Lehigh places six, Lafayette three on Patriot League's 25th anniversary football team

FROM KEITH GROLLER

The Patriot League released its 25th anniversary football team today and Lehigh and Lafayette snagged nine of the 26 slots.

Only Colgate, with seven selections, had more than Lehigh.

Lehigh's choices were:

Tight end, Adam Bergen, 2001-04

Offensive lineman, Will Rackley 2007-10

Defensive lineman, Nick Martucci, 1995-98

Linebacker, Matt Cohen, 2006-09

Linebacker, Ian Eason, 1996-99

Defensive back, Abdul Byron 1998-01



Cohen said: "I am extremely honored to be selected to the Anniversary Team. The Patriot League has a history of exellence in both competition and academics, so to be associated with the league means greatness on and off the field in my mind. My time at Lehigh will always hold a special place in my heart from my teammates and coaches to teachers and otherstaff and faculty members ...it was the special people that I formed bonds with that I will always remember."

Martucci said: "I am especially proud because Patriot League schools embrace the true meaning of the word “student-athlete.” The coaches at Lehigh made it clear that academics always took highest priority. Our athletic director treated mistakes we made as “learning opportunities” and helped us realize lessons that will serve us later in life as businessmen, citizens and parents. Recent scandals at athletic powerhouses have shown that the integrity and forward thinking present at Lehigh are unfortunately the exception and not the rule. I feel privileged to have played in a league and for a school who had my best interests at heart."

Lafayette's selections were:

Placekicker, Jason McLaughlin, 1991-94

Linebacker, B.J. Gallis, 1993-96

Linebacker, Andy Romans, 2005-08

The list of honorees includes some pretty impressive names going back to the league's early days in the 1980s. Gordie Lockbaum and Kenny Gamble go back to 1986 and 1987 when Lehigh was still playing its games at Taylor Stadium.

Here's the complete list of honorees from the Patriot League release:

QB: Ryan Vena, Colgate, 1996-99



WR: Javarus Dudley, Fordham, 2000-03

TE: Adam Bergen, Lehigh 2001-04

OL: Will Rackley (Lehigh, 2007-10), Paul Clasby (Colgate, 1996-99), Luke George (Colgate, 1995-98), Nick Hennessey (Colgate, 2005-08) and Mariusz Misiec (Bucknell, 1994-97)

PK: Jason McLaughlin, Lafayette, 1991-94

All-purpose: A.J. Kizekai, Bucknell, 2006-09

DL: Nick Martucci (Lehigh, 1995-98) Corey Vincent (Holy Cross, 1988-91), Andrew Hollingsworth (Towson, 1997-00) and Hunter Adams (Bucknell, 1995-98).

LB: Greg Manusky, Colgate, 1986-87, Ian Eason, Lehigh 1996-99, Andy Romans, Lafayette, 2005-08 and Matt Cohen Lehigh, 2006-09.

DB: Dave Murphy (Holy Cross, 1986-89), Tad Kornegay (Fordham, 2001-04), B.J. Gallis (Lafayette, 1993-96) and Abdul Byron (Lehigh, 1998-01.

Punter: Barry Cantrell, Fordham, 1994-97

RB: Kenny Gamble, Colgate, 1986-87

RB: Gordie Lockbaum, Holy Cross, 1986-87

WR: Corey Hill, Colgate, 1995-98

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