Lehigh University Athletics
Patriot League holds annual Media Day
8/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
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“We’re ready to go and get things started,” Benning commented. “A good number of guys remained on campus and worked out during the summer so we’re looking forward to putting the pads on for the first time.”
“This is an exciting time of year for everyone around the Patriot League,” Coen explained. “It’s always fun to begin a new year and I know our team is ready for the challenges ahead.”
He continued, “We have a lot of work to get done before the season opens in a month but we have a great group of guys returning and a strong freshmen class, so we’re anxious to get out on the field.”
Also on Wednesday the Patriot League released its annual preseason poll, which head coaches and sports information directors vote on. Lehigh received one first place vote and 46 points overall and was selected to tie for third place along with archrival Lafayette. Holy Cross received 67 points and was selected as the preseason favorite while defending league champion Colgate checked in at number-two with 64 points. Fordham, Bucknell and Georgetown rounded out the poll.
Holy Cross senior quarterback Dominic Randolph garnered preseason Offensive Player of the Year accolades for the second consecutive season, while Lafayette’s Mark Leggiero, a senior linebacker, earned the preseason Defensive Player of the Year award.
Clark gave his thoughts on the upcoming season. “The league is going to be very competitive this year; there are a lot of great players and we know we’ll have our work cut out for us every week.” He added, “It’s great to know the season is about to begin and I can’t wait to get started.”
Lehigh reports for preseason camp on Thursday, August 6 with its opening practice set for the next day. The Mountain Hawks will conclude camp on Sunday, August 23 followed by the annual Alumni Steak Fry that same afternoon.
The Mountain Hawks open their 2009 season on Saturday, September 5 when they play host to the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Goodman Stadium. Kick off is set for 12:30 and tickets can be purchased in one of three ways: by calling 610-7LU-GAME, by visiting the Lehigh Athletics Ticket Office, located in Grace Hall, between the hours of 10 and 4 on weekdays, or by logging onto Lehighsports.com.
2009 Patriot League Football Preseason Poll
|
Team (# of first place votes) |
Points |
|
1. Holy Cross (7) |
67 |
|
2. Colgate (6) |
64 |
|
3. LEHIGH (1) |
46 |
|
Lafayette |
46 |
|
5. Fordham |
35 |
|
6. Bucknell |
24 |
|
7. |
12 |
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Dominic Randolph, Holy Cross, QB
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Mark Leggiero, Lafayette, LB
ESPN Radio's Tom Fallon and Matt Markus from Patriot League Media Day
