Villanova players highlight FCS preseason All-American Team

A pair of Villanova players highlighted the 2009 Preseason College Sporting News FCS All-America Team released on Monday.

Offensive tackle Ben Ijalana and linebacker Osayi Osunde earned first team honors as did another pair of local players, Delaware defensive back Anthony Walters and Penn kicker Andrew Samson.

'Nova's jack of all trades, Matt Szczur, was a second-team selection on offense as an all-purpose player. Szczur also made the third team as a return specialist. Penn defensive back Chris Wynn and Delaware safety Charles Graves made the third team defense.

Five Villanova players earned honorable mention status, dual-threat quarterback Chris Whitney, running back Aaron Ball, center Brian Brannigan, offensive guard Jonathan Bugli and defensive end Tim Kukucka.

Delaware tight end Josh Baker, Bucknell wide receiver Shaun Pasternak, Lafayette guard Brian Wychinowski and kicker Davis Rodriguez, Penn guard Matt Schaefer and defensive tackle Joe Goniprow as well as Lehigh's Will Rackley (OT), B.J. Benning (DT) Matt Cohen (LB) and John Kennedy (DB) also earned honorable mention honors.

Four 'Nova players selected to Sports Network's FCS preseason All-American Team

Villanova, which advanced to the national quarterfinals in 2008, had four players selected to the annual Sports Network FCS preseason All-American Team, including First Team honorees in linebacker Osayi Osunde and offensive tackle Ben Ijalana. Third Team defensive end Tim Kukucka and Third Team offensive center Brian Brannigan.

Delaware's Charles Graves (Second Team free safety), Bucknell's Shaun Pasternak (Third Team wide receiver), Lehigh's Will Rackley (Third Team Offensive Tackle) and Penn's Chris Wynn (Second Team Cornerback) were also honored.

Sixers to look at a pair of local players

The Sixers have scheduled another pre-draft workout for Saturday featuring a pair of local players, Delaware State's Roy Bright and Bucknell's John Griffin. Also on hand will be Gary Ervin of Arkansas and Charron Fisher of Niagara.

Lehigh's Threatt named preseason Player of the Year in Patriot League

-Courtesy of Lehigh University

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – With the start of the 2007 football season rapidly approaching, the Patriot League held its annual Media Day on Wednesday afternoon at Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem. Head coaches and select student-athletes from the seven league schools were in attendance to chat with media members and discuss the upcoming season. Head coach Andy Coen along with senior captains Sedale Threatt, who was named the 2007 Preseason Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year, and Ernest Moore were Lehigh’s representatives.

“It’s always an exciting time of the year when camp is about to open,” explained Coen. “I know our guys have been working extremely hard during the summer months to prepare for the upcoming season and we can’t wait to hit the practice fields next week.”

Moore added his thoughts on the upcoming season. “I know I speak for everyone within our program that we are ready for practice to begin and for the season to get underway. Being a senior I know how special this time of year is and I’m really looking forward to it all beginning.”

Also on Wednesday, the Patriot League released its annual poll, which head coaches and sports information directors vote on. Lehigh received five first place votes and 62 total votes as the Mountain Hawks were selected to finish second. Lafayette was the top choice in the poll, as the Leopards garnered 63 votes, including six of the first place variety. Following the Leopards and Mountain Hawks was Colgate, Holy Cross, Bucknell, Fordham and Georgetown.

A First-Team All-League selection last season, Threatt led the Patriot League in passer efficiency at 144.66 and threw for over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. On the ground, the two time captain totaled 310 rushing yards and a team-best eight scores. Along with Threatt, Colgate senior linebacker Mike Gallihugh was named the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. Gallihugh led the Patriot League with 140 total tackles a year ago, good for an average of nearly 13 per game.

“It’s an honor to be named the preseason Player of the Year,” Threatt commented. “I would like to say thank you to everyone who voted for me, certainly there are plenty of worthy candidates throughout the league, so for me to be chosen is special.”

Lehigh, winner of eight Patriot League Championships, including a share of the 2006 title, looks to continue the winning tradition when the team opens its 2007 preseason camp next week. The Mountain Hawks will begin their season on Saturday, September 8 when they host Villanova at Goodman Stadium. Kick-off is set for just after 1:00 and tickets can be purchased by calling 610-7LU-GAME, by visiting the Lehigh Athletics Ticket Office, located in Grace Hall, or by logging onto Lehighsports.com at anytime.

2007 Patriot League Football Preseason Poll

Team (# of First Place Votes)	Overall Votes
1. Lafayette (6)	63
2. LEHIGH (5)	62
3. Colgate (1)	52
4. Holy Cross (2)	50
5. Bucknell	51
6. Fordham	21
7. Georgetown	15

2007 Patriot League Preseason Award Winners
Offensive Player of the Year: Sedale Threatt, Sr., QB, Lehigh

Defensive Player of the Year: Mike Gallihugh, Sr., LB, Colgate