Craig Swanson '04 returns to lead the offense. A finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy in 2002, hebroke the Hobart record for passing yards in a season. (Photo by Seth Siditsky)

August 26, 2003

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart College football team was picked second in the Upstate Division III Football preseason poll by a vote of the Upstate Football Sports Information Directors. The Statesmen open their 110th season on Sept. 13, at Dickinson College.

Brockport State University will wear the bull’s eye as the preseason No. 1 after receiving 11 first place votes. Hobart received two first place votes, while the third pick in the poll, Ithaca College, garnered the final No. 1 nod. Cortland State University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute round out the top five.

The Statesmen are coming off their second NCAA Playoff appearance in the past three seasons. Hobart posted an 8-2 overall record in 2002, including a seven-game win streak to start the campaign and a perfect 4-0 mark in the Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association. The Statesmen return 29 letterwinners, including 15 starters, from last year’s squad.

COMPLETE PRESEAON POLL

Upstate New York Division III Football is an association of 14 colleges and universities in the Upstate region that sponsor DIII football. The association’s web site, which features scores, statistics and more, can be found at: campus.hws.edu/upstate