August 12, 2002

Last season, more than 2000’s historic NCAA Tournament appearance, proved the Statesmen will be regular contenders for the UCAA Championship and a spot in the NCAAs. After the 2000 squad advanced to the NCAA regional semifinal with an impressive 25-0 win over Bridgewater State, Hobart graduated 12 starters, including all of its skill position players on offense and the entire defensive secondary.

Prognosticators predicted a rebuilding year, but the Hobart coaching staff had other plans. The Statesmen won five of their first six games, including a pair of shutouts, and finished the campaign with a 6-3 record.

Hobart’s prospects for a successful 2002 are exponentially greater than a year ago, thanks to 24 returning starters. Here’s how the Statesmen are shaping up position-by-position:

Quarterback
Brian Goehle Jr., 6-3, 190
Justin Morrison Jr., 6-2, 235
Craig Swanson Jr., 6-4, 225

Craig Swanson (226-110-7, 1,444 yds, 10 TD) performed admirably in his first season as a starter, twice throwing for more than 200 yards, including a season-ending, school record-smashing performance at Rensselaer. Against the Engineers, he threw for 437 yards (111 more than Dan Birdsall’s year-old record), while also eclipsing the school marks for attempts (54) and completions (25) in a game.

A classic drop-back passer, the Jamestown native made steady progress learning the ins and outs of the collegiate game. After suffering 21 sacks in Hobart’s first three games, Swanson did a better job of making quick reads and throwing the ball away before taking a sack, getting dropped for a loss just 10 times over the final six contests.

Justin Morrison is expected to be Swanson’s primary competitor for playing time. A solid passer, Morrison gives opposing defenses fits with his exceptional running skills. He saw quality playing time at Alfred last season, piloting the Statesmen over the final 10 minutes in place of an injured Swanson. Morrison rushed for 29 yards on six carries, including three first downs as Hobart ran out the clock protecting a 24-21 lead.

Running Back
Jerome Brown Sr., 5-9, 180
Ty Godinho So., 5-10, 190
Josh Hogan So., 5-8, 160
Jack Holleran So., 5-8, 165
Brandon Thurman So., 5-9, 185

While the Statesmen are blessed with talent at every position, no other spot on the field will feature more depth than running back. Ty Godinho got the lion’s share of the carries last season, garnering both the UCAA and ECAC Northwest rookie of the year awards. The bad news for opponents: Godinho rushed for 844 yards and six touchdowns. The really bad news: His 4.5 yards per carry was the lowest average of Hobart’s top four backs. An intelligent runner, Godinho rushed for a season-high 150 yards at St. Lawrence.

Ready to step in if Godinho stumbles, Jack Holleran averaged 5.9 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns as Godinho’s primary relief. Jerome Brown (6.3 yds/carry, 2 TD) is a pure burner capable of breaking off a long run like his 59-yard gallop at St. Lawrence. A very talented runner, Brandon Thurman (5.1 yds/carry) should benefit from a year of learning Hobart’s offense.

Fullback
Bryan Good Sr., 5-10, 210
John Gordon So., 5-10, 205
Carlvin Johnson Jr., 6-2, 205
Ricky Spidalieri Jr., 5-10, 210

Carlvin Johnson is the returning starter at fullback, but a healthy season for John Gordon or Ricky Spidalieri could cut into Johnson’s playing time. A two-sport athlete, Johnson is a solid blocker during the fall, and a defenseman for the Division I lacrosse team in the spring. The coaching staff anticipated big things from Gordon during his first-year, but an ankle injury kept him out of the lineup for most of the season. Spidalieri has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons, missing an opportunity to make a name for himself at running back, his natural position. Senior Bryan Good will provide leadership and depth at the position.

Wide Receiver
Bobby Bunze So., 5-10, 185
Rick Pinero So., 5-10, 185
Joe Pirozzolo Jr., 5-10, 185
Kevin Sullivan So., 5-11, 170
Dan Suozzi So., 6-1, 180
Jeff Vossler So., 6-1, 185

The Statesmen return a pair of all-conference selections to the starting lineup at wideout. Junior Joe Pirozzolo received second-team recognition after leading the team in receptions (28), yards (493), and touchdowns (5). An intelligent receiver, he’s especially adept at picking up yards after the catch. Lining up opposite Pirozzolo will be second-team All-UCAA return specialist Dan Suozzi. While he made a name for himself on special teams (16.4 yds/PR, TD, 17.9 yds/KR), Suozzi broke into the starting lineup at receiver towards the end of the season, finishing with 17 catches for 240 yards. A speedy playmaker, Suozzi possesses great instincts and should see his numbers rise this season as he focuses on his receiving duties.

Sophomore Rick Pinero should be the biggest threat to bump one of these returnees from their starting position. The Smithtown native was hampered last season by a thumb injury. The most athletic receiver on the team, he’s worked extremely hard in the weight room during the off-season to ensure he’s ready to contribute in 2002. Jeff Vossler, who runs good routes and has deceptive speed, will push for playing time, and also could see time as a return man.

Tight End
Ryan Adams Sr., 6-2, 228
Jeremy Archer Sr., 6-1, 225
Marcus Eriksson So., 6-3, 225
Tony Perillo Jr., 6-2, 220

Receivers coach Scott Yoder ’01 refers to tight ends Ryan Adams and Jeremy Archer as No. 1 and No. 1A and simply smiles when asked which is which. Adams earned second-team All-UCAA honors on the strength of four more catches, but Archer averaged 2.3 more yards per catch. Both players caught their first touchdown last season: Archer against Franklin & Marshall, Adams against St. John Fisher. The duo caught a combined 20 passes last season, the most completions to Hobart tight ends since Nico Karagosian pulled in 61 in 1996.

Waiting in the wings is a pair of players with the physical tools, if not the experience, to contribute to the Hobart offense. At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Tony Perillo is a solid blocker with good hands, while sophomore Marcus Eriksson (6-foot-3, 220) is a devastating blocker and the team’s tallest target.

Offensive Line
Derek Beatrice Sr., 5-9, 260
Alex Bell So., 6-3, 330
Jeff Bruckman So., 6-5, 260
Matt Kehoe Jr., 6-1, 240
Kevin Kubera Sr., 6-2, 240
Nate Milne Sr., 6-3, 260
Matt Montroy So., 6-0, 255
Pat Nozdrovicky Sr., 5-11, 240
Jeff Quinto So., 6-0, 235
Joe Sievert So., 6-1, 235
Paul Tocco So., 6-4, 280
Adam Tumilowicz Sr., 6-4, 300
Seth Urban So., 6-4, 280
Josh Van Auken So., 6-2, 255

After a disheartening start to the season (17 sacks, 69.5 yds/g rushing in first two games), the offensive line began to gel, helping the Statesmen average 263 yards rushing in the next five contests and allowing Swanson to throw for at least 150 yards five times over the final six games.

The 2002 squad will feature eight returning letterwinners, including four starters.

Seniors Adam Tumilowicz and Nate Milne will protect Swanson’s blindside. A four-year starter, Tumilowicz is one of the premier guards in the East region, earning first-team All-UCAA and honorable mention All-ECAC Northwest accolades last season. Milne is equally skilled (2000 first-team All-UCAA), but missed all but three games last season due to injury.

Classmate Pat Nozdrovicky returns for his second full season as a starter at center. An intelligent player, Noz proved to be an effective leader for last season’s relatively young offense.

With that much talent and experience on the left side of the line, teams are almost certain to attack the right. Good luck.

Sophomore guard Alex Bell, all 6-foot-3, 330 pounds of him, will force defenders to take a wide berth. The nimble (for his size) lineman scored a pair of touchdowns in goal line situations, a la Refrigerator Perry, and was named second-team All-UCAA for his efforts.

The only spot on the offensive side of the ball without a returning starter is right tackle. Junior Matt Kehoe was second on the depth chart there last season and is poised to move into the starting role, but converted defensive lineman Jeff Bruckman, who handled the long snapping duties in 2001, should challenge for the nod.

DEFENSE

After graduating six defensive starters, including five All-UCAA honorees, the 2001 Hobart defense had some big shoes to fill. The secondary ranked 18th in the nation in pass efficiency defense (85.56), but seemed out of sync compared with 2000’s 48.51 rating that led the nation.

With the exception of Ithaca and Rensselaer, the pass defense limited everyone to less than 150 yards through the air, including a meager 54 yards by St. Lawrence.

The run stoppers limited Franklin & Marshall to a season-low 46 yards rushing, while keeping Dickinson, St. Lawrence, and F&M out of the end zone.

Another year older, another year wiser, and returning nine starters, the Hobart defense has the potential to be among the best in the nation. Here a look at the “D” by position:

Defensive End
Levi Arthur So., 6-4, 230
Ryan Hallings So., 6-2, 215
Chris Hanly Sr., 6-4, 225
Lawrence Moultrie Jr., 6-0, 225
Chris Purtell So., 6-2, 220

Senior Chris Hanly is expected to hold down the starting strong side job. Hanly was slowed by a preseason hand injury, not getting his first start until the fourth game of the season. He still managed 20 tackles and five pass breakups.

The weakside job will be a battle between sophomore Chris Purtell and junior Lawrence Moultrie. Moultrie earned the starting nod in Hanly’s absence, recording six tackles in Hobart’s first two games, but saw his minutes diminish with the rapid development of Purtell. Purtell, who saw action in all nine games, finished second among Hobart rookies with 22 tackles.

Defensive Tackle
Walt Bennett So., 6-2, 260
Darlyn Del Rosario So., 5-11, 245
Avery Dove So., 6-0, 270
Brad Griffith Sr., 6-2, 235
Ally Mosiello Jr., 6-1, 290

The interior of the Hobart line also remains intact. Senior Brad Griffith was the team’s top returning tackler a year ago and drew appropriate attention from opposing blockers, but still logged 37 tackles. Lining up next to Griffith will be 290-pound run-stopper Ally Mosiello (28 tackles, ½ sack). Mosiello logged a season-high five tackles three times (Union, Ithaca, St. John Fisher).

Battling for time in the trenches will be a pair of experienced sophomores. Walt Bennett played in all nine games making 12 tackles. A solid pass rusher, he worked hard in the weight room during the off-season to improve his strength and endurance. Avery Dove made steady progress as a first-year and should see his quality minutes increased this year.

Outside Linebacker
Tim Booth Sr., 5-10, 210
Brian Bubna Sr., 6-0, 200
Matt Daley Sr., 6-1, 220
Karl Dugal Jr., 6-1, 205
Jon LeMessurier So., 5-11, 190
Harris Sarraf So., 6-0, 205

Senior All-American candidate Tim Booth will once again patrol the strong side. An All-ECAC Northwest and All-UCAA selection, he finished second on the team in tackles (41-14-55) and had more tackles for a loss (18 for 75 yds) than any two of his teammates combined.

Following the graduation of three-year starter Jesse Aquilino, the starting job on the weak side will go to senior captain Matt Daley. The Rutland, Vt., native has played out of position at defensive end in each of the past two seasons, but you wouldn’t know it by his numbers. In 2001, Daley was third on the team in tackles (51) and second in sacks (4). For his career, he boasts 107 tackles, including 33 for a loss and 15 sacks.

Karl Dugal and Brian Bubna will add experience and depth on both the strong and weak sides, although running backs coach John Manley has expressed an interest in seeing Dugal at fullback.

Inside Linebacker
Jim Albrycht So., 5-11, 210
Ryan Cobb So., 5-9, 210
Everton McLean Sr., 5-9, 205
Eric Pasho So., 5-11, 205
David Szentesy Jr., 5-10, 215
Matt Walters So., 5-11, 190

Ranking first and fifth on the team in tackles last season, David Szentesy and Everton McLean are the most talented and potent inside tandem in the UCAA. Szentesy wreaked havoc on opponents, registering 57 tackles and a team-best four interceptions during his first full season as a starter. McLean, who will serve as a team captain for the second straight season, has very good instincts and anticipation. He recorded 45 tackles, including a career-high 2.5 sacks.

The Statesmen will be thin on experience on the two-deep after Szentesy and McLean. Jim Albrycht (1 tackle) and Matt Walters (2) saw action in just two games each last season. And while they may be short on experience, first-years Tony Clemente (Troy, N.Y.) and John Hennekey (Hilton, N.Y.) have enough raw athletic ability to compete for a starting role, if not immediately, at least by midseason.

Defensive Back
Jason Berghold So., 5-10, 195
Skip Grantling So., 5-8, 185
Pat Lester Jr., 5-10, 185
John Werner So., 5-10, 180

The UCAA’s top rated secondary will need to fill one opening in the starting line up. The Statesmen must replace weak side cornerback Peter Beatrice (18 tkls, 2 INT).

Whoever steps into that spot will have the benefit of learning from a pair of all-conference covermen. Cornerback Skip Grantling made the most of his first season as a Statesman, earning first-team honors, while making 29 tackles, nine pass break-ups, and three interceptions. Free safety Pat Lester garnered second-team honors on the strength of 36 tackles and two interceptions.

The Statesmen boast a quartet of first-years have the skills to compete for playing time and at least one figures to start. At 6-foot-2, Altwon Webster (Carthage, N.Y.) is the most intimidating for opposing quarterbacks. Jamie Anderson (Canandaigua, N.Y.), Jimmy Gradis (Greenlawn, N.Y.), and Ryan Smith (Tonawanda, N.Y.) also will figure into the mix.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Hobart’s special teams were just that in 2001. Opponents managed a modest 19.0 yards per kick return, just 3.3 yards per punt return, and a disheartening 20.4 net yards per punt. Meanwhile, Hobart’s return game was much improved, especially on punt returns. The Statesmen average 11.8 yards per punt return, the best in the UCAA and 40th in the nation.

The kicking game converted the most three-pointers since 1995 and the highest percentage of PATs since 1997.

Kicker
Eric Ampuja So., 6-1, 190

In recent years, the coaching staff has had little, if any, confidence in their kicking game. That all changed when Eric Ampuja stepped on campus in August 2001. The Brockton, Mass., native was baptized by fire, winning the season opener over Dickinson, 6-2, with a 37-yard and a 44-yard field goal, the latter is the longest by a Statesman since Rusty Hawley ’79 established the current benchmark at 53 yards in 1977. A first-team All-ECAC Northwest honoree, Ampuja ranked 33rd in Division III in field goals made per game (.78) and ranked second in the UCAA in field goals made (7).

By midseason, Ampuja had taken over the punting duties as well. He averaged 37.3 yards on 17 attempts, the longest average in the league.

Kick Return
Dan Suozzi So., 6-1, 180
Rick Pinero So., 5-10, 185

The return game flourished under the reliable hands and nimble feet of Dan Suozzi, a second-team All-UCAA selection. He led the UCAA and was 10th in the nation in punt return average (16.4 yds/pr). Suozzi’s 72-yard punt return for a touchdown at Rensselaer marked the first time a Statesman returned a punt for a score since Mark Rendell ’00 went 63 yards against St. Lawrence on Oct. 3, 1998.

Rick Pinero also figures to hold a prominent role on returns. He averaged 13.6 yards per kick return without a fumble, despite a thumb injury that limited his time all season. When healthy, Pinero possesses extraordinary speed and big play potential.