Lehigh University Athletics
Rath rookie of the week, Lehigh ranked 12th
9/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bethlehem, PA – Freshman running back Eric Rath (Mt. Pocono, PA/St. Pius X) has been named the Patriot League’s Rookie of the Week for his stellar play at Pennsylvania on Saturday. The Mountain Hawks rallied from a 17-point fourth quarter deficit, but lost the game 24-21, snapping Lehigh’s Division I-best 26 game winning streak. Lehigh drops from No. 4 to No. 12 in the ESPN/USA Today poll, and the Brown & White slip from 4 to No. 14 in the latest Sports Network survey.
Trailing 24-7 in the fourth, Rath, a two-time all state selection in high school, blocked a Pennsylvania punt at the 42 yard line and pounced on the ball in the end zone for a Lehigh score and his second collegiate touchdown. In addition, the freshman posted a 25 yard kickoff return and had one reception on offense.
"Eric has been a great addition to the program since his arrival on campus in August," said head coach Pete Lembo. "He’s got a great work ethic, excellent speed and lots of football sense for a freshman. It’s nice to see him starting to step in and make big plays in a game situation."
Following Rath’s TD, Lehigh quarterback Matt Shiels found Michael Sutton on a 26 yard pass play. Two snaps later, Jermaine Pugh bolted into the end zone from 15 yards out, cutting the deficit to four at 24-20. After the ensuing extra point cut the Quakers’ lead to 24-21, Mike Gregorek soon recovered a fumble to give Lehigh the ball once again. However, the Mountain Hawks’ offense could do no more damage, and Pennsylvania (now ranked 23rd) was able to hold on for the win.
Montana holds on to the top spot in both polls once again. McNeese State, Maine, Appalachian State, and Furman round out the top five in the September 30 version of both polls.
The Brown & White will square off against an Ivy League foe for the third straight week on October 5. Lehigh returns to Goodman Stadium to host Harvard, ranked 24th nationally. Kick off is set for 1:05. The action can be heard live on WKAP 1470 AM, and the game will be broadcast live on Service Electric Cable TV and on Fox Sports Net Pittsburgh, available nationally via DirecTV.
For more information, contact Jeff Tourial, Lehigh Sports Media Relations.
Posted September 30, 2002
