Craig Swanson '04

Andy Purdie '07

Jamie Anderson '06

September 29, 2003

GENEVA, N.Y.—The Hobart College football team won its Upstate Collegiate Athletic Association opener on Saturday, topping Union College 35-3. The Statesmen were rewarded for their outstanding efforts this afternoon as the conference office awarded three of its four weekly honors to Hobart players.

Senior quarterback Craig Swanson (Jamestown/Jamestown, N.Y.) was named the UCAA Offensive Player of the Week, sophomore defensive back Jamie Anderson (Canandaigua Academy/Canandaigua, N.Y.) garnered the UCAA Defensive Player of the Week award, and first-year defensive end Andy Purdie (Victor/Farmington, N.Y.) received UCAA Rookie of the Week honors.

Swanson directed the Hobart offense to 35 first half points as the Statesmen claimed their first home win over Union since 1978. He completed 15-of-22 for 209 yards without an interception. His most successful pass of the day, an 88-yard touchdown to junior wide receiver Dan Suozzi (New Hampton/New Canaan, Conn.), was a record breaker, establishing a new Hobart benchmark for the longest pass play from scrimmage.

Anderson recorded three interceptions and 51 yards in returns to lead Hobart’s swarming defense. He returned his first collegiate interception 24 yards to the Union 1 to set up the Statesmen’s first touchdown of the day. His second pick, returned 27 yards, gave Hobart first and goal from the five and led to a 21-0 lead. Anderson’s third interception halted Union’s final drive of the first half at the Hobart 35. In addition to his three picks, Anderson broke up four other pass plays, and recorded five tackles.

Purdie made four tackles against the Dutchmen, including two behind the line of scrimmage. He recorded his first collegiate sack and forced a fumble on the same play.

Hobart’s defense forced eight Union turnovers (5 INT, 3 fumbles). The Dutchmen had recorded at least one touchdown in each of the teams’ previous 25 meetings. The last time Union didn’t score a touchdown against Hobart was 1975 (21-0).

The Statesmen will take to the road for their next game, visiting St. Lawrence University on Oct. 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.