endzone and Cal returned it to their own 37. The Mountaineers had another scoring opportunity dashed when a 27-yard field goal by Keefe Richards was blocked with 7:52 remaining in the half.

California mounted a 80-yard drive capped off by a seven yard pass from quarterback Brandon LeDonne to Gravin Graves with 5:17 left in the third quarter.

Mansfield cut the lead to 10-3 after Joe Frick intercepted a pass at the six-yard line and returned to the California 20. Keefe Richards kicked a 27-yard field goal for Mansfield.

But California would come right back with R.J. Abercrombie retuned the ensuing kickoff 83-yards for at touchdown with 10:59 in the fourth quarter to give the Vulcans a 17-3 lead.

Mansfield came right back on an 84 yard drive with Ryan Geishauser pulling in a 31-yard touchdown pass with 9:02 to play, but the extra point attempt was blocked cutting the score to 17-9.

The Mountaineers got one last chance starting from their own 35 with 2:07 to play and moved to the California 16-yard. An incompletion, sack and incompletion put Mansfield in a fourth and 18 with 1:02 remaining. But Motley was sacked to end the Mountaineers chances.

Travis Motley passed for 291 yards and a touchdown while Dan Holland led the defense with 15 tackles. Mansfield's Joe Frick had two interceptions for 86 yards while on offence Mike Zulkowski had six catches for 102 yards.

The Mounties next game is Saturday against the Wolves of Cheney University at 1p.m.

###

RELEASE DATE: 10/12/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: KUTZTOWN STAGES SECOND HALF RALLY TO DOWN MANSFIELD 32-22 IN PSAC EAST FOOTBALL – MOTLEY PASSES FOR THREE TOUCHDOWNS AND DAN HOLLAND RACKS UP 16 TACKLES IN LOSS

MANSFIELD – Kutztown won the game of comebacks rallying from a 22-15 halftime deficit with 17-second half points to down Mansfield 32-22 in a PSAC East showdown at University Field Saturday afternoon.

The Mountaineers fell behind 15-0 at the end of the first quarter with Kutztown taking advantage of MU turnovers and penalties to hit a 25-yard field goal a minute and a half into the game before scoring on a pair of one-yard touchdown runs.

But Mansfield would storm back in the second quarter with senior Quame Patterson capping off an 18-play, 80 yard drive by catching a three-yard touchdown pass from Travis Motley with 9:23 left in the second quarter.

The Mountaineers scored again less than two minutes later, after Luke Alex recovered a Kutztown fumble at the 32-yard line, with Steve Smith hauling in a 21-yard strike from Motley to cut the score to 15-13.

Mansfield would take the lead on its next series when Motley threw his third touchdown pass of the quarter, this time for nine-yards to Mike Zulkowksi and a 19-15 lead after the extra point was missed.

Mansfield would increase its lead to 22-15 when Jeff Mimm hit a 29-yard field goal with: 44 remaining in the half.

Kutztown would stage its own rally in the third quarter scoring with quarterback Rob Flowers hitting Trevor Smith with a 50-scoring pass to tie the score at 22-22.

Mansfield drove to the Kutztown 27-yard line on their next series before turning the ball over on downs. Flowers then found Tony Bria with a 37-yard TD pass to give Kutztown a 29-22 advantage. A 27-yard field goal by Matt Scartozzi midway through the fourth quarter sealed the win for Kutztown.

Travis Motley connected on 27 of 43 passes for 217 yards and three touchdown passes while John Loiselle rushed for 62 yards and accounted for another 62-yards with six catches for Mansfield. Steve Smith caught four passes for 43 yards with Quame Patterson grabbing four catches for 37 yards.

Dan Holland led the Mountaineer defense with 16 tackles and forced a fumble with Chamell Hampton was credited with 10 tackles, a forced fumble and two pass breakups. Joe Frick had seven tackles.

Mansfield falls to 2-4 overall and 1-2 in the PSAC East. Kutztown improves to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the PSAC East.

The Mountaineers have a bye next Saturday before traveling to California (PA) University on Oct. 26.

###

2002 Mansfield University

Football Game Preview

GAME SIX

MOUNTAINEERS at Kutztown

PSAC East Standings	PSAC	OVERALL
E. Stroudsburg	2-0	3-1
West Chester	1-0	2-3
Mansfield	1-1	2-3
Cheyney	0-0	0-5
Bloomsburg	0-1	3-2
Kutztown	0-1	1-4
Millersville	0-1	0-4

Saturday, October 12, 2002

1:05 p.m.

University Field – Kutztown, PA

RADIO

The game will broadcast live to the Twin Tiers by Wiggle 100. Mike Powers will handle the play-by-play. The pregame show will start at 12:45 p.m. The broadcast can be heard around the world over the Internet at www.mansfield.edu or www.wiggle.com.

	2002 Schedule
Sept. 7	E. Stroudsburg	L 31-14
Sept. 14	@ Buffalo State	W 20-19
Sept. 21	Westminster	L 24-21
Sept. 28	Lock Haven	L 33-30
Oct. 5	Millersville	W 12-6
Oct 12	@ Kutztown	1:05 p.m.
Oct. 19	Open
Oct. 26	@ California (Pa.)	7 p.m.
Nov. 2	@ Cheyney	1 p.m.
Nov. 9	Bloomsburg	1 p.m.
Nov. 16	@ West Chester	1 p.m.

THE GAME

The Mountaineers hit the road after a thrilling 12-6 homecoming victory over Millersville. The win ups the Mountaineers record to 1-1 in the PSAC and 2-3 overall. Kutztown lost last weekend to division rival West Chester 31-24. The loss drops Kutztown to 0-1 in the PSAC and 1-4 overall.

THE SERIES

The contest marks the 57th meeting between the two rival schools. Kutztown holds a narrow 29-24-3 series advantage. The last meeting was on October 28, 2001, with Kutztown winning 28-7.

THE COACHES

Chris Woods is in his second season as head coach of the Mountaineers. His record at Mansfield is 4-11. Before coming to Mansfield, Woods was one of the top defensive coordinators in Division III at Wittenberg University.

Dave Keeny enters his fifth season as the Golden Bears head coach. His record at Kutztown is 23-23. Prior to taking over the reins as head coach, Keeny served as KU’s offensive coordinator for five seasons. He was the associate head coach from 1996 to 1997.

LAST WEEK

It was a great day to be a Mountaineer. Mansfield rallied to defeat Millersville 12-6. It marked the first time since 1968 that Mansfield had beaten Millersville at Karl Van Norman Field.

Freshman Mike Zulkowski caught a seven-yard pass from Travis Motley with 4:42 remaining in the game to lift Mansfield to a 12-6 win over Millersville as part of Homecoming at Karl Van Norman Field. Millersville took a 6-0 lead early in the first quarter on a one-yard plunge by Chris Meyers following a 25-yard interception return by Braden Steffy. The extra point attempt failed.

Mansfield got on the board on the next series on a safety by Chamell Hampton and closed the gap to 6-5 when Jeff Mimm kicked a 34-yard field goal with no time remaining at the end of the first quarter. Although they trailed 6-5 at halftime, the Mountaineers dominated the first half statistically racking up 144 yards in total offense while holding Millersville to just 34 total yards.

The two teams played a scoreless second half until Zulkowski caught Motley’s pass for the win.

Travis Motley completed 17 of 33 passes for 222 yards while John Loiselle rushed for 92 yards on 33 carries. Zulkowski had five catches for 59 yards with Arnaldo Santiago pulling down four catches for 82 yards. Steve Smith had three grabs for 35 yards and Kody Crispell two for 25 yards and 33 yards returning punts and kickoffs.

The Mountaineer defense answered the call all afternoon limiting Millersville to a season low 153 yards in total offense. Dan Holland led Mansfield with 15 tackles. Ricky Woods had seven stops followed by Randy Reinert and Conway Brown with five each.

ABOUT THE MOUNTAINEERS

During the 2001 football season, coach Woods had to play inexperienced underclassmen. That experience is paying off in 2002, as evident in the strong performances against Buffalo State, Lock Haven, and Millersville. The Mountaineers are still young but are very experienced. Of the 22 starters last Saturday, 17 were underclassman. If they can avoid the big plays and turnovers, the Mountaineers will make some noise in the PSAC eastern division.

Junior quarterback Travis Motley leads the potent aerial attack. Motley passed for 222 yards against Millersville giving him 1278 yards on the season. With all the injuries to the Mountaineers receiving, Motley has to spread the wealth to 12 different receivers. Senior Steve Smith (23 receptions for 277 yards and four touchdowns) has become the go-to receiver. Also making big receptions are sophomore Arnaldo Santiago (22 grabs for 313 yards and two touchdowns), freshman Mike Zulkowski (16 catches for 308 yards and four touchdowns)

Since the injury to Ryan Geishauser, the Mountie running attack has fallen on the shoulders of John Loiselle (95 carries for 354 yards). Loiselle looks forward to the challenge. Opening up holes and protecting Motley’s back are offensive linemen Ryan McClellan, Chris Ferris, Steve Pozella, Al Gulitus and Lucas Ingersoll.

The defense should be the heart of 2002 football team. With only two senior starters Bob Evans and Conway Brown, the Mountaineer defense must avoid costly mistakes and continue to swarm to the ball. Linebackers Dan Holland (68 tackles, 42 solo, 8.5 TLF), Chamell Hampton (24 tackles), Ricky Woods (27 tackles) and Randy Reinart (36 tackles, 8.5 TLF, 3.5 sacks) lead the charge. Evans (11 tackles, three sacks, one blocked FG), sophomore Brian DeCecco (15 tackles) and freshman Mike Donati (17 tackles, 3 TLF, one sack) anchor the defensive line. Senior cornerback Brown leads the secondary with two interceptions. Sophomore strong safety Joe Frick has 24 tackles, two fumble recoveries and three pass break-ups.

ABOUT KUTZTOWN UNIVERSITY

Kutztown enters the game on a four game losing skid since defeating Elizabeth City (NC) opening day. The Golden Bears enter the game with a balanced offensive attack, averaging 124 yards on the ground and 156 through the air. The ground game is led by freshman running back Stephen Gammage (84 carries for 292 yards, four TD’s), sophomore Atiba Kenyatta (46 carries for 248 yards). The passing attack is led by sophomore Rob Flowers (completed 73 out of 143 passes for six TD’s and eight interceptions). Flowers’ favorite receivers are freshman Trevor Smith (24 catches for 295 yards and two TD’s) and sophomore Mike Conner (13 catches for 203 yards and one TD). The Golden Bear defensive is led by senior linebacker Earl Thorton (36 tackles). Junior cornerback Andre Brown has four interceptions. Senior defensive lineman Corey Benson has recorded 6.5 sacks in five games.

KEYS TO THE GAME

Mansfield will be looking to cut down on giving up big plays and reduce turnovers. The Mountaineers hope to put more points on the board, especially inside the redzone. Quarterback Travis Motley makes the offense run and John Loiselle has proven to be a punishing runner.

QUOTES FROM CHRIS WOODS

On last week’s game with Millersville

“I’ve been part of some very big wins in my coaching career,” Mountaineers head coach Chris Woods said after the game, “But that maybe the biggest ever. It wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t easy, but this team and coach staff has worked very hard to turn things around here and today’s game was a big step for us.”

On the Kutztown Game

“They are a much better program than their record indicates with some big play guys on both sides of the ball. This game will be a big challenge for us and we will need to play our best to win.”

Notes – The Mountaineers last four games have been decided by a total of 13 points combined … Dan Holland broke the school record for tackles for a loss and now has 40.5 in his career … Holland is also second in the nation in total tackles and solo tackles … Travis Motley has 33 career touchdown passes second to Bill Bair’s 56.

###

Release Date: 10/05/02

For Immediate Release: Travis Motley hits Mike Zulkowski with 4:42 Remaining To Lift Mansfield to 12-6 Win In Homecoming Thriller – First Win Over Millersville at Karl Van Norman Field Since 1968

Mansfield University 12 Millersville 6

Mansfield – Mike Zulkowski caught a seven-yard pass from Travis Motley with 4:42 remaining in the game to lift Mansfield to a 12-6 win over Millersville in PSAC East football action Saturday afternoon as part of Homecoming at Karl Van Norman Field.

It was the first time since 1968, Mansfield had defeated Millersville at Karl Van Norman Field.

Millersville took a 6-0 lead early in the first quarter on a one-yard plunge by Chris Meyers following a 25-yard interception return by Braden Steffy. The extra point attempt failed.

Although they trailed 6-5 at halftime, the Mountaineers dominated the first half statistically racking up 144 yards in total offense while holding Millersville to just 34 total yards.

The two teams played a scoreless second half until Zulkowski caught Motley’s pass for the win.

“That was a designed play,” Motley said after the game. “It was as much a jump shot to Mike (6-7, Mike Zulkowski) who just outreached two defenders for the catch and ran it in.”

“We knew that if we hung in there something would final break our way,” Motley said. “We have been so close the last two weeks (three points losses to Westminster and Lock Haven) that we just believed in our selves and believed we could win today. It was great to do it not only for us, but for the former players who came back for homecoming.”

Mansfield improves to 2-3 on the season and 1-1 in the PSAC while Millersville goes to 0-4 overall and 0-1 in the PSA

###

RELEASE DATE: 9/28/02

MOUNTIE COMEBACK FALLS SHORT IN 33-30 LOSS TO LOCK HAVEN – STEVE SMITH TIES SCHOOL RECORD WITH THREE TOUCHDOWN CATCHES

Lock Haven 33 Mansfield 30

Mansfield – The Mansfield University Mountaineers dominated the game statistically, but a fourth quarter comeback came up just short in a 33-30 loss to PSAC West rival Lock Haven University at Karl Van Norman Field Saturday afternoon.

The Mountaineers out gained Lock Haven 453-286 in total offense and racked up 23 first downs to Lock Haven’s 12 while holding a nine minute possession time advantage.

But turnovers and big plays hurt the Mountaineers all day long.

Senior Steve Smith (Welland, ONT/Notre Dame) had the best game of his career catching seven passes for 127-yards and three touchdowns for the Mountaineers. Junior quarterback Travis Motley survived a shaky start to compete 25 of 56 passes for 323 yards and four touchdowns, but was intercepted four times.

John Loiselle picked up 66-yards on 11 carries while tailback Ryan Geishauser had 65-yards on 13 carries.

Dan Holland led the defense with 12 tackles, including eight solo and three for a loss. Freshman Randy Reinert had seven tackles with fellow linebacker Chamell Hampton in on seven stops.

It marks the second week in a row the Mountaineers have lost by three points.

Marcus Burkley caught his first TD pass from Tim Storina on Lock Haven’s first possess and Carey 80-yard punt return gave Lock Haven a 14-0 first quarter lead.

Steve Smith caught a 15-yard pass from Travis Motley in the second quarter to put the Mountaineers on the board and cut the score to 14-7 at halftime.

Marcus Walker scored on a 10-yard run following an interception early in the third quarter to put Lock Haven on top 21-7. Mansfield came right back and scored on a 22-yard field goal by Keefe Richards to cut the score to 21-10 going into the fourth quarter.

Burkley then caught a 60-yard pass from Rob Kristiniak early in the fourth quarter to put Lock Haven up 27-10. Mansfield came right back with Steve Smith catching a 23-yard pass from Motley to cut the score to 27-17.

Justin Marshall would then score on a three-yard run after a failed on side attempt to put Lock Haven up 33-17.

But Mansfield would storm back scoring two touchdowns in the final 3:09 of the game with Arnaldo Santiago catching a four-yard touchdown and Steve Smith a 34-yard TD pass both from Motley.

Lock Haven improves to 2-2 on the season while Mansfield falls to 1-3.

RELEASE DATE: 9/23/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES MIKE ZULKOWSKI NAMED PSAC EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

MANSFIELD – Freshman Mike Zulkowski (Shenandoah/Shenandoah) has been named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance against Westminster College last Saturday.

Zulkowski, starting for the first time in his collegiate career because of injuries to the Mountaineers top three receivers, caught eight passes for 214 yards and three touchdowns against Westminster.

Zulkowski tied the school record for touchdown catches in a game while the 214 yards were the second most in school history. He becomes the first Mountaineer freshman to earn All PSAC East Offensive Player of the Week honors since Dean Stewart last accomplished the feat in 1989.

Mansfield is 1-2 overall and host Lock Haven University this Saturday.

-MU 2002-

RELEASE DATE: 9/21/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MOUNTIES DROP 24-21 HEARTBREAKER TO WESTMINSTER IN JOSH PALMER FUND PIGSKIN CLASSIC – FRESHMAN MIKE ZULKOWSKI CATCHES EIGHT PASSES FOR 214 YARDS AND THREE TOUCHDOWNS

MANSFIELD – Westminster College rallied for 10 points in the final eight minutes of the game to down Mansfield University 24-21 victory in the Josh Palmer Fund Pigskin Classic at Karl Van Norman Field Saturday afternoon.

After Westminster took the lead on a 25-yard field goal, the Mountaineers drove down to the Westminster nine-yard line with just over a minute to play, but a 27-yard field goal attempt went wide right.

“I’ll take the responsibly for the loss,” said head coach Chris Woods. “It wasn’t the field goal attempt or anything else. The game should not have been that close.”

The loss threw a damper on an outstanding performance by freshman wide receiver Mike Zulkowski (Shenandoah/Shenandoah). The 6-7, wideout, who started his first collegiate game after starters Joe Bennett, Arnaldo Santiago and Quame Patterson missed the game with injuries, caught eight passes for 214 yards and tied the school record with three touchdown catches. The 214 yards are the second most in a single game in school history and a freshman record.

“Mike really stepped up for us this afternoon and put us in a position to win the game,” said Woods.

Quarterback Travis Motley connected on 21 of 38 passes for 297 yards and three touchdowns as the Mountaineers held a 348-270 advantage in total offense.

Mansfield got on the board first when freshman Mike Zulkowski caught a 17-yard pass from Motley on the first series of the game.

Westminster came right back with Scott Froelich capping off a 74-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown run. Mansfield would retake the lead when Zulkowski and Motley hooked up again, this time for a seven-yard score. Froelich then tied up the score 14-14 at half scoring on a 25-yard run.

Mansfield would retake the lead when Zulkowski caught an 87-yard pass from Motley with 9:22 to go in the third quarter.

With 7:55 to play, Westminster tied the game when Steve Scott caught a six-yard pass from Kevin Huber. The touchdown came after the Mountaineers were flagged for running into the kicker on a field goal attempt. Westminster got the ball back following a recovery on the kickoff. Josh Simpson hit a 25-yard field goal to put the Titans ahead 24-21.

Mansfield would drive to the Westminster nine-yard line, but a 27-yard field goal with 1:10 to play went wide right.

Ryan Geishauser had four catches for 28 yards and also ran for 16 yards. Steve Smith had three catches for 20 yards.

Dan Holland led the defense with 14 tackles while freshman Randy Reinert added 13 tackles with 1.5 sacks.

The Mountaineers fall to 1-2 on the season while Westminster improves to 1-1. Mansfield University will host Lock Haven next Saturday.

Today’s Game

MOUNTAINEERS HOST WESTMINSTER IN SECOND ANNUAL JOSH PALMER FUND PIGSKIN CLASSIC

The Mansfield University Mountaineers will host the Second Annual Josh Palmer Fund Pigskin Classic this afternoon when they host the Titians of Westminster College at Karl Van Norman Field. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

The game marks the third time the two schools have meet on the gridiron with Westminster holding a 2-0 advantage after downing the Mountaineers 42-11 at Karl Van Norman Field in 1998.

Mansfield is 1-1 on the season after recording a 20-19 win at Buffalo State last Saturday. Westminster holds a 0-1 mark after suffering a 28-26 setback to Walsh College two weeks ago.

Chris Woods is in his second season as the head coach of the Mountaineers where he has posted a 3-9 overall record. Prior to coming to Mansfield as defensive coordinator in 2000, Woods was one of the top defensive coordinators in NCAA Division III at Wittenberg College.

Jerry Schmitt is in his third season as the head mentor of the Titians where he has posted a 12-8 mark. A 1983 Westminster grad, Schmitt served as the offensive coordinator at Duquesne before returning to his alma mater.

Today’s game marks the second annual Josh Palmer Fund Pigskin Classic. Last Year, the Mountaineers dropped a 29-21 barnburner to Ithaca College. Josh Palmer, a former player and coach at Mansfield University, started the Josh Palmer Fund after overcoming cancer during his collegiate playing career. The Josh Palmer Fund raised money for area youth afflicted with cancer and is one of the largest cancer fund raising organization in the Twin Tiers. Last year’s Pigskin Classic raised more than $5,000 for the Josh Palmer Fund.

Last week the Mountaineers won their first road game against a non-PSAC opponent since 1994 with a hard fought 20-19 win over Buffalo State. Junior quarterback Travis Motley earned PSAC East Offensive Player of the Week honors by completing 22 of 35 passes for 234 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Motley also scored on a one-yard run.

Mansfield racked up 379 yards in total offense while limiting Buffalo State to 257. Sophomore Arnaldo Santiago had the best game of his college career pulling in 10 passes for 121-yards including a 10-yard touchdown. Junior John Loiselle moved to tailback after an injury to Ryan Geishauser and responded to the challenge by pounding out a career high 145-yards on 38 carries. Senior wide out Steve Smith pulled down seven catches for 54-yards including a touchdown.

The offense was able to operate effectively behind a improving offense line of Steve Pozella at center; Chris Farris and Al Guilitus at guard and Ryan McClellan and Lucas Ingersoll at tackles.

Junior middle linebacker Dan Holland recorded one of the best overall games in his impressive collegiate career. The two-time All-American racked up 15 tackles, including 10 solo, had three tackles for a loss, a sack, a fumble recovery and blocked the tying extra point with less than four minutes in the game. For his outstanding efforts, Holland earned PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors for the third time in his career.

Sophomore nose tackle Brian DeCecco was an immovable force in the middle clogging up the middle and chasing down six tackles. Cornerbacks Conway Brown and freshman Jonathon Byrd combined for nine tackles with Mike Reed recording his first interception of the year. Freshman Jason Zeigler blocked a punt that led to a Mountaineer touchdown.

Westminster saw a late game rally fall just short in a heartbreaking 28-26 setback against Walsh. The Titians rallied from a 28-17 deficit with just over five minutes to play to cut the score to 28-26 with just over a minute to play.

Titan sophomore TB Scott Froelich recorded the fourth 100-yard rushing effort of his collegiate career, posting 32 carries for 137 yards (4.3 avg.) on the day. Kevin Huber and Matt Robison split time at quarterback, with Huber completing 11-of-15 passes for 137 yards with one TD and one interception and Robison completing 8-of-13 passes for 82 yards with one score and a pair of interceptions. Junior WR Steve Scott led the receiving corps with five catches for 51 yards.

Defensively, sophomore safety Clint DeLuca led the way with seven tackles (six solo) and three passes defensed. Senior linebacker Joe Bianco posted a fumble recovery, while sophomore safety Kevin Kresinski posted a blocked field goal.

The Mountaineers will host PSAC West rival Lock Haven University next Saturday at Karl Van Norman Field as part of Mansfield’s Fabulous 1890’s Weekend.

RELEASE DATE: 9/17/02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: DAN HOLLAND NAMED NCAA DIVISION II DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK – JUNIOR FIRST PLAYER IN SCHOOL HISTORY TO EARN NATIONAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARD

MANSFIELD – Junior linebacker Dan Holland (Scranton/Bishop O’Hara) become the first football player in school history to be named the NCAA Division II Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in the Mountaineers 20-19 victory over Buffalo State last Saturday.

Holland, who was also named PSAC East Player of the Week, shared the National Weekly Football Gazette NCAA Division II Defensive Player of the Week award with Freddy Del Villar of Shepherd (WV) College and William Moody of Carson-Newman (TN) College. There are 149 football programs in NCAA Division II.

Holland racked up a game high 15 tackles, including 10 solo’s and three for a loss. He also had a sack for 11-yards, recovered a fumble and blocked what would have been the tying extra point kick with less than four minutes remaining in the game.

For the season, Holland has a team best 27 tackles, 16 of them solo, with two sacks, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery and blocked kick.

A two-time All-PSAC East selecting and All-American, Holland earned PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week honors for a school record third time in his career. The son of Donna and Joe Holland of Scranton, Dan is majoring in criminal justice administration at Mansfield.

-MU 2002-