August 27 , 2004

During the illustrious career of Craig Swanson ’04, the Hobart football team won more than 70 percent of its games, captured three conference championships, made the first three postseason appearances in the 112-year existence of the program, and won the 2003 ECAC North Atlantic Bowl.

While battling a new-old conference, the Statesmen will enter uncharted territory this season without the two-time captain who is the only Hobart passer to eclipse 5,000 career yards. Over the summer, the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association was renamed the Liberty League and welcomed three new associate members in football only, Worcester PolyTech, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy-Kings Point. This rose by another name will smell even sweeter for the champion. The Liberty League laurels will include an automatic berth in the NCAA Playoffs.

Despite the graduation of Swanson, Hobart will not lack for broken records or All-American candidates, and that should translate into continued success on the gridiron.

The A List of celebrity talent begins with offensive lineman Alex Bell. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound senior right guard dominated the line of scrimmage last season, tossing aside would-be tacklers like so many toothpicks in a tornado. His efforts earned him third-team All-America honors from D3Football.com last season and two preseason nods this year (Don Hansen’s Football Gazette first-team, D3Football.com second-team). In 2003, the majority of Hobart’s running plays traveled behind Bell, resulting in the only back in the conference to average more than 100 yards per game, another A-lister, Ty Godinho.

An elusive runner from Lancaster, N.Y., Godinho is on pace to rank among the top-five in career carries (2nd behind Rich Kowalski’s 907), yards (3rd to Kowalski’s 4,631 and Don Aleksiewicz’s 4,525), and rushing touchdowns (3rd behind Kowalski’s 47 and Keith Brandon’s 45). Relegated to the All-Liberty League second-team despite leading the league in rushing in 2003 (107.7 yds/g), Godinho ranked 33rd in the nation in scoring (8.8 ppg) and is primed for an encore performance as a senior.

Both Bell and Godinho will serve as team captains.

At wide out, the Statesmen sport the top returning receiver in the conference in senior Dan Suozzi. Suozzi, a receiver prototype at 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, boasts three All-Liberty League selections, and that’s just from last season (he has six total). The surest thing (as sure things go) to break a record this season, Suozzi needs just 18 receptions and 51 yards to break the career marks established more than 20 years ago by Hobart Hall of Famer Scott Geise ’83 (141 catches for 1,899 yds). Averaging 4.8 rec/g and 71.1 yds/g, Suozzi should topple both marks relatively early in the season. That alone would make most All-America watch lists, but Suozzi is also one of the most effective punters (career: 34.6 yds/p) and one of the most dangerous return men in the nation.

While there is plenty of star power on offense for whoever gets the start under center, everyone knows defense wins championships and that is the main reason Hobart is the two-time defending Liberty League Champion.

The Statesmen were among the national leaders in rushing defense (24th, 108.0 yds/g), scoring defense (24th, 15.6 papg), pass efficiency defense (40th, 97.5), and total defense (63rd, 308.3 yds/g). Hobart led the Liberty League in all but pass efficiency defense (2nd to RPI, 92.1).

At times, the 2003 defense looked capable of taking away possession at will. The Statesmen led the Liberty League in interceptions (1.7/g) paced by Jamie Anderson’s team-high five. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound junior cornerback enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore, ranking 13th in the nation in passes defended and 34th in interceptions. Combined with the 5-foot-10, 185-pound Dyshawn Washington (2 INT, 10 pass break ups), Hobart boasts the best cover corners in the Liberty League.

The linebacking corps has always been a strength of a Mike Cragg coached team and the 2004 Statesmen will be no exception. Led by 2003 Liberty League Co-Defensive Player of the Year junior inside linebacker Tony Clemente (6-1, 225), Hobart also returns the 2003 Liberty League Rookie of the Year, outside linebacker Nolan Robinson and second-team All-Liberty League junior outside linebacker Jimmy Gradis. Last season, that trio combined for 180 tackles, eight forced fumbles, five and a half sacks, and four interceptions.

The defensive line also returns three of four starters, including team captains Walt Bennett and Chris Purtell. That leadership and a combined 84 tackles, including 15 for a loss, should translate into a dominant group of run-stoppers and a pesky pass rush.

Blending an experienced group of all-stars and solid veterans with a talented class of first-years is the challenge that lies before Cragg and his coaching staff. Here’s a position-by-position look at the Statesmen:

QUARTERBACK
The three-way battle to replace Swanson begins with sophomore Shawn Mizro. The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder out of nearby Newark High School is the early favorite, but certainly not the heir apparent. One of the most prolific passers in New York State scholastic history, he ranks 15th in NYS in career passing, just behind Miami Dolphins quarterback Jay Fiedler. Mizro boasts a stronger arm and fleeter feet than Swanson, and has the potential to challenge his coach’s records even before the ink is dry.

Mizro will face stiff competition from a pair of his classmates, Dan Matuzak and Ryan McWalter. A two-sport athlete, Matuzak, who could be mistaken for a tight end, is a classic drop-back passer and a power forward for the Hobart basketball team. McWalter might be the best athlete of the three. A quicker, option-style QB, he has a live arm and throws well on the run.

First-years Jim Bauman (McQuaid HS/Rochester, N.Y.) and Dan Giacomini (East Aurora HS/East Aurora, N.Y.) could also figure into the mix. Bauman quarterbacked the East squad in the 2004 Eddie Meath All-Star Game, while Giacomini, in addition to playing quarterback, punted for the Blue Devils and could contribute on special teams as well.

RUNNING BACK
While Godinho will be chasing history, he’ll also have to keep an eye on his teammates. Hobart’s greatest depth will be lining up behind the senior captain, starting with classmate Jack Holleran. The 5-foot-8, 180-pound spark plug boasts 5.1 yards per carry and 7.5 yards per reception career averages. A leader on special teams, Holleran sports 25 career tackles and 22 yards per kick return.

Four untested Statesmen will also challenge for handoffs. Junior Brain Bach (5-8, 200), who was slowed by an ankle injury last season, is very strong and possesses an impressive work ethic. Sophomore Doug Blakowski (5-9, 175) has blazing speed and great moves, while first-year Don Gilardi (5-9, 185), another Eddie Meath All-Star, brings similar speed to the backfield. Sophomore Henry Stemler is a tough player built for smashmouth football.

FULLBACK
There will be a new starter clearing the road for Godinho & Co. following the graduation of Rick Spidalieri. Hobart returns a pair of inexperienced but talented backs that will battle through the preseason for the starting nod, junior John Hennekey (5-11, 230) and sophomore Chris Whipple (6-0, 225). Hennekey is a tough, physical blocker, while Whipple is more athletic and capable of breaking off impressive gains of his own. The duo could platoon at fullback with the game situation dictating which one plays.

First-year Dan Spinella (New Hartford HS/New Hartford, N.Y.) will bring added depth to the position and is expected to play midfielder for Hobart’s Division I lacrosse team in the spring.

WIDE RECEIVER
Suozzi has drawn attention for his record-breaking performances, but, if not for his presence, those records could belong to classmate Rick Piñero (12.5 yds/rec). Although he took what defenses gave him—primarily the underneath routes last season—Piñero (pictured) is a big play receiver capable of breaking open a game with a little shake-n-bake and a whole lot of burn.

Junior possession receiver Colby Feane is fundamentally sound, and very coachable. The point guard for the Statesmen on the hardwood, he plays with the same heads up confidence whether he’s driving the lane or running a slant pattern.

The final spot on Hobart’s two-deep, or, in the team’s many spread formations, on the field, is up for grabs. Junior Rich Keefe and sophomore Kent Thorpe will figure into the mix, but a pair of gifted first-years may have something to say about that.

Steven Sorhaindo (5-9, 180), younger brother of junior corner back Brian, and James Wright (6-0, 180) both have great speed and reliable hands. If the duo doesn’t break through this season, they’ll certainly be poised to fill the shoes of Suozzi and Piñero in 2005.

TIGHT END
Replacing the graduated Tony Perillo ’04, the hero of the Rensselaer game for scoring the go-ahead touchdown from 41 yards out, will be no small task, but one Hobart’s depth should lend itself to nicely. The Statesmen welcome back senior Marcus Eriksson and his soft hands, but he’ll be pushed by a trio of underclassmen.

Physical clones of each other, sophomore Kyle Martin (6-3, 225), first-year Alex Serles (6-3, 220), and first-year Lou Zapp (6-2, 225) run in a dead-heat with Eriksson for the starting nod.

OFFENSIVE LINE
Hobart returns athletic and experienced offensive linemen but could run short on depth if the injury bug hits too hard. The entire unit was recognized by D3Football.com last season after clearing the way for a 248-yard rushing day at Rensselaer against an Engineer defense that came into the game allowing just 118.4 yards per game.

Bell, by virtue of his shear magnitude both in terms of talent and physical size, grabs the attention of most opponents, overshadowing the exceptional play of senior left tackle Jeff Bruckman. The two-time All-Liberty League selection has worked tirelessly over the past two seasons, protecting the quarterback’s blindside, and carried that diligence even further during the past offseason leaving him poised for his finest season yet.

First-year Phil Perkins (6-3, 270), an All-State selection out of Andover, Mass., has all of the physical tools to step into the starting lineup right away and will serve as an understudy to Bruckman.

Second-team All-Liberty League right tackle Ryan Hallings returns for his senior season after stepping into an injury plagued line and providing a steady blocker along side Bell.

Sophomore Mike DePersis (6-0, 245) will move his size and strength to right tackle and will challenge for that spot in the starting lineup. With a glut of talent at tight end, the Hobart coaching staff opted to use DePersis’ outstanding blocking to shore up the depth of the offensive line.

At left guard, Nino Giambrone, praised by the coaching staff for his coachability and determination, outperformed expectations despite nagging knee injuries in 2003. Senior Matt Montroy will start the season in Giambrone’s spot until the sophomore is healthy. Montroy (6-0, 250) played a little bit of everywhere last season and could fill that role again this season.

In the middle, senior Josh Van Auken (6-2, 275) returns to his starting role. A Liberty League All-Academic team member, he is extremely intelligent, both in the classroom and on the field. He will be charged with adjusting the blocking assignments at the line.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE
Bennett enjoyed a monster season last year, increasing his tackle production by 45 percent over 2002, while quadrupling his tackles for a loss total to a team-leading 10.5. He’s quick to exploit an opponent’s weakness and gives the Statesmen a strong pass rush.

Lining up next to him will be junior Rick Eicheldinger (6-5, 275). An imposing figure, he’s capable of dominating the line, but has been slowed by a shoulder injury. Sophomore Ryan Rapaport (6-2, 245) will be the first off the bench to fill in at either tackle. A strong run stopper, his development hit a speed bump when he lost the rest of the season to a knee injury in the Union game.

Sophomores David Tivin (5-10, 260) and Josh Weiss (5-11, 235) also could compete for quality minutes.

DEFENSIVE END
Purtell returns for what he hopes will be a healthy season. An exceptionally gifted athlete, Purtell has not played an entire season at 100 percent since his first season in Geneva. Sophomore Andy Purdie is a solid edge rusher as evidenced by his two sacks and team-high eight quarterback hurries (tracked only during Hobart home games).

Junior Zach Young also could figure into the starting rotation. His development has been slowed by a bum shoulder, but he has looked good in preseason workouts and appears ready to contribute.

First-years Jim Drury (Barrington HS/Barrington Hills, Ill.) and Derek Peterson (Xaverian Brothers HS/Westwood, Mass.) are strong and tough competitors that could work their way into quality playing time by midseason.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
Gradis, pound-for-pound one of the strongest players on the team, is a brilliant talent in both passing and running situations. He thrived on the strong side last season. Manning the weak side will be Robinson. The team’s leader in sacks in 2003, he is the first rookie to lead Hobart in that category in at least a decade. Junior Andrew Sweet and sophomore Evan Hoffman will give the team depth.

INSIDE LINEBACKER
Clemente will control the center. He enjoyed his strongest effort of the season at Ithaca, logging a career-best 16 tackles. Sophomore Tyler Mason is the early favorite to play on the weak side. He came on strong at the end of last season, and has raised the coaching staff’s expectations for the 2004 campaign.

Sophomore Mark Lawrenz is a versatile athlete who could see time at inside linebacker or at defensive tackle. First-year Jeff Sanders (Camden HS/Camden, N.Y.) could prove to be one of the most athletic players on the team and will be difficult to keep off the field.

CORNER BACK
Anderson and Washington give Hobart one of the best sets of cover corners in the region, but the excellence doesn’t stop there. In addition to speedy junior Brian Sorhaindo, the Statesmen welcome a triumvirate of first-years who will form the nucleus of the Hobart secondary over the next four years: James Alexander, Anthony Brine, and Bryan Newcomb.

Alexander, at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, comes from one of the best prep school programs in New England (St. John’s Prep/Beverly, Mass.) and is equal parts power and speed. Brine (5-9, 175) and Newcomb (5-8, 175), while not as tall as Alexander, are blessed with blistering speed and outstanding cover skills.

FREE SAFETY
Junior Ryan Smith is slated to quarterback the defense from the free safety position, but he may not have much time to prove his worth. Smith played in all 10 games, starting two in relief of an injured teammate, raking up 29 tackles (22 solo) and a pair of interceptions.

Waiting in the wings will be first-year Mike Kaplun (6-1, 195). In three varsity seasons at Webster Schroeder High School, Kaplun lost only one game, winning two state championships and one runner-up finish. A talented athlete, he was a defensive back and quarterback for the Warriors’ 2003 New York State Class AA Championship team.

SPECIAL TEAMS
Hobart’s special teams will look much the same as they have over the past three seasons. The jack-of-all-trades, Suozzi will continue to handle the punting and punt returns. Senior Eric Ampuja, a two-time All-Liberty League selection, returns for his final season looking to push his career records for PATs made (81) and points by a kicker (120) well beyond any of those who came before him. Piñero (21.1 yds/KOR) and Washington (32.1 yds/KOR) also will figure into the mix returning kicks.

Two players that didn’t get enough recognition last season for their contributions on special teams were gunners Brian Sorhaindo and Kent Thorpe. The duo combined for 21 stops last season, primarily on special teams.

SCHEDULE
With the expansion of the Liberty League, Hobart will take a different approach to this season. To make room for Coast Guard, Kings Point, and WPI, Alfred, Ithaca, and St. John Fisher were dropped from the schedule and the Statesmen’s two remaining non-conference games, Dickinson and Franklin & Marshall, were moved to the beginning of the slate.

That adjustment essentially makes the showdowns with the Red Devils and the Diplomats exhibitions for the Liberty League calendar. It’s not that the coaching staff won’t try to win those games, but they’re hardly must win games in terms of postseason implications as in the past.

The road to a third straight conference crown will begin where the 2003 title trip ended, at Rensselaer on Sept. 25. From there, the Statesmen will return home for dates with WPI and Coast Guard before heading back out on the road for contests at Kings Point and St. Lawrence.

The schedule closes the regular season on Boswell Field against Union and Rochester. Under the League’s new scheduling, the Yellowjackets, who handed Hobart its lone conference loss last season, will be the Statesmen’s season-ending game for the first time since 1971.