Lehigh places ten on All-Patriot League teams
11/25/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bethlehem, PA – After posting one of the best defenses in the Patriot League in 2003, four Lehigh defensive standouts were named to the All-Patriot League First Team. In all, ten Mountain Hawks earned all-league recognition – the second straight season Lehigh placed ten members on the postseason teams. The all-league honors are voted on by the Patriot League’s eight head coaches. “After a very good season, it’s nice to see so many players on both sides of the ball receive individual recognition for their efforts,” said Lehigh head coach Pete Lembo. The Mountain Hawks were 8-3 overall and 6-1 min Patriot League play. On the defensive side of the ball, the aforementioned four seniors Lawrence Williams, Mike Taggart, Mike Gregorek, and Tom McGeoy earned spots on the first team. Those four starters ranked in the top five on the team in tackles this season. The Lehigh defense ranked second in the league against the rush, and was tops in the Patriot League in stopping opponents on third down. “Defensively, the four seniors who were selected [to the first team] have been the heart and soul of our defense the last three years,” Lembo remarked. “They will be sorely missed in the future.” Lembo was equally pleased at the recognition Douglas received. “Although a couple of other kickers had more field goals this year, I was pleased to see the league coaches impressed with Matt’s accomplishments,” Lembo continued. “We are hopeful that he will receive a tryout to play at the next level.” Four Lehigh players earned second team recognition, including senior running back Jermaine Pugh, senior offensive lineman Oscar Guerrero, and junior lineman Justin Terry. Guerrero, Terry and the rest of the linemen often created large holes in the opposing defense for Pugh and his teammates in the backfield. Pugh finished his Lehigh career with over 4,000 all-purpose yards, and ranks third in career rushing yardage at Lehigh. “While Jermaine’s stats running the football are not as staggering as they were last year, he contributed immensely to our success in terms of his leadership and by making several key plays on special teams,” Lembo points out. Defensively, sophomore linebacker Royce Morgan was named to the second team. Morgan finished the season ranked second on the team with 6.5 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss. Lehigh also featured the top scoring defense in the Patriot League in 2003.
In all, six Lehigh players were named to the first team. Offensively, junior tight end Adam Bergen and senior place kicker Matt Douglas were recognized as first team all-league selections. Bergen led the team with 70 catches, and he tied for the team lead with six touchdown receptions. Douglas, who set a Patriot League and Lehigh school record with a 51-yard field goal at Colgate, forced 20 touchbacks on kickoffs this season.
”I am very pleased that the league’s coaches have such strong respect for the performance of these individuals over course of the season,” Lembo said. “Certainly each of these guys is deserving of postseason honors, and the fact that half of these players will be back next season indicates the strong nucleus of talent we have returning.”
Colgate running back Jamaal Branch was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year, and teammate Tem Lukabu was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. In other major awards announced Tuesday, Colgate head coach Dick Biddle earned Coach of the Year accolades after guiding his team to a 12-0 regular season finish. Fordham place kicker Micah Clukey was named the Patriot League’s Freshman of the Year.
