Buffalo State (7-4)
Buffalo State begins a new era as it prepares for the 2001 season. For just the third time in the program's 21-year history, and the first time since 1986, a new head coach will lead the Bengals into battle. Bob Swank will be saddled with the responsibility of guiding the most successful college football program in Western New York over the past decade. All eyes will be on Swank, as he succeeds Jerry Boyes who led the black and orange to 11 consecutive winning seasons, 10 postseason appearances in a row, seven NCAA playoff berths.

Swank, the former assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Methodist, knows what it takes to win. Throughout his playing and coaching career, Swank has been a part of four conference championships, four state championships and has experience in the NCAA playoffs. Swank is confident he can build on the winning tradition already established at Buffalo State.
"I have been impressed with Buffalo State since my first contact with the school," Swank said. "From the administrators to the student-athletes, I can sense a desire to win and to do whatever is necessary to accomplish that goal. I am extremely confident that my staff and I, along with a strong group of returning players, can continue to build Buffalo State Football into a nationally prominent program."

With the losses of Chris Henry and Derek Baker, the most prolific passer-receiver combo in school history, the Bengals' offense might take on a whole new look this season. "We are entering the year with a vast playbook, and will continue to tailor the offense to our strengths as they emerge throughout training camp," Swank said.

For the first time in four years, the quarterback position is vacant and five players will enter camp with a chance at the starting job. Sophomore Ryan Henry (Niagara Falls/Niagara-Wheatfield), younger brother of Chris, is one of three returnees who will battle a pair of freshmen for the top spot. Charles Kowalski (Lackawanna/Lackawanna) and Rodney Randall (Binghamton/Susquehanna Valley) are the other returnees challenging for the job. Kowalski developed last season as a redshirt. Randall is a former high school standout, who was not with the Bengals last season, and played free safety in 1999.

Dion Foendoe (White Plains/White Plains) returns for his senior season after a year out of football. Foendoe is a strong, tough runner who should get plenty of carries in 2001. Sophomore Felix Joyner (Rochester/Hilton), used primarily as a return specialist last season, should join Foendoe as the Bengals top ball carriers. Richard O'Neil (Hamburg/Frontier), Lamar Chestnut (Buffalo/Turner Carroll), and a host of newcomers should see time at fullback or in a backup role.

Junior Billy Edwards (Buffalo/McKinley) is the best bet to replace Baker as the "go-to" guy in 2001. He has great speed and is capable of turning a routine catch into a long touchdown strike. Senior co-captain Jamie Casullo (Cicero/Cicero North Syracuse), Marc Hoppy (Depew/Depew), and David Battaglia (Buffalo/Lafayette) will likely compete for starting time on the other side and in three receiver sets.

T.J. Cottrell (East Amherst/Williamsville South) returns for his sophomore season as the starting tight end. After entering the starting lineup last season due to an injury, Cottrell proved he was ready to compete at the college level. If he continues to develop as he did last season, he could be in the running for several postseason awards. Gary Gonzales (Lancaster/JFK) will serve as a viable backup.

Hans Mann (Blasdell/Orchard Park) leads a unit of seven returnees who have all season starting time. Senior co-captain Mike Stachewicz (Depew/Depew) returns to the starting center spot for the fourth consecutive season despite suffering a knee injury midway through last year. Greg Clabeaux (Hamburg/St. Francis) is another starter back in the lineup this season. He suffered an ankle injury in the offseason, but has worked hard to be ready for the start of training camp. Corey Reichard (Medina/Medina), Matt Rhodes (Lindley/Corning West), Rich Swygert (Blasdell/Frontier), and Zeke Tookes (Rochester/Benjamin Franklin) all return with starting experience to round out a unit that is as strong as any line Buffalo State has boasted in many years. "With a new offense and a new quarterback, we will rely heavily on our big offensive line," Coach Swank said.

"We are entering a transition year and we are excited about some changes being made on the defensive side of the ball," said associate head coach/defensive coordinator Terry Bitka. "We have simplified the defense to allow our guys to play much more aggressively."

Senior co-captain Josh Thomson (N. Tonawanda/N. Tonawanda) leads this veteran group as the leading returning pass rusher. The defensive tackle will look to build on his five sacks, 48 tackles and All-Region recognition last season. Junior Nate Van Huesen (Bradford/Bath Haverling) has served as a backup for the past two seasons, and is ready to become a starter on one of the ends. Star Handley (Williamsville/Tonawanda) is another junior who has honed his skills as an interior linemen the past two years. One of the strongest players on the team, Star should emerge as a starter this season. Kevin Moyer (Rochester/Greece-Olympia) and Doug Scanlon (Rochester/Greece-Athena) each saw limited playing time last season, and should challenge to be on the field in 2001.

Omar Rimlawi became the second Bengal linebacker in as many years to earn All-America status. His departure opens the door for Dave Davidzik (Lancaster/Lancaster) to step into the spotlight. The senior co-captain finished second on the team in tackles last season, and will look to lead the defense this year from the middle linebacker spot. Seniors Dave Chelus (West Seneca/West Seneca) and Erik Kraft (Bemus Point/Maple Grove) are the frontrunners to earn starting spots at the outside posts. Chelus served as a backup and accelled on special teams last season after transferring from U. at Buffalo. Kraft had 77 tackles as a starter last year and should be a valuable asset again this year. Israel Cuyler (Rochester/Aquinas) and red shirt freshman Nick Warren (Cheektowaga/West Seneca East) will both fight for starting time. Cuyler saw a decent amount of time a year ago, and coaches believe Warren will develop into a special player.

Senior free safety John Williams (Rochester/Aquinas) leads an experienced secondary. Williams, who has 12 interceptions in three years as a starter, is just four picks shy of equaling a Buffalo State record. Sophomore Rome Ward (Rochester/Bishop Kearney) returns to the strong safety spot after racking up 85 tackles as a freshman. Junior Tony Favata (Hamburg/Hamburg) also returns as a starter. The undersized corner is an excellent technician, who plays a fearless style of defense. John Lesure (Rochester/Greece-Athena) and Mike Pawlikowski (West Seneca/West Seneca East) should see playing time at the other corner. Lesure possesses excellent speed and has the potential to develop into a premier player. Pawlikowski is another UB transfer who should make an impact as a backup and on special teams.

The new coaching staff is committed to special teams. So much so, that they have appointed Eugene Lewis as the special teams coordinator. "Special teams often play as big an influence on the outcome of a game as offense or defense, so we need to be committed to having our best players on the field," Swank said.

Ryan Cox (Amherst/Williamsville North) and Bo Sireika (Lackawana/Lackawana) return to fight for the punting duties. The place kicking spot is wide open, as a number of newcomers will battle to fill this role.

Billy Edwards and Felix Joyner return with experience as deep men. Edwards has explosive speed and is a threat to take it to the house at anytime. Joyner was the leading kick returner in 2000, averaging 21.6 yards per return.

Ithaca (7-4 in 2000)
Ithaca enjoyed another successful season in 2000. The Bombers extended their streak to 30 consecutive winning seasons and closed the regular-season with last-minute wins against rivals Buffalo State and Cortland. Two players earned all-American honors.

The team that will chase the program's first NCAA playoff appearance since 1994 features 37 returning letter-winners and 14 starters.

Ithaca played one of Division III's toughest schedules (for the first time the Bombers faced three teams that would go on to the NCAA playoffs) and posted a 7-3 regular-season record. Free safety Ron Amato earned all-America honors and was invited to play in the Aztec Bowl, a postseason all-star game pitting Division III players against a team of all-stars from Mexican colleges. Amato was joined as an all-American by guard Adam Grossman, another first-team selection.

The Bombers lost 25 letter-winners, including seven players who started at least half of last fall's games.

Amato graduated with the school's career record for interceptions. Middle linebacker Julian Forbes was a three-year starter and earned all-region honors last fall. Outside linebacker Lee DiGristina and end Mike McGreevy were two-year starters; cornerback Steve Musso collected 36 tackles last year.

On offense, Grossman was a four-year starter who earned all-America honors as a junior and senior. Tackle Aaron Mumby and wide receiver Ted Sullivan both started for two seasons. The class of 2001 was the 27th in a row to make a postseason appearance.

Seven starters and five other players who saw starting duty in 2000 return from an offense that scored 27 points or more in six games. Ithaca returns players with starting experience at all five spots along the line.

The most experienced lineman is senior center Andy Sachs (The Hun School [N.J.]/Yardley, Pa.). The only offensive player to have started every game over the past two seasons, Sachs is also the incoming president of Ithaca's Senior Class Cabinet. Junior Joe Corley (Rome Free Academy/Rome) will again push for playing time in his second year with the varsity. Sophomores Matt McMahon (Chenango Valley/Binghamton) and Scott Sugarman (Loomis Chaffee/West Hartford, Conn.) were junior varsity players last year. Sugarman was pressed into duty on the offensive line with the varsity when three linemen were hurt during the Buffalo State win.

A pair of guards who've started 21 games over the past two years are back. At the right guard spot, senior Brian Manetta (East Brunswick/East Brunswick, N.J.) is a returning starter. Sophomore Mike McGuire (Norwich/Norwich) and freshman Chris Swiss (Haddam Killingworth/Higganum, Conn.) are also available.

Senior Drew Davidson (Morristown/Morristown, N.J.) is the most experienced candidate at left guard. He's made six starts in each of the past two years while also serving as Ithaca's long-snapper. Newcomers to the varsity include sophomore Alex Hill (Bridgton Academy [Maine]/Gloucester, Mass.) and freshman Peter LaFaso (Chenango Forks/Binghamton).

The top veteran among Ithaca's tackles is senior Chris Noto (Hendrick Hudson/Cortlandt Manor). He started every game at left tackle in 1999 and is a top candidate to start at the right tackle position this fall. Junior Eric Fitzmaurice (Sachem/Lake Ronkonkoma) also returns to the varsity. Sophomore Matt Torres (Centereach/Centereach) will push for playing time.

A pair of experienced candidates are in the mix at left tackle. Junior Eric Fedrizzi (West Genesee/Warners) has seen limited action in his varsity career. Sophomore Tariq Ahmad (Holmdel/Holmdel, N.J.) played in seven games last season, playing both tight end and offensive tackle.

A pair of experienced quarterbacks return. Senior Brian Young (Hornell/Almond) has started 19 games over the past two seasons. Young, who ranks among Ithaca's career leaders in touchdown passes (31), completions (301) and passing yardage (3,630 yards), threw for 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns last fall. He has thrown at least one touchdown pass in his last 12 games. Classmate Greg Sheeler (Gloversville/Gloversville) has thrown for 141 yards in eight appearances at quarterback over the past two seasons.

The Bombers have three veterans returning in the backfield, including the team's leading rusher last season. Senior Tommy Giorgio (Sachem/Holtsville) has rushed for over 1,800 yards in three years with the varsity (he missed the 1998 season with a knee injury). An ECAC all-star last year, he ran for 971 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching a career-high 32 passes (including a Bomber-best four for scores).

Senior Dave Maddi (Seton Catholic/Binghamton) has picked up 424 rushing yards and four touchdowns over the past two seasons. Last fall he rushed for 217 yards. Sophomore Caleb Greer-Carney (Cushing Academy/Concord, N.H.) played in five games in the Ithaca backfield last year.

Junior Mike Marks (Elmira Southside/Pine City) was Ithaca's leading receiver last season, catching 33 passes for 332 yards. He is one of three split ends returning: juniors Irik Johnson (Chautauqua Lake Central/Mayville) and Jeff Newton (Norwich/Norwich) combined for nine catches and three touchdowns in limited action a year ago.

Juniors Ryan Erbe (Sidney/Sidney), Aaron Fiorini (Rome Free Academy/Rome) and Luke McCann (Ilion/Ilion) are the most experienced flankers on the roster. Fiorini saw the most playing time in 2000, catching a pair of passes. Sophomores Chris Hageman (Watertown/Watertown) and Matt Roche (Niskayuna/Niskayuna) are new to the team by way of the junior varsity program.

At the tight end spot, seniors Cory Corrado (Seton Catholic/Bridgton Academy/Plattsburgh) and Conor Mulkeen (Pittsford-Mendon/Pittsford) return after both seeing starting duty last season. Mulkeen averaged 12.7 yards per reception on 13 catches and his five touchdown receptions led the team. He set a school record for tight ends by catching three touchdowns against St. Lawrence.

Six starters are among the 18 returning letter-winners on defense. The Bombers recorded two shutouts for just the second time in 12 seasons. Ithaca's most experienced area on the defensive side is the line, where three players who started each of last year's game are back.

At defensive tackle, senior Scott McVean (Penfield/Penfield) is Ithaca's most experienced player. A starter in all 20 games during his Bomber career, McVean recorded 27 tackles in 2000, including 10 behind the line of scrimmage.

Senior Matt Layton (Geneseo Central/Groveland) and junior Dan Puckhaber (St. Francis/Eden) return as well. Puckhaber finished with 22 tackles; his six stops for loss included a pair of sacks. Layton collected 16 tackles including five behind the line of scrimmage. Junior Joe Levine (Acton-Boxboro/Harvard, Mass.) is in his first year on the defensive side of the field after spending 2000 as a reserve offensive lineman.

The other tackle spot features returning starter Dave Shaughnessy (Stafford/LeRoy). He tied for the team lead among Ithaca's defensive linemen with 14 tackles for loss last year. That total included four sacks. Senior Andy LaForce (Hilton/Hilton) and junior Chris Cherchio (Morristown-Beard/New Vernon, N.J.) also return to the varsity after combining for three sacks in limited action last fall.

Seniors TJ Jalbert (Bonny Eagle/Windham, Maine), Larry Jones (John Adams/Jamaica) and Justin Snyder (Northport/Northport) return at one defensive end spot. Jalbert started every game last year and led the team's defensive linemen with 40 tackles while compiling 14 tackles for loss and five sacks. Snyder has missed significant time because of injuries in each of the past two years; as a sophomore he collected 24 tackles, six tackles for loss and four sacks off the bench. Jones recorded seven tackles in his first season with Ithaca after transferring from Cayuga Community College.

At the other end, three varsity newcomers are vying for playing time. Sophomores Cory Coady (Tupper Lake/Tupper Lake) and Dave Prutting (New Canaan/New Canaan, Conn.) were junior varsity players last fall; classmate Jeremy Funk (Corinth/Corinth) will also press for playing time.

The defensive backfield features two returning starters and three other players who lettered in 2000. The most experienced Bomber in the secondary is senior Anthony Melville (Binghamton/Binghamton). A starter in each of the past two seasons, he has led the team in pass breakups both years, collecting a total of 21. Senior Steve Tripi (St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute/Buffalo) also returns; other candidates include junior Jason Mead (Victor/Victor) and sophomore Seth Molisani (Canandaigua Academy/Canandaigua). Mead is a converted wideout.

At the other cornerback, sophomore Justin Daly (Warwick Valley/Warwick) is the most experienced candidate. Ithaca's nickel back a year ago, he finished with 31 tackles and three passes broken up. Sophomore Charlie Badurski (Scarsdale/Scarsdale) and Justin Williams (Harrison/West Harrison), both former junior varsity players, will also be looking for playing time.

Injuries elevated Tom Kenney (Canandaigua/Canandaigua) to a starting role at strong safety last season. He finished the season with 39 tackles, four passes broken up and a pair of interceptions. Junior Tim Healy (Loomis Chaffee [Conn.]/Marshfield, Mass.), who also worked out in the offensive backfield last year, is another veteran defensive back who'll see time at strong safety. Sophomores Art Curcuru (Xavier/Brooklyn) and Jesse Schmidt (University School/Cleveland, Ohio) both spent their first seasons at Ithaca with the junior varsity team. Curcuru is being moved to the defensive backfield from quarterback.

With the graduation of all-American Ron Amato, senior Tim LaRoche (Oakmont Regional/Deerfield Academy/Westminster, Mass.) is the team's most experienced option at free safety. He played in five games last season. Junior Ryan Winslow (Warrensburg/Warrensburg) is in his second year with the varsity.

Sophomores Paul Colistra (La Salle College/Elkins Park, Pa.) and Peter Mayer (Hamilton/Hubbardsville) both played on the junior varsity team in 2000. Mayer, who played quarterback as a freshman, earned the program's Marty Higgins Award as the junior varsity team's top player.

Senior Mark McDonough (Liberty Corner/Ridge, N.J.), a preseason all-American, is the top returning linebacker on Ithaca's roster. In his first season as a starter, McDonough led Ithaca with 112 tackles and 19 tackles for loss while compiling seven sacks, six passes broken up and four interceptions. Sophomore Lloyd Decker (Watchung Hills/Warren, N.J.), a junior varsity player last year, is another candidate for playing time at weak-side linebacker.

Senior Mike Holland (East Bridgewater [Mass.]/Worcester Academy [Mass.]/Raleigh, N.C.) is the most experienced candidate at the strong-side linebacker spot. A top defensive reserve the past two seasons, he totaled 14 tackles last fall. Sophomores Brett Campbell (Oswego/Oswego) and Gavin Stackhouse (Spencer-Van Etten/Van Etten) are up from the junior varsity team. Campbell is a former defensive lineman.

A trio of experienced players are in the hunt to replace three-year starter Julian Forbes at middle linebacker. Sophomores Kyle Tessiero (Amsterdam/Amsterdam) and Robert Truman (Allegany-Limestone/Allegany) accumulated 16 and 24 tackles last year. Junior Jim Condon (Archbishop Stepinac/Peekskill) is another experienced candidate.

Ithaca returns ECAC all-star punter Brian Bicher (Kimberly-Montclair Academy/Paramus, N.J.) and two of the team's top kick returners: Marks (punts) and Newton (kickoffs). Bicher averaged 36.9 yards per kick last fall and set school records with 61 punts and 2,249 yards. Marks posted a punt return average of 6.6 yards per return while returning a team-leading 20 punts. Newton's 22.6 yard per kickoff return figure is the best among returning Bombers.

The most experienced candidate to replace placekicker Seth Steinberg is senior Yuheii Sasaki (Keio/Yokohama, Japan). Ithaca's kickoff specialist the past three years, Sasaki has seen limited action in point-after and field goal attempts. Sophomores Jeff Feller (Piper/Lauderhill, Fla.) and Chris Pride (Danville Area/Danville) are other candidates, with Feller also available for punting chores. Davidson and Sheeler return as Ithaca's long snapper and holder, respectively.

Utica (First varsity season)
The coaches and players of Utica College's 2001 football program couldn't fit their Pioneer billing any better as Utica takes to the field as a first year varsity program this fall.

Head Coach Mike Kemp has been building the program from scratch since he was hired as Utica's first football coach in July 1999. The team competed in a non-varsity schedule during the 2000 season. With two recruiting classes on board, Kemp's gridiron squad will face Empire 8 conference opponents Ithaca, Alfred, St. John Fisher and Hartwick. The Empire 8 will name a football conference champion annually beginning with the fall 2002 season.

Key Players (Offense)
OL Lee Drake SO. 6'1' 235 Appleton, N.Y./Newfane HS
FB Steve Brown JR 5'11" 204 Clayville, N.Y./Sauquoit Valley
TE Dan Smith SO 6'1' 210 Chittenango, N.Y./Chittenango
WR John Dykeman SO 5'8" 160 Chittenango, N.Y./Chittenango
QB Brent Muncy SO 6'0" 201 Lowville, N.Y./Lowville
QB Adam Luciano SO 6'1" 205 Mechanicville, N.Y./Mechanicville
Luciano, a Div. II transfer, and Muncy, the Pioneer's retuning signal-caller, will compete for the starting spot.

Key Players (Defense)
LB Anthony Venturino SO 5'10" 179 Geneva, N.Y./DeSales
DB Justin Riley SO 5'10 180 Ilion, N.Y./Ilion
DB Josh Lenhard SO 5'9" 179 East Rochester, N.Y./East Rochester

The Pioneers will play all home games in the Utica College Stadium located on the Utica College campus. Construction on the $1.9 million project began in the fall of 2000 and is scheduled for completion by August 2001. The stadium will feature a FieldTurf surface.

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