Alex Bell

Walt Bennett

December 19, 2003

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Eastern College Athletic Conference recently released its Division III Northwest Football All-Star teams. Hobart earned two first-team spots and an honorable mention selection. Junior offensive guard Alex Bell (Wallkill/Modena, N.Y.) and junior defensive tackle Walt Bennett (Waterloo/Waterloo, N.Y.) garnered first-team accolades, respectively, while sophomore defensive back Dyshawn Washington (Kent School/Piscataway, N.Y.) collected honorable mention recognition.

An honorable mention All-American, Bell started 10 games this season without allowing a single sack. Running the majority of the rushing plays behind him, the Statesmen averaged 156.6 yard rushing and 186.2 yards passing per game. Bell helped Hobart rush for 248 yards and four touchdowns in a 43-25 victory over previously unbeaten Rennsselaer. The following week, the Statesmen ran for a season-high 315 yards and two touchdowns behind Bell in a 34-18 victory over Norwich in the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl. He also was an All-UCAA first-team and All-East second-team selection this year.

An All-UCAA first-team selection, Bennett was an important part of a solid run defense that didn’t allow a 100-yard rusher all season. He finished the year ranked fifth in tackles, including 10 ½ for a loss of 38 yards. A good pass rusher, Bennett recorded 2.5 sacks, broke up four passes, and registered seven quarterback hurries.

Selected to the All-UCAA first-team, Washington was second among the Statesmen in passes defended with 12, including 10 pass break ups and two interceptions. He finished the year sixth in solo tackles (28) and eighth in total tackles (40).

The Statesmen finished the season with a 6-4 record, including a 3-1 mark in the UCAA. League champion for the second straight season, Hobart won its first ECAC bowl this year, after earning an NCAA Tournament berth in two of the previous three seasons.