Press Releases: 2002-03
November 2002

October 2002

September 2002

August 2002

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Men's Basketball Wins Home Opener
Nov 26, 2002

Salisbury 80, Washington 70
Salisbury, MD - Senior guard Hasheem Alexander scored a game-high 29 points, including 14 of 16 from the free throw line, and sophomore forward Clement Sorgho added 16 to lead Salisbury to an 80-70 non-conference win at home over Washington.  Both teams are 1-2 overall.

Alexander scored 16 of his 29 in the first half as the Sea Gulls held a slim 39-37 advantage at halftime.  Washington outscored Salisbury 14-6 over the first five minutes of the second half to assume a 51-45 lead with 15:04 remaining.

Salisbury then answered with its own 10-3 run to lead 55-54. The game was tied for the fourth and final time at 58 with 8:13 left.  Another 15-4 Salisbury run, capped by an Alexander layup, provided the Sea Gulls with their biggest lead at 73-62 with 2:42 remaining.  Washington would get no closer than five points in the closing minutes.

Freshman guard Jonathan Webb paced Washington with 15 points off-the-bench. He also finished with a team-high six rebounds. Sophomore guard Colin Camacho added 11, including three treys.

Salisbury returns to action on Saturday against Christopher Newport in the opening round of the Captain’s Classic in Newport News, VA.

Salisbury 75, Cabrini 52
Women’s College Basketball

Radnor, PA - Senior guard Amy Campion scored a game-high 22 points and added 16 rebounds to lead Salisbury to a 75-52 non-conference win at Cabrini.  Forwards Pam Kenney and Kiera Watkins also added 16 points apiece as Salisbury improved to 3-1 overall.  Cabrini is 1-2 overall.

Salisbury led 37-23 at halftime and maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half.  The Sea Gulls also converted 25 of 32 free throw attempts.

Salisbury returns to action on December 4 when it begins conference play at Catholic. 

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Elliott, Cressor Receive Field Hockey All-America Honors
Nov 26, 2002

SALISBURY, MD – Coming on the heels of a 17-3 season and third place finish in the NCAA Championship Tournament, two Salisbury University field hockey players have been named as national all-Americans, as announced by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA).  Their selections mark the 17th straight year that at least one Sea Gull player has been represented on the all-America squad.

Junior forward Lindsey Elliott (Delmar, DE/Delmar HS) was selected to the 16-player first team and senior forward Jill Cressor (Downingtown, PA/Downingtown HS) was named to the second team. Elliott earns the national award for the first time in her career, while Cressor becomes the third Salisbury player to receive the award three times in her career.

Elliott led the Sea Gulls and the Capital Athletic Conference in scoring in 2002 with 21 goals, six assists and 48 total points. Her 48-point total is the eighth highest single-season output in SU team history.

Cressor receives second team AA honors this season after earning third team status in both 2000 and 2001. She finished second on the team and in the conference in scoring with 16 goals, eight assists and 40 points. Cressor concluded her four-year career as Salisbury’s all-time scoring leader with 80 goals, 14 assists and 174 points.

Salisbury earned its sixth NCAA final four berth in 2002 while also appearing in the NCAA Championship Tournament for the ninth straight year. The Gulls also won the CAC championship for the eighth straight season.

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Football Making First NCAA Playoff Appearance Since 1986
Nov 19, 2002

Salisbury (9-1) at King’s (8-2)
Saturday, November 23, 2002 – Noon
Robert L. Betzler Field – Wilkes-Barre, PA
Radio Coverage: WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury
Internet Radio: www.wicoam.com

The Salisbury University football team will be making its first NCAA playoff appearance since 1986 when it visits King’s (Pa) College in Saturday’s NCAA Tournament first round game.  Coming off a 9-1 regular season, the Sea Gulls were one of 28 teams selected to the championship field.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students with ID, and free for children 2 and under.

Salisbury’s NCAA History
The Sea Gulls are making their fourth overall NCAA appearance, with previous playoff berths 1983, 1985 and 1986. The Sea Gulls advanced to the national championship game in 1986 before losing in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. SU has a 5-3 all-time record in NCAA play. All-time NCAA playoff scores:

1983        at Carnegie Mellon                W 16-14
                vs Union (NY)                         L 23-21
1985        vs Carnegie Mellon               W 35-22
                at Gettysburg                           L 22-6
1986        at Emory & Henry                  W 34-20
                at Susquehanna                      W 31-17
                at Ithaca                                   W 44-40
                vs Augustana (IL)                   L 31-3

What’s at Stake
The winner of Saturday’s game advances to the second round of the NCAA playoffs to face #2 ranked Bridgewater (Va) College. Bridgewater, which advanced to last year’s national championship game, finished the regular season with a 10-0 record and received one of four first-round byes for this year’s championship.

Gulls Fall From This Week’s AFCA Poll
For the first time in six weeks, Salisbury has dropped out of the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Top 25 poll. The Gulls, who climbed to #14 last week, are the second team listed among this week’s (Nov. 19) teams also “receiving votes,” which translates to being #27 overall.. The Sea Gulls entered the poll at #23 on October 15, held the #20 spot for two weeks, climbed to #17 two weeks ago and moved to their highest-ever ranking last week at #14. King’s is also unranked this week and like Salisbury, is listed among the other teams “also receiving votes.”

Head Coach Sherman Wood
Now in his fourth season at his alma mater, Head Coach Sherman Wood brings a 43-56-1 career record (10th year) and 20-19 record at Salisbury into Saturday’s game. He is one of the common links between Salisbury’s NCAA teams of the 1980s and this year’s squad. Wood, a four-year letterman at Salisbury, was one of the team captains on SU’s first NCAA playoff team in 1983.

Last Week: Gulls Lose in Regents Cup Game
Salisbury had its bid for an undefeated regular season and first-ever Atlantic Central Football Conference championship dashed with a 37-7 loss to Frostburg State. The Sea Gulls committed a season-high seven turnovers (five fumbles, two interceptions) and finished with a season-low 78 net rushing yards. Freshman QB Dustin Johnson completed nine of a career-high 20 pass attempts for 127 yards, and senior FB Reggie Boyce rushed for 111 yards and accounted for SU’s only score with a 21-yard touchdown run.

By The Numbers
The Sea Gulls are averaging 30.9 ppg and allowing 16.3 ppg. Salisbury averages 326.2 yards per game rushing - third in the nation - and 77.3 ypg passing. SU is among the national leaders in rushing defense, ranked 19th this week, while allowing just 89.7 ypg. Individually, Dustin Johnson leads the team with an average of 113.8 ypg rushing. He is ranked 32nd in the nation in overall rushing and ranked first among quarterbacks in rushing yards. Senior RB Tony Ellis, who saw action last week for the first time in five games, adds 100.7 ypg, and Reggie Boyce is averaging 92.2 ypg. Johnson is also the team’s leading scorer with 66 total points. He has accounted for 20 TDs this season (11 rushing, 9 passing). WR Kevin Belt is the top receiver with 17 receptions, including three touchdowns. TE Kyle Acker has 11 receptions and a team-high four TD catches.

Defensive Leaders
Sophomore LB Mike Myrtle leads the team with 70 total tackles, one more than sophomore LB Brad DeHaven. Senior LB Pat Brannan is tied for third on the squad with 65 tackles. Freshman DT Andrew Deming also has 65 tackles, including a team-leading 22 tackles for loss (-82 yards). He is also the team’s sacks leader with eight (-56 yds). Eight different players have interceptions, led by sophomore CB Pat Barnes with three.

Scouting King’s
The Monarchs finished the regular season with an 8-2 record and six-game winning streak, including a 34-7 victory over city rival Wilkes in Saturday’s Mayor’s Cup Game. King’s captured its first-ever Middle Atlantic Conference championship and secured the MAC’s automatic bid for the NCAA Tournament.  Sophomore RB Richard Jackson leads the offense with 133.8 ypg rushing and a team-high 10 touchdowns. Junior QB David Hessler has thrown for 1,104 yards and 12 TDs. Senior TE Harry Dickey (23 rec) and senior WR Chris Rispoli (22 rec) are the leading receivers. Senior DEs Steven Wilson (75 tackles) and Rubin Doster (65 tackles) headline the defense, which is ranked 10th in the nation against the run.

Sea Gull Nibbles
Salisbury’s 309 points scored this season is the third-highest point total in the program’s 31-year history, and eclipsed only by the output during the NCAA playoff seasons of 1985 (436) and 1986 (441)…Senior RB Tony Ellis needs 142 yards to pass Levi Shade ‘76 as Salisbury’s all-time rushing leader…Ellis has 3,508 career yards… Sophomore LB Brad DeHaven was Salisbury’s recipient of the Mike McGlinchey MVP Award in last week’s Regents Cup Game after recording a team-high 10 tackles…Sophomore WR Joe Hinz has climbed to third on the team in receptions with eight…He has caught five passes in the last two weeks, including a team-leading three receptions for 52 yards vs. Frostburg…Salisbury projected 55-man travel roster for the NCAA playoffs includes 13 freshmen, 22 sophomores, 13 juniors and seven seniors…Per NCAA rules, only 52 players will be allowed to dress for the game.  

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Football Selected to NCAA Tournament Field
Nov 17, 2002

Sea Gulls Earn First Invite Since 1986; Face King’s in Saturday’s Opener

Salisbury, Md - The Salisbury University football team has been selected to the 28-team NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, and will face King’s (Pa) College in its opening game this Saturday, November 23. Game time in Wilkes-Barre, PA is 12 noon.

Coming off a 9-1 regular season, Salisbury will be making its fourth overall NCAA appearance and first since the 1986 season. Salisbury has qualified previously in 1983, 1985 and 1986. The Sea Gulls advanced to the national championship game in 1986 before losing in the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl. SU has a 5-3 all-time record in NCAA play.

“This is a great step for our program,” said fourth-year Head Coach Sherman Wood. “One of our main goals has been to get to the postseason.  Our players are very excited because they just wanted one more chance after Saturday’s game. They were extremely disappointed in our performance and wanted one more opportunity to put forth a better effort.”

Salisbury won its first nine games this season before losing to Frostburg State in Saturday’s Atlantic Central Football Conference championship game. Despite the loss, the Sea Gulls were invited to the NCAA Tournament as one of seven “Pool B” at-large entries.

Wood and defensive coordinator Robb Disbennett are the common links between SU’s NCAA teams in the 1980s and the current squad. Wood was one of the team captains and Disbennett was the starting quarterback on Salisbury’s first NCAA team in 1983. Disbennett also directed the offense on the 1985 NCAA squad.

“Several of our coaches, including myself, have played in the postseason and we know how much it means,” said Wood. “We have an understanding of what it takes to get to that level and the commitment that is necessary to succeed.”

King’s (8-2) enters the tournament as champion of the Middle Atlantic Conference. The Monarchs are making its first NCAA appearance. Salisbury and King’s have never met.

Ticket information for Saturday’s game will be announced on Monday.  

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Swimmers Lose Dual Meet to Washington
Nov 13, 2002

Men's Score.....Washington 108, Salisbury 76
Women's Score...Washington 138, Salisbury 67

Salisbury, Md - The Washington College men and women's swim teams both won 9 of 11 events to down Salisbury in a non-conference dual meet on Wednesday. Both Washington teams improve to 1-1 on the season. The Salisbury men fall to 1-4 overall, while the SU women are now 2-3 overall.

Sophomore Ryan Kooy claimed SU's only men's victory by winning the 100 breaststroke in a time of 1:15.84. He also added a second place finish in the 200 IM.  Sophomore Adam Podolak had a pair of second place showings in the 100 backstroke and 200 freestyle.

Salisbury women's highlights included a first place finish by sophomore Meredith Rathcamp in the 100 backstroke (1:12.49) and a first place team finish in the 200 freestyle relay.

Both SU squads are idle until Nov 22, when they return to action at the Kutztown (PA) University Invitational Meet.

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Gulls Hope to Cap Unbeaten Football Regular Season
Nov 13, 2002

Frostburg State (5-4, 2-0 ACFC) vs #14 Salisbury (9-0, 2-0 ACFC)
Saturday, November 16, 2002 – 1:30 p.m.
Regents Cup Game - Towson Stadium – Towson, MD
Local Radio:WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury
Internet Radio: www.wicoam.com

Series Record
Salisbury leads the all-time series 15-14. The teams have met every year since 1973, Salisbury’s first varsity season. Frostburg has won two of the three games since the series was renamed as the Regents Cup Game in 1999. This is the fourth straight season that the teams are meeting on neutral turf, and the first meeting at Towson University Stadium.

What’s at Stake
In addition to state bragging rights and possession of the Regents Cup Trophy for the next 12 months, the winner of this game also claims the 2002 championship of the Atlantic Central Football Conference. A Salisbury victory would also provide the Sea Gulls with their third undefeated regular season in program history (1983, 1986), and likely secure an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1986.

Gulls Climb to #14 in This Week’s AFCA Poll
Coming off last week’s 30-13 victory at Ferrum, Salisbury climbed three spots to #14 in this week’s AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Top 25 poll. The Gulls, ranked for the fifth straight week, have climbed three spots in each of the last two weekly polls. The Sea Gulls entered the poll at #23 on October 15, held the #20 spot for two weeks, climbed to #17 last week, and moved to their highest-ever ranking this week.

Why the Regents Cup
The award was created in 1999 and designated by the University System of Maryland’s Board of Regents to be presented annually to the winner of the only game that features two USM member institutions. After the game, a member of the USM Board of Regents presents to the winning coach and team captains the Regents Cup, which the victors display on their campus until the next year’s game.  The winning team also claims the title “Champion of Football in Maryland” which is engraved on the Cup along with each year’s game score. Beginning with this year’s game, an MVP will also be selected from each team. Those players will receive the McGlinchey MVP Award, named in honor of the former head coach who had successful tenures at both schools.  

Ticket Information
Tickets for the game are priced at $8 for adults. Tickets for students with a college ID are $4. Children five and under are admitted free. All seats are general admission, with fans encouraged to sit behind their respective team’s sideline. Parking lots open at 10 a.m. Game day tickets will be sold at the stadium beginning at 12 noon. Gates also open at noon.

The Coaching Connection
Salisbury’s Sherman Wood is in his fourth season with the Sea Gulls and brings a 20-18 record into Saturday’s game. Frostburg’s Rubin Stevenson is completing his third season, and has a 14-14 career mark. Both coaches are graduates of Salisbury University, and both played in the secondary on SU’s first NCAA Tournament team in 1983. Wood served as a team captain on that squad, while Stevenson was a freshman. Wood graduated in 1984 and began his coaching career as an assistant with the Sea Gulls. Stevenson played on two more NCAA teams at Salisbury, including the 1986 squad that advanced to the national championship game, before graduating in 1987.

Last Year: Frostburg Wins First Overtime Game in Series History
Frostburg scored on a 13-yard TD pass in the first overtime to defeat Salisbury 30-27 at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. Trailing 24-17, the Sea Gulls forced overtime when RB Tony Ellis scored on a three-yard run with 2:36 remaining in regulation. Salisbury had the first OT possession and scored on a 23-yard field goal by Paul Jacko before FSU answered with the touchdown. Rob Pashkevich (45 yards) and Sean Montpetit (42 yds) paced the SU rushers, while QB Todd Keiser completed 10 of 23 passes for 131 yards.

Last Week: Gulls Remain Unbeaten With 30-13 Win at Ferrum
QB Dustin Johnson rushed for a career-high 181 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown, to lead the Sea Gulls to a 30-13 non-conference win. Salisbury rallied from a 10-7 halftime deficit by outscoring the Panthers 23-3 in the second half. Johnson also connected on a 30-yard touchdown pass with sophomore WR Joe Hinz in the second half. FB Reggie Boyce added 60 yards rushing, including a 21-yard TD run. The SU defense limited Ferrum to 43 yards rushing, recorded four sacks and forced three turnovers.

By The Numbers
The Sea Gulls are averaging 33.5 ppg and allowing 14.0 ppg. With 302 points scored through nine games, Salisbury has eclipsed the 300-point total for just the fifth time in its 31-year history. The Sea Gulls are averaging 351.9 yards per game rushing - third best in the nation. SU is also among the national leaders in rushing defense, ranked 18th this week while allowing just 82.6 ypg. Individually, Dustin Johnson leads the team with an average of 120.7 ypg rushing. He is ranked 26th in the nation in overall rushing and ranked first among quarterbacks in rushing yards. RB Tony Ellis adds 113.6 ypg, and Boyce is averaging 90.1 ypg. Johnson is also the team’s leading scorer with 66 total points. He has accounted for 20 TDs this season (11 rushing, 9 passing). WR Kevin Belt is the top receiver with 15 receptions, including three touchdowns. TE Kyle Acker has 11 receptions and a team-high four TD catches.

Scouting Frostburg
The Bobcats, coming off a 24-21 loss at Waynesburg last week, are averaging 32.7 ppg while allowing 21.7 ppg. Frostburg ranks among the national leaders in total offense with an average of 465.3 ypg. Junior QB Grant Burrough fuels the offense, averaging 297.7 ypg passing, with 22 touchdowns. Junior RB Edward Kearney adds 90.0 ypg rushing and leads the team in scoring with 48 points. Burrough’s favorite targets are senior WR Tim Wilkens (51 rec, 7 TDs) and sophomore WR Adam Snyder (40 rec). Junior LB Dave Lightner and senior DT George O’Brien lead the defense with 73 tackles apiece.

Sea Gull Nibbles
Freshman DT Andrew Deming is ranked 21st in the nation with 19 tackles for loss…Sophomore punter Rick Nistler is 23rd nationally in punting average (38.1 yds/att)…The Sea Gulls have registered 25 sacks this season while allowing opponents just 11…Sophomore LB Mike Myrtle leads the defense with 61 total tackles, just ahead of senior LB Pat Brannan (60 tackles) and sophomore LB Brad DeHaven (59 tackles).  

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Field Hockey, Men's Soccer Win in CAC Tournament Semis
Nov 7, 2002

Salisbury 1, York 0
Men’s Soccer
CAC Tournament Semifinal

Salisbury, Md - Senior forward Matt Bowman’s unassisted goal in the 84th minute lifted #2 seed Salisbury to a 1-0 victory over #3 York in the semifinal round of the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament at home Thursday. 

Salisbury, 14-2-1 overall and ranked sixth in the nation, earns its ninth straight trip to the CAC Championship Game. The Sea Gulls play at #1 seed Mary Washington on Saturday. Game time is TBA.  York ends its season with a 10-9-2 record.

Salisbury finished with a 15-9 advantage in shots, with Bowman converting on his team-leading fourth shot of the game. The Sea Gull defense registered its third straight and 12th overall shutout of the season. Senior goalie Tom Paparounis recorded two saves. York’s senior goalie Greg Fry finished with seven saves.

Salisbury and Mary Washington will be meeting in the CAC Championship Game for the fourth straight season. The Eagles defeated SU 1-0 in the regular season to earn the #1 seed and home field advantage. Salisbury captured the conference title in 1999 and 2000.

Salisbury 6, St. Mary’s 1
Field Hockey 
CAC Tournament Semifinal

Salisbury, MD – Senior Jill Cressor scored three goals and assisted on one other to lead #1 seed Salisbury past #5 seed St. Mary’s in the semifinals of the Capital Athletic Conference tournament on Thursday at home.

The Seahawks (6-11 overall) took the lead 16:20 into the game when junior Mia Oliver found the back of the net on an assist from senior Sarah Hill.  The lead was short lived as freshman Brittany Elliott (17:09) scored on an assist from Cressor just 49 seconds later to even the score at 1-1.  Cressor (25:28, 31:20, 33:38) then tallied three straight goals to give the Sea Gulls a 4-1 lead at the half.

Senior Jess Manzone (53:54) scored on an assist from Melissa Webster, her third of the game, to give the Sea Gulls a 5-1 advantage.  Sophomore Erin Budd (68:12) accounted for the final goal, assisted by Elliott on a penalty corner, with just over a minute to play.

Salisbury goalie Melissa Taylor made two saves in the game, while the Sea Gull defense limited St. Mary’s to four shots overall.  Seahawk goalies Whitney Fahrman (6) and Megan Lehr (11) combined to make 17 saves in the game.

The Sea Gulls (14-2) will be going for their eighth straight conference championship on Saturday when they host #2 seed Mary Washington.  Game time is to be announced.

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Gulls Return to Road to Face Panthers
Nov 6, 2002

#17 Salisbury (8-0) at Ferrum (5-3)
Saturday, November 9, 2002 – 1 p.m.
W.B. Adams Stadium – Ferrum, VA
Radio Coverage: WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury
Internet Radio: www.wicoam.com

Series Record
Ferrum leads the series 6-4. The teams are meeting for the fifth straight season, and have split the last four meetings. Last year’s game featured the first overtime contest in series history.

1985        at SAL 44, FC 14                                               
1986        SAL 16, at FC 14               
1987        FC 15, at SAL 14               
1988        at FC 24, SAL 13  
1989        FC 52, at SAL 3
1990        at FC 48, SAL 6
1998        SAL 16, at FC 13
1999        FC 37, at SAL 3
2000        at FC 36, SAL 7
2001        at SAL 24, FC 17 (2ot)

Last Year’s Game: Gulls Work Overtime for Victory
Freshman RB Rob Pashkevich scored on a two-yard run in the second overtime and DB Chuck Friedel intercepted a pass on Ferrum’s next possession to lift the Sea Gulls to a 24-17 double-overtime win at home. Tied at 14 after regulation, both teams converted on field goal attempts in the first overtime, with Paul Jacko’s 36-yarder sending the teams into the second extra period. Salisbury had the first possession in the second overtime, with Pashkevich capping a four-play drive from the 25-yard line. On Ferrum’s ensuing possession, the Panthers tried a halfback pass, which Friedel intercepted to end the game. Pashkevich led all rushers with 90 yards on 22 carries. Salisbury registered a season-high 297 yards rushing, with four players gaining 40 yards or better.

Defense, Special Teams Key to Last Week’s Homecoming Victory
Junior Richard Mann’s 96-yard kickoff return touchdown with 4:35 remaining in the game lifted Salisbury to a 22-19 Homecoming victory over Wesley before 3,123 at Sea Gull Stadium. In a game that featured five lead changes, including four in the second half, Mann’s touchdown return accounted for the final points of the contest and came just 18 seconds after Wesley had regained the lead.  The Gulls also scored on a safety following a blocked punt, a 20-yard fumble return by Jake Coleman, and a 68-yard TD run by freshman QB Dustin Johnson, who finished with 95 yards rushing.

SU 17th in AFCA Top 25 Poll
Salisbury remains ranked in the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Top 25 poll for the fourth straight week, climbing three spots to #17 this week (poll released on Tuesday, Nov. 5.) The Sea Gulls entered the poll at #23 on October 15 and held the #20 spot in each of the previous two weeks.

Gulls Dip One Spot in National Rushing Statistics
After leading the nation in rushing offense for the past five weeks, Salisbury has dropped to number two in this week’s NCAA Statistics after gaining a season-low 158 rushing yards in last week’s victory. Salisbury is still averaging a robust 359.9 yards/game. The Gulls have rushed for better than 300 yards in seven of eight games, and eclipsed the 400-yard total twice. SU is also ranked 21st nationally in rushing defense, allowing 87.5 ypg. SU averages 34.0 ppg and is allowing 14.1 ppg.

Sea Gull Nibbles
The last time SU had a kickoff return touchdown prior to last week’s game was against Shenandoah during the 2000 season. That return went for 80 yards, by, guess who, Richard Mann…Freshman DT Andrew Deming was named the ACFC’s Rookie of the Week following last week’s game… Last week’s attendance of 3,123 was the third largest football crowd ever at Sea Gull Stadium… Ferrum has won five of its last six games, including a 25-13 win at Greensboro last week…Next week’s Regent Cup Game vs. Frostburg State has a 1:30 pm kickoff time.  

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Women's Soccer Advances to CAC Championship Game
Nov 5, 2002

Salisbury 1, York 0
Salisbury, MD – Junior Dana Olsson scored an unassisted goal midway through the first half to lead #1 seed Salisbury past #5 seed York, 1-0, in the semifinals of the Capital Athletic Conference tournament at home on Tuesday.

Olsson scored her second goal of the season at the 25:22 mark to account for the game's only score.  York senior goalie Abby Belinsky saved Olsson’s initial shot off a corner kick from Leanne Argue.  Olsson took control of the rebound and shot it through the York defense for the game-winner.

Excellent goaltending kept the game close.  Belinsky made 10 saves in the game, while Sea Gull freshman goalie Katie Hendrickson kept the Spartans scoreless, making seven saves.  The Sea Gulls held a 19-10 shot advantage and a 7-4 edge in corner kicks.

The win is the 12th in the last 13 games for Salisbury, including their sixth straight.  The streak started against York on September 15, with the only loss coming at Mary Washington on October 19.

With the win, Salisbury improves to 12-6, while York finishes at 11-7.  The Sea Gulls will host Mary Washington in the CAC Championship game on Saturday.  Mary Washington defeated St. Mary’s 2-0 in the other CAC semifinal match-up on Tuesday.  Saturday’s game time will be announced on Wednesday.

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Football Posts 22-19 Homecoming Victory
Nov 2, 2002

Salisbury, Md - Junior Richard Mann’s 96-yard kickoff return touchdown with 4:35 remaining in the game lifted #20 ranked Salisbury to a 22-19 Homecoming Day victory over Wesley before 3,123 in an Atlantic Central Football Conference game. The Sea Gulls improved to 8-0 overall and 2-0 in the ACFC, while Wesley falls to 4-4 and 1-2.

In a game that featured five lead changes, including four in the second half, Mann’s touchdown return accounted for the final points of the contest and came just 18 seconds after Wesley had regained the lead on a Fred Edwards two-yard run.

Trailing 6-2 in the second quarter, Salisbury claimed its first lead on a 68-yard TD run by freshman QB Dustin Johnson (95 yards) with 9:20 left. The Sea Gulls carried a 9-6 lead into halftime.

Following a Salisbury fumble, Wesley reclaimed the lead on its first possession of the third quarter. The Wolverines capped a two-play, 29-yard drive with a 22-yard scoring pass from QB Curtis Long (8-23, 116 yds) to WR Joe Able. The PAT kick made the score 13-9.

Salisbury answered when junior Jake Coleman returned a Wesley fumble 20 yards to push the Gulls ahead 16-13 with 6:48 left in the third quarter.

Wesley then claimed its final lead with 4:53 left in the game when Edwards capped a nine-play, 35-yard drive with his run. The lead was short-lived however, as Mann recorded his second career kickoff return TD on the ensuing kick.

Wesley had two more possessions but turned the ball over on downs both times, the last time at the Salisbury 45-yard line with 37 seconds remaining in the game.

Salisbury, which entered the game with the nation’s top rushing average at 388.7 ypg, finished with a season-low 158 yards rushing.

Both teams return to non-conference action next week as Salisbury visits Ferrum and Wesley plays at Chowan.  

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Lindsay Bard Selected for Field Hockey All-Star Game
Oct 30, 2002

Salisbury, Md - Salisbury University’s senior back Lindsay Bard (Linwood, NJ/Mainland Regional HS) has been selected to play in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III North/South Senior All-Star Game. The game will be played on Saturday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m. on the campus of Springfield (MA) College, in conjunction with the NCAA Division III Tournament’s Championship weekend.

Bard, a four-year starter for the Sea Gulls, is one of just two Capital Athletic Conference players selected for the All-Star Game. She serves as one of the anchors for a Salisbury defense that has allowed just 11 goals through 15 games this season (0.73 goals against average.)  The Sea Gulls have registered seven shutouts.

Bard, who has played in all 15 games this year, has also scored two goals in 2002. She is one of just 19 players selected for the South squad

Salisbury is tied for #2 in the most recent Division III national ranking and completed the regular season with a 13-2 overall record. The Sea Gulls will try to capture their eighth straight conference championship when they begin play in the CAC Tournament on November 6.  

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Women's Soccer Beats Villa Julie 2-1
Oct 29, 2002

Salisbury, MD – Salisbury ended is regular season battling through rainy weather to defeat Villa Julie 2-1 in a non-conference game at home on Tuesday.  Sophomore Thea Zygmunt and junior Kathleen Tiedemann each scored one goal.

Zygmunt put the Sea Gulls on the board first when the ball skipped past a Villa Julie defender allowing for the breakaway goal 7:48 into the game. Villa Julie tied the contest when senior Nikki Hentz (13:30) scored on a penalty kick.  The Sea Gulls would take the lead for good when Tiedemann scored her team-leading 12th goal of the season at 31:30, on an assist from sophomore Leanne Argue, for the eventual game-winner.

Salisbury out shot Villa Julie 18-5 and had the advantage in corner kicks 10-1.  Sea Gull goalie Katie Hendrickson made two saves in the game, while Villa Julie goalie Gina Cinquegrani made four.

With the win, Salisbury improves to 10-6 overall and Villa Julie drops to 7-9.  Salisbury will host a first round Capital Athletic Conference Tournament game on Saturday.  Game time and opponent will be announced on Friday.

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Football Hosts Wesley in Homecoming Game
Oct 29, 2002

Wesley (4-3, 1-1 ACFC) at Salisbury (7-0, 1-0 ACFC)
Saturday, November 2, 2002 – 1 p.m.
Sea Gull Stadium – Salisbury, MD
Radio Coverage: WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury
Internet Radio: www.wicoam.com

Series Record
Wesley leads the all-time series 8-4. SU’s last victory came in 1995, a 24-21 win in Dover.

1986   at SAL 63, WC 13
1987   SAL 63, at WC 0
1988   at SAL 75, WC 6
1993   at WC 45, SAL 30
1994   WC 49, at SAL 47
1995   SAL 24, at WC 21
1996   WC 39, at SAL 7
1997   at WC 28, SAL 7
1998   WC 31, at SAL 24
1999   at WC 14, SAL 7
2000   WC 33, at SAL 29
2001  at WC 56, SAL 10


SU in AFCA Top 25 Poll
Salisbury remains ranked #20 in the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Top 25, poll, released on Tuesday, October 29. The Sea Gulls entered the poll at #23 on October 15 and have held the #20 spot in each of the past two weeks.

Last Week
Freshman QB Dustin Johnson accounted for 249 yards in total offense and three touchdowns to lead Salisbury to a 31-6 win over Newport News Apprentice in the 53rd annual Oyster Bowl Game in Hampton, VA. Johnson, who earned game MVP honors, rushed for a career-high 181 yards on 20 carries and scored on runs of 19 yards and 54 yards. He also added 68 yards passing, including a 28-yard scoring toss to senior WR Kevin Belt. Senior FB Reggie Boyce added 166 yards on 15 rushes and scored on a 10-yard run. The Gulls outgained Apprentice 523 yards to 207 on the day. Wesley lost 31-0 at Division I-AA Davidson, despite trailing just 3-0 at halftime.

Homecoming History
The Sea Gulls have a 14-16 all-time record in Homecoming Day games, including a 31-0 victory over Newport News in last year’s Homecoming contest.  Wesley is making its second Homecoming appearance in three years at Sea Gull Stadium. The Wolverines were 33-29 victors in SU’s 2000 Homecoming Game.

Seniors Salute
Eight Salisbury seniors will be playing in their final regular season home games at Sea Gull Stadium this week. They are WR Kevin Belt, FB Reggie Boyce, LB Pat Brannan, RB Tony Ellis, FS Foster Epps, DT Chris Manning, DE Tom McCarthy, and OL Beau Ridgway. This year’s senior class is the first to begin their final campaign with seven straight wins since the seniors of 1986.

Gulls Lead Nation in Rushing
Salisbury is ranked #1 in the nation in rushing offense with an average of 388.7 yards/game through seven contests. The Gulls raised their team average by 11 yards following last weekend’s 455-yard ground attack in the Oyster Bowl. Salisbury has rushed for better than 300 yards in all seven games, and eclipsed the 400-yard total twice, including a season-best 477 yards at Methodist in week three. Individually, three Sea Gulls are averaging better than 100 yards per game. Johnson leads the trio at 115.7 ypg; Ellis is averaging 113.6 ypg; and Boyce has raised his average to 102.1 ypg.

Statistically Speaking
Salisbury is averaging 35.7 ppg and has scored better than 30 points in five of seven contests. The Gulls are averaging 465.7 ypg in total offense and nearly 22 first downs per game. Defensively, SU is allowing 13.4 ppg and has held each of its last two opponents to seven points or less. The Gulls allow an average of 256.1 ypg in total offense, including just 90 ypg rushing.

Defensive Leaders
Three players are tied for the team lead in tackles through seven games. LBs Pat Brannan and Brad DeHaven, along with DT Andrew Deming, all have 46 total tackles on the season. Brannan led the Gulls in last week’s game with 10 stops, including two TFL, one sack and one fumble recovery. Deming is the season leader in TFL with 14 (-54 yards) and sacks with six (-38 yards). DeHaven has 10 TFL (-25 yards). LB Mike Myrtle has 44 tackles. The Sea Gulls have forced 23 turnovers (13 interceptions, 10 fumbles) and registered 17 sacks, including four sacks last week.

Scouting the Wolverines
Wesley, the two-time defending Atlantic Central Football Conference champion, closes out its conference slate with this week’s game against the Sea Gulls. Wesley split its two earlier ACFC games, defeating Apprentice 35-0 but losing 37-18 at Frostburg.  Wesley is averaging 22.2 ppg and allowing 17.7 ppg. Senior RB Fred Edwards paces the offense with a rushing average of 117.5 ypg, including 106 yards on 21 carries in last week’s loss. He is also the team’s leading scorer with 42 points. QBs Curtis Long (1,087 yds/8 TDs) and Mike Lemon (301 yds/2TDs) have both seen action. Senior WR Marques Cosby is the leading receiver with 34 receptions and three touchdowns. Sophomore DB Rocky Myers leads the defense with 70 tackles, including a team-high 12 stops last week against Davidson.

Regents Cup Tickets Available
Tickets for the annual Regents Cup Game against Frostburg State on November 16 can be purchased in advance. They are available on campus at the Guerrieri University Center’s Information Desk. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for college students with a valid ID. All patrons will need a ticket for this game to be played in Towson, Maryland.

Sea Gull Nibbles
DE Justin Dominick recorded his first QB sack of the season in last week’s game for a loss of 20 yards…Freshman Eric Knight converted his first career field goal last week, connecting from 26 yards in the third quarter…Salisbury averaged 8.2 yards per play against Apprentice…Punter Rick Nistler is averaging 36.2 yds/att…Sophomore RB Rob Pashkevich made his first start of the season last week and finished with 82 yards on 18 carries…Senior DE and team captain Tom McCarthy returned to action last week for the first time since being injured in the season opener…Reggie Boyce has rushed for at least 100 yards in three straight games and four times overall this season…The Sea Gulls step out-of-conference again next week with a visit to Ferrum before closing the regular season against ACFC foe Frostburg on November 16.

Atlantic Central Football Conference Standings
                                Conference               Overall
Frostburg State         2-0  1.000                4-3  .571
Salisbury                   1-0  1.000                7-0  1.000
Wesley                      1-1    .500               4-3   571
Newport News          0-3    .000                5-3  .625

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Men's Soccer Blanks Marymount 4-0
Oct 28, 2002

Salisbury, Md - Four different players scored and Salisbury outshot Marymount 30-0 as the Sea Gulls capped the regular season with a 4-0 win at home on Monday. Salisbury, 12-2-1 overall and ranked 15th in the nation, will begin play as the #2 seed in the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament at home on Sunday. Marymount falls to 4-13-1 overall and 2-5 in the CAC. 

Sophomore midfielder Dan Lader tallied the only goal of the first half, 16:16 into the contest, assisted by junior Mike Cheman. SU extended its lead to 2-0 in the 61st minute, with freshman forward Bill Whittington scoring on an assist by junior Fanor Ramos. Sophomore Dan Thrailkill pushed the lead to 3-0 on an unassisted goal in the 70th minute, and senior forward Matt Bowman closed the scoring on a penalty kick in the 80th minute.

Senior goalie Tom Paparounis did not record a save in 90 minutes as the Sea Gulls recorded their 10th shutout of the season. Marymount's Brian Craddock finished with eight saves.

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Tiedemann Scores Three in Women's Soccer Win
Oct 25, 2002

Salisbury, MD – Junior Kathleen Tiedemann scored three goals as Salisbury defeated Marymount 7-3 in a Capital Athletic Conference game at home on Friday.

Salisbury and Marymount exchanged goals in the first half as Tiedemann scored two of her three goals (9:06, 27:00).  Senior Charlene Teal (23:16) and sophomore Lauren Costar (43:30) helped Marymount stay in the game, each scoring goals to knot the score at 2-2 at halftime.

The Salisbury offense exploded in the second half by outscoring Marymount 5-1. Goals by freshman Heather Pallett (52:33) and sophomore Thea Zygmunt (56:45) pushed the lead to 4-2.  Marymount freshman Stephanie Smiley (57:11) answered for Marymount, scoring an unassisted goal, to cut the lead to one.  Junior Rachel Tansey (78:17), senior Kristey Lillis (81:20) and Tiedemann (84:14) followed with late goals to give the Sea Gulls a 7-3 advantage and account for the final margin of victory.

Salisbury had the advantage in corner kicks 5-0 and out shot Marymount 28-7.  Marymount converted goals on three of its seven shots.  Marymount goalie Stephanie Kerr made seven saves, while Salisbury goalie Katie Hendrickson made two.

With the win, Salisbury improves to 8-6 overall and 6-1 in the CAC, while Marymount drops to 3-12-1 overall and 0-5-1 in the CAC.  The Sea Gulls will host Immaculata tomorrow in a non-conference match-up.  Game time is set for 1:00 p.m.

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Women's Soccer Downs Notre Dame 4-1
Oct 23, 2002

Salisbury, MD – Junior Kathleen Tiedemann scored two goals as Salisbury defeated Notre Dame (Md) 4-1 in a non-conference game at home on Wednesday.

Salisbury, which had its six-game winning streak snapped on Saturday at Mary Washington, took control of the game early with a 3-0 halftime lead.  Freshman Samantha Smiles (29:01), Tiedemann (37:10), and sophomore Rachael Cerza (41:45) each scored in the opening half.

The Gulls extended the lead early in the second half when Tiedemann (48:40) scored her second goal of the game to push the advantage to 4-0.  Senior Becky Sullens (60:09) netted Notre Dame’s only goal, unassisted, to account for the final margin.

Senior Kristey Lillis had two assists for the Sea Gulls, while sophomore Leanne Argue had one.  Freshmen goalies Katie Hendrickson (1) and Rebecca Riskie (2) combined to make three saves, while the Salisbury defense limited Notre Dame to seven shots in the game.  Notre Dame goalie Veronica Zientak made 13 saves.  The Gulls out shot the Gators 30-7 and had a 9-1 advantage in corner kicks.

With the win, Salisbury improves to 7-6 overall. Notre Dame drops to 9-7.  The Sea Gulls return to conference action at home Friday vs. Marymount (3:30 pm), then host Immaculata in another  non-conference match at home Saturday at 1:00 p.m.

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Gulls Face Apprentice in Oyster Bowl
Oct 23, 2002

Salisbury (6-0, 0-0 ACFC) at Newport News Apprentice (5-2, 0-2 ACFC)
Saturday, October 26, 2002 – 1 p.m.
Darling Stadium (Oyster Bowl) – Hampton, VA
Local Radio:WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury
Internet Radio: www.wicoam.com

The Series
Salisbury and Newport have met eight times previously, with the series record knotted 4-4. The Builders won three of the first four meetings between the teams, while the Sea Gulls have won three of the last four. The previous scores:

1990        at SAL 31, NNA 13           
1991        at NNA 16, SAL 10            
1992        NNA 20, at SAL 14              
1993        at NNA 35, SAL 21
1994        at SAL 25, NNA 22
1995        SAL 22, at NNA 10
2000        at NNA 20, SAL 18
2001        at SAL 31, NNA 0

The Oyster Bowl
Salisbury is making its first-ever appearance in the Oyster Bowl, a signature Tidewater area event that serves as a fund-raiser for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. The game carries the now-famous slogan, "Strong Legs Run so That Weak Legs May Walk." Now in its 53rd year, the Oyster Bowl has featured stars such as Roger Staubach, Fran Tarkenton and Don Meredith in past years.  For many years the game was played at Norfolk's Foreman Field and featured NCAA Division I teams. After a four-year hiatus, the game was revived in 1999 as a Division III showcase and has carried on the efforts that have raised over $3 million for the hospitals.

Last Year vs. Apprentice
RB Rob Pashkevich rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns and the Salisbury defense registered seven interceptions as the Sea Gulls blanked Newport News 31-0 for their first shutout since 1996. Pashkevich scored on a 25-yard run to start the scoring, then added a five-yard TD run as Salisbury scored on its first two possessions of the game. RB Sean Montpetit added 71 yards rushing, including a 30-yard touchdown run, and QB Todd Keiser finished 7 of 18 passing for 146 yards. Freshmen cornerbacks Chris Barr and Milo Austin each recorded two interceptions as the defense forced nine turnovers overall.

Gulls Climb in AFCA Top 25 Poll
Last week, for the first time since the inauguration of the American Football Coaches Assoc (AFCA) Top 25 poll in 1999, Salisbury secured a spot in the national ranking. The Sea Gulls entered the poll on October 15 at #23. This week, Salisbury has climbed three spots and is ranked #20 in the poll released on October 22.  

Last Week: SU Enjoys Bye Week, Newport Falls at Wesley
Salisbury returns to action this week following an open date in the schedule last weekend. The Sea Gulls last played on October 12, when they registered their sixth straight victory with a 35-7 win over Chowan. Freshman QB Dustin Johnson and senior FB Reggie Boyce each rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns apiece to lead the Gulls, who finished with 375 yards on the ground. Salisbury also capitalized on eight Chowan turnovers (four interceptions and four fumbles) and recorded five sacks in the game. Apprentice dropped to 0-2 in the ACFC with a 35-0 loss at Wesley last Saturday. The Builders were victimized by two blocked punts which accounted for two Wesley touchdowns.

By The Numbers
Salisbury continues to lead the nation in rushing, averaging 377.7 yards per game. The Sea Gulls are also 16th in total offense (456.2 ypg) and 24th in scoring offense (36.5 ppg). Defensively, Salisbury is ranked 34th in scoring defense (14.7 ppg) and 37th in total defense (264.3 ypg). Individually, senior RB Tony Ellis leads the team in rushing with a 113.6 ypg average. Ellis also needs 178 more yards to become Salisbury’s all-time rushing leader. QB Dustin Johnson is averaging 104.8 ypg rushing, and adding 59.0 ypg passing, with seven TD passes. Senior WR Kevin Belt is the leading receiver with 11 catches, while TE Kyle Acker has eight receptions, including four for touchdowns. Sophomore LB Brad DeHaven leads the defense with 41 tackles. Freshman DT Andrew Deming has 38 tackles, including 13 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 13 sacks.

Scouting the Builders
Newport News Apprentice is playing its first season under Head Coach Phil Janaro, and opened the season by winning five of its first six games. Senior QB Terrence Patrick, who did not play in last year’s game against Salisbury due to an injury, leads an offense that is averaging 18.0 ppg. Sophomore RB Ricky Doles leads the rushing attack with 82.6 ypg, while Patrick is adding 141.3 ypg through the air. Freshman WR Shawn Jackson has a team-leading 27 receptions and six touchdown catches.

The Conference Picture
Salisbury is the only member of the four-team Atlantic Central Football Conference that has yet to play a conference game. The Gulls inaugurate their conference schedule with this week’s contest at Newport News Apprentice and play three ACFC games in the last four weeks. Frostburg currently leads the conference race with a 2-0 record, while Wesley stands 1-1 and Newport News is 0-2.

Sea Gull Nibbles
Sophomore CB Pat Barnes leads the Sea Gull defense with three interceptions, including one of the team’s four picks in the Chowan game…Freshmen Sam Foreman and Eric Otey also recorded their second interceptions of the season in that game…Ten different Salisbury players had at least one rushing attempt against Chowan…Salisbury’s 219 points scored through six games this season exceeds its total scoring output in 16 of its previous 30 seasons…The Gulls are averaging 21.6 first downs per game and 31:50 in possession time…83% of the team’s first downs (108 of 130) have come via rushing…Salisbury continues ACFC play next week, returning home to host Wesley on Homecoming and Family Day at Sea Gull Stadium.  

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Swimmers Ready to Begin New Season
Oct 21, 2002

Salisbury, MD – The Salisbury University men’s and women’s swim teams open the 2002-03 season at home on Saturday, October 26 against defending conference champion Mary Washington, hoping to build on the success that both team’s enjoyed last season.  The women's team posted its third straight winning season last year, including a 5-2 mark in the Capital Athletic Conference. The men's team also registered its best-ever CAC record, finishing 5-2 in the league. Both teams placed fourth at the season-ending CAC Championship meet.

“We have a great bunch of returning swimmers, as well as newcomers,” said Head Coach Jill Stephenson, beginning her eighth season at Salisbury.  “The women possess a great deal of depth, while the men possess great versatility despite not having a very deep team.

“We have a combination of people who are all goal oriented,” said Stephenson.  “They all want to see each other succeed in an effort to see our team succeed.”

The Sea Gull women will look to a trio of sophomore returnees in Lindsay Conover (butterfly/IM), Heather Pepper (breaststroke), and Ashley Letterman (breaststroke/fly) to pace the team throughout the season.  Newcomers to watch include freshmen Caitlin Bliven (freestyle) and Aly Hammond (freestyle).

The men will look for senior leadership from Ben Davis (distance) and Bobby Klasko (distance), while sophomore Greg Castiglione (freestyle) and freshman Gary Stewart (breaststroke) hope to add depth to the slim Sea Gull roster.

“Both teams are very determined,” said Stephenson.  “Nobody is a slacker and everyone’s work ethic is unlimited.  The men in particular, with only nine team members, are ready to prove themselves. This year’s teams are the most determined I have had here.

“I want to see them all achieve their best times and improve as individual swimmers,” said Stephenson.  “If they achieve their best times, my goals will have been met and that will help us achieve our team goals.”

The Sea Gulls follow Saturday’s season-opening meet with a visit to Gallaudet on November 2.  That meet begins at 1 p.m. in Washington D.C. 

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Salisbury 35, Chowan 7
Oct 12, 2002

Salisbury, Md - Freshman QB Dustin Johnson and senior FB Reggie Boyce each rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns apiece as Salisbury remained unbeaten with a 35-7 non-conference win at home over Chowan. Salisbury (6-0), which entered the game with the nation’s top-ranked rushing offense, finished with 375 yards on the ground while also capitalizing on eight turnovers by Chowan (0-5).

Johnson led all rushers with 141 yards on 20 carries, and scored on runs of 26 yards in the opening quarter and one yard in the third quarter.  Boyce eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the second straight week and third time this season, finishing with 113 yards. He scored on a 15-yard run in the first quarter and a one-yard run in the third quarter.

Trailing 14-0 after one period, Chowan struck quickly in the second quarter as QB Josh Floyd (6 of 18, 174 yds) connected with WR Brian Harvell on an 80-yard touchdown pass and run. Salisbury led 14-7 at halftime.

The Sea Gulls broke the game open with 21 unanswered points in the third quarter. Junior TE Kyle Acker caught a 36-yard scoring pass from Johnson at 7:13 to extend the Salisbury lead to 20-7. Three minutes later, following a Chowan fumble, Johnson capped a four-play, 39-yard drive with a one-yard QB sneak. The two-point run pushed the lead to 28-7 at 4:09.

Chowan then fumbled the ensuing kickoff, which Salisbury converted into another four-play scoring drive, capped by Boyce’s one-yard run with 2:47 left in the third quarter.

The Salisbury defense recorded four interceptions, registered five sacks, and recovered four fumbles on the day. Eight different players recorded a turnover. Sophomore DT Brandon Fields finished with a team-high five tackles, including four tackles for loss and two sacks.

Freshman RB Teddy Savage, subbing for injured senior Tony Ellis, finished with 68 yards on 11 carries in his first collegiate start.  Ten different players finished with at least one rushing attempt for the Sea Gulls, who totalled 25 first downs and averaged 5.8 yards per rushing attempt.  

Drew Townes led Chowan’s ground attack with 31 yards on three carries. Senior Jawarren Coles finished with 23 yards on 12 attempts. The Braves finished with 77 yards rushing.

Salisbury is idle next week and returns to action on October 26 in the Oyster Bowl game against Newport News Apprentice in Hampton, VA. Chowan hosts Christopher Newport next Saturday.

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Sea Gulls Seek 6-0 Start
Oct 10, 2002

Chowan (0-4) at Salisbury (5-0)
Saturday, October 12, 2002 – 1 p.m.
Sea Gull Stadium – Salisbury, MD
Radio Coverage: WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury
Internet Radio: www.wicoam.com

Series Record  
Salisbury leads 7-1, including a 42-35 overtime win at Chowan last year. The Gulls have won three straight in the series. SU also won the first four meetings between the teams from 1994-97 before the Braves captured their first win in 1998.

Last Year’s Game
Salisbury registered its most dramatic victory of the season with a come-from-behind 42-35 overtime win at Chowan. The Sea Gulls rallied from a 21-point second half deficit as they recorded their first-ever overtime win. RB Tony Ellis keyed the second half comeback as he rushed for a season-high 181 yards and scored four touchdowns. Ellis’ fourth score of the day came in overtime as he swept into the endzone from 20-yards out. He had tied the game with just 33 seconds left in regulation with a six-yard touchdown run. Following Ellis’ overtime TD, Chowan had one possession remaining. The Sea Gulls secured the win when DT Tom McCarthy sacked Chowan QB Chris Stodgill, forced a fumble on the play, then recovered the fumble to end the game.

Boyce Receives ACFC Honors
Senior fullback Reggie Boyce was named the Atlantic Central Football Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for a season-high 155 yards and two touchdowns in SU’s 41-12 win at Gallaudet. Boyce scored on runs of two and 67 yards while averaging 11.9 yards per attempt. He recorded his second 100+ game of the season and raised his season average to 87.2 yds/game. Boyce is also tied for fourth on the team in scoring with 18 points through five games.

Statistically Speaking
The Sea Gulls continue to rank among the national leaders in several offensive categories. Salisbury leads the nation in rushing offense with an average of 378.2 ypg. The Gulls are also 14th in total offense (461.4 ypg), 23rd in scoring offense (36.8 ppg), and 34th in total defense (267 ypg). The Sea Gulls are allowing 16.2 ppg.

Ellis, Johnson Lead Offense
Senior running back Tony Ellis and freshman QB Dustin Johnson continue to fuel the Sea Gull offense. Despite finishing with just seven yards on two attempts in last week’s game due to an injury, Ellis leads the Gulls on the season with a 113.6 ypg rushing average. He also tops the squad in scoring with 42 points. Ellis needs 178 more yards to become SU’s all-time rushing leader. Johnson is averaging 97.6 ypg rushing and 61.0 ypg passing. He has rushed for five touchdowns and passed for six. Senior WR Kevin Belt has a team-leading 10 receptions.

DeHaven, Deming Pace the Defense
With a team-leading nine tackles in last week’s game, sophomore LB Brad DeHaven has assumed the team lead in season tackles with 38. Freshman DT Andrew Deming is second on the team with 34 total tackles, including a team-high 12 tackles for loss (-51 yds). DeHaven is second with nine TFL (-23 yds). Deming also leads the team with six quarterback sacks. The defense recorded three interceptions in last week’s game and now has eight for the year.

Scouting the Braves
Chowan, which had an open date last week, has not played since dropping a 29-22 decision at Newport News on September 28. The Braves generated their highest point total of the season in that game while also finishing with 306 total yards in offense. Three quarterbacks have split time through the first four games, with freshman Josh Floyd the probable starter after passing for 284 yards and three touchdowns against Newport News. Senior Jawarren Coles leads the rushing attack with an average of 67.5 ypg. WR Brian Harwell leads the team with nine receptions and four touchdowns. Former NFL head coach Lou Saban is serving in his first full season as Chowan’s head coach. Saban coached in the NFL with the Broncos, Patriots and Bills.

Sea Gull Nibbles
Eleven different Sea Gull players finished with at least one rushing attempt in last week’s game at Gallaudet…TE Chuck Slate and WR Joseph Early registered their first pass receptions of the season last week…The defense limited Gallaudet to 84 total yards and four first downs…Sean Sandora, Greg Cannon and freshman Sam Foreman recorded their first interceptions of the year in last week’s contest…Salisbury has converted 20 of 54 (37%) third-down attempts and seven of 12 (58%) fourth-down attempts through five games…Punter Rick Nistler is averaging 37.7 yards per kick…Freshman kicker Eric Knight converted two of two extra point attempts last week…The Sea Gulls have an open date in the schedule next week, then close the year with three of four games against ACFC opponents…SU’s next game is on October 26 against Newport News Apprentice in the Oyster Bowl game in Hampton, VA.

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Field Hockey Defeats Catholic 5-2
Oct 9, 2002

Salisbury, MD – Sophomore Erin Budd and freshman Brittany Elliott each had one goal and one assist as fourth-ranked Salisbury defeated Catholic 5-2 in a Capital Athletic Conference game at home on Wednesday. 

The Sea Gulls shook off a sluggish first half that saw Catholic take a 2-1 lead on goals from junior Danielle Deon (14:22) and junior Tricia Hines (26:30).  Salisbury tied it up going into halftime at 2-2, when Budd scored on an assist from senior Jill Cressor (32:40).  Sophomore Melissa Webster scored the other first half goal (11:40) for Salisbury on an assist from Brittany Elliott.

Salisbury took control in the second half scoring three unanswered goals, led by Brittany Elliott (37:15), Lindsey Elliott (40:55), and Lindsay Bard (54:37).  Salisbury out shot Catholic 11-0 in the second half and 19-7 for the game.  The Sea Gulls also had the advantage in penalty corners 18-3.

Freshman goalie Christine Gonsalves made three saves to earn her first career victory, while Catholic goalie Katie Iannacone made seven saves.

With the win, Salisbury improves to 10-1 overall and 4-0 in the CAC, while Catholic drops to 5-5 overall and 2-2 in the CAC.  Salisbury will host No.2 ranked College of New Jersey on Saturday.  Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. 

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Sea Gull Notebook
Oct 8, 2002

Three Teams in National Rankings
Salisbury has three teams represented in the national polls this week. The field hockey team, 9-1 overall, climbed one spot to number four in the NFHCA Top 20. The Gulls host Catholic on Wednesday, then welcome #2 ranked New Jersey in a non-conference home showdown on Saturday. The men’s soccer team climbed nine spots to number 11 in this week’s NSCAA national poll after defeating #13 Roanoke on Sunday. The Gulls take a streak of four straight shutouts into Wednesday’s CAC match at Goucher. The football team, 5-0, is #26 in this week’s AFCA national poll.

Elliott, Cressor Top CAC Field Hockey Scorers
Junior Lindsey Elliott and senior Jill Cressor rank first and second in the Capital Athletic Conference in both goals and points. Elliott has 12 goals and 27 total points through 10 games, while Cressor has 11 goals and 25 total points. Cressor also leads the CAC with five game-winning goals. Junior goalie Melissa Taylor leads the conference with 6.5 shutouts, while sophomore Melissa Webster is tied for second in assists with five. The Sea Gulls lead the CAC in both scoring (41 goals) and defense (five goals allowed).

Krauss is CAC Player of the Week
Senior forward CR Krauss of the men’s soccer team is this week’s CAC Player of the Week after scoring three goals in two games. Krauss is now second in the CAC in scoring with 20 total points (eight goals, four assists). Sophomore midfielder Dan Lader is second in assists with six. Freshman goalie Jason Cranford leads the CAC with three shutouts. The Gulls have outscored opponents 31-2 through nine games, and can set a team record Wednesday with a fifth straight shutout.

Bachtell Earns Volleyball Honors
Senior outside hitter Rachel Bachtell is this week’s CAC Player of the Week after earning all-tournament honors and leading the Gulls to a second place finish in the Salisbury Invitational. Bachtell leads the Sea Gulls with 2.37 kills/game and 259 digs. Freshman Brittany Mister is fourth in the conference with 51 service aces (0.65/gm).

Murdoch Leads Cross Country Men
Freshman Will Murdoch earned CAC Player of the Week honors after pacing the Gulls to the Maryland State Championship on Saturday. Murdoch was one of four SU men to earn all-state honors with a top 15 individual finish. Murdoch finished eighth with a time of 28:09, and was the highest non-Division I finisher among the 103 runners.

McGlinchey Award Announced for Regents Cup Game
The newly-created McGlinchey MVP Award will be presented to one member of each team in the annual Regents Cup Football Game, beginning in 2002.  Salisbury and Frostburg State will meet in the fourth annual Regents Cup Game on November 16 at Towson (Md) University Stadium. The MVP award is named in honor of Mike McGlinchey, who served as head football coach at both schools during his career.

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Cross Country Men Win State Championship
Oct 5, 2002

Princess Anne, Md - The men’s cross country team claimed its first-ever Maryland championship, finishing first among the 12 state teams entered. Salisbury finished nine points ahead of second place UMES. Loyola and Coppin State tied for third.

Four Sea Gull runners earned all-state honors by virtue of top 15 finishes. They were: freshman Will Murdoch (8th, 28:09), senior Andy Marrocco (11th, 28:27), junior Steve Jacobs (14th, 28:38) and sophomore Brad Ellis (15th, 28:47). 

The SU women were fourth among 12 teams, with Loyola, Towson and Maryland finishing first, second and third. Sophomore Kelsey Scheitlin (17th, 20:37) registered Salisbury's top individual showing. Junior Rebecca Lyons was 27th (21:20) and senior Diana Hampel finished 33rd (21:46).

Both Sea Gull teams return to action on October 19 at the Mason Dixon Championship in Newport News, VA.

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Football Downs Gallaudet 41-12
Oct 5, 2002

Washington, DC - Senior FB Reggie Boyce rushed for a season-high 155 yards and two touchdowns to lead Salisbury to a 41-12 non-conference win over Gallaudet. The Sea Gulls, off to their best start since 1986, improved to 5-0. Gallaudet is 1-4.

Boyce scored on a two-yard run and QB Dustin Johnson (5-12, 51 yds) connected on scoring passes of six yards to TE Kyle Acker and 38-yards to WR Kevin Belt as the Sea Gulls built a 21-0 halftime lead.

Boyce extended the lead on Salisbury's first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, scoring on a 67-yard run just 16 seconds into the period. Johnson's 36-yard touchdown run later in the quarter pushed the Salisbury lead to 34-0.

Gallaudet scored its two touchdowns following Salisbury miscues. The Bison, who managed just 84 yards in total offense, got on the board when Shawn Shannon recovered a fumbled punt return in the end zone. DE Marcus Daniels added GU's second score on an 80-yard fumble return in the fourth quarter.

Salisbury's Monte Taylor completed the scoring on a 19-yard run with 3:37 remaining in the game.

Salisbury, which ranks second in the nation in rushing offense, finished with 386 yards rushing as 11 different players had at least one attempt. The Sea Gulls defense recorded three sacks and limited Gallaudet to four first downs.

Salisbury hosts Chowan next week. Game time is 1 p.m.

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Women's Soccer Wins Fourth Straight
Oct 4, 2002

Salisbury, MD – Junior forward Kathleen Tiedemann scored both goals to lead Salisbury to its fourth straight victory, 2-0 over Chowan, in a non-conference game at home on Friday.

The Sea Gulls scored their first goal when freshman Heather Pallett made a crossing pass to Tiedemann, who found the back of the net at the 38:20 mark to take a 1-0 halftime lead.  The Sea Gulls dominated the second half, out-shooting Chowan 18-3. Tiedemann scored her second goal, unassisted, in the 84th minute to ensure the victory for the Sea Gulls.

Salisbury goalie Katie Hendrickson made two saves to earn the shutout, her second of the year. Chowan goalie Meagan Deitchman made 12 saves.  Salisbury out-shot Chowan 31-5 for the game.

Salisbury improves to 4-5 overall, while Chowan drops to 5-5.  The Sea Gulls return to conference play on Tuesday at Gallaudet.  Game time is 4:00 p.m.  (box score)

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Gulls Visit Gallaudet for First Meeting Since 1974
Oct 3, 2002

Salisbury (4-0) at Gallaudet (1-3)
Saturday, October 5, 2002 – 1 p.m.
Hotchkiss Field – Washington, DC
Radio Coverage: WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury
Internet Radio: www.wicoam.com

The Series
The Sea Gulls and Bison are meeting for the fourth time overall, but the first time since 1974. Salisbury owns a 3-0 advantage in the series, with victories in 1972 (21-14), 1973 (52-12) and 1974 (69-13).

Last Week: Gulls Claim Fourth Straight Win
Salisbury rushed for 352 yards and finished with 390 yards in total offense as the Gulls registered a 23-18 home victory over Greensboro. Senior RB Tony Ellis led the ground attack with 176 yards and scored on runs of 36 and 70 yards. QB Dustin Johnson added 92 yards rushing, including a five-yard TD run. LB Pat Brannan led the defense with 11 tackles, while CB Pat Barnes snuffed Greensboro’s last drive with his second interception of the year.

Closer to the Top 25
Salisbury is moving closer to its first-ever ranking in the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Division III Top 25 poll. The Sea Gulls were the sixth-highest listed team among those in the “Others Receiving Votes” category. Based on the voting points, SU would be ranked 31st if the poll extended past the Top 25. The AFCA Division III Coaches Poll is in its fourth season and voted on by 49 Division III coaches from around the nation.

In the Statistical Rankings
The Sea Gulls are once again ranked highly in several categories in this week’s NCAA statistics:

  2nd in Rushing Offense… 373.3 ypg
  18th in Total Offense…    461.0 ypg
  25th in Scoring Offense…  35.8 ppg

Full NCAA Statistics can be accessed on the web at www.ncaa.org

About Gallaudet
The Bison are playing a 2002 schedule that is split between varsity opponents and club teams. Gallaudet is 0-2 against varsity competition, with losses to Division III Averett (43-0) and Division II St. Paul’s (61-7). The Bison have split their two games against club teams, defeating Walter Reed (33-24) and losing to George Mason (33-6).

Sea Gull Nibbles
Two Sea Gulls are ranked among the NCAA’s individual stat leaders this week…Senior RB Tony Ellis is 15th in the nation in rushing with an average of 140.3 ypg…Freshman DT Andrew Deming is 40th in tackles for loss with 2.0/game…Ellis needs 185 more rushing yards to pass Levi Shade (’77) as SU’s all-time rushing leader…Salisbury is averaging 22 first downs per game…Linebackers Pat Brannan and Mike Myrtle share the team lead in tackles with 31 each…SS Greg Cannon is a close third with 30 tackles, including a team-high 23 solo hits…Deming has four of the team’s five QB sacks…SU is back at Sea Gull Stadium next week to host Chowan.

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Men's Soccer Blanks St. Mary's 2-0
Oct 2, 2002

Salisbury, MD - Senior forward C.R. Krauss scored two goals as #20 ranked Salisbury defeated St. Mary's 2-0 at home on Wednesday in a Capital Athletic Conference game.

Krauss opened the scoring 28:15 into the match, assisted by freshman Chris Tracy, to give the Sea Gulls a 1-0 halftime lead. Krauss then scored his second goal at the 47:18 mark on an assist from senior Marc Calabretta to give Salisbury a 2-0 advantage.

Freshman goalie Jason Cranford made five saves and posted his second shutout of the season. Sophomore goalie Mike Mitchell made seven saves for St. Mary's. Salisbury out shot St. Mary's 24-15.

Salisbury, winner of three straight, improves to 6-1-1 overall and 2-0 in the CAC, while St. Mary's drops to 6-4 overall and 0-3 in the CAC. The Sea Gulls travel to Roanoke (VA) College for a non-conference match on Sunday. Game time is 1:00 p.m.   (Box Score)

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Field Hockey, Men's and Women's Soccer All Win
Sept 28, 2002

Salisbury 5, York 1
Field Hockey

Salisbury, MD – Senior Jill Cressor and freshman Brittany Elliott each had one goal and one assist as fifth ranked Salisbury defeated York 5-1 at home on Saturday. 

Junior Lindsey Elliott, junior Megan Bailey and sophomore Lynsey Bateman also tallied a goal each.  Junior Emily Schneck scored the lone goal for York.  Goalie Melissa Taylor made four saves for the Sea Gulls, while Spartans goalie Meg Eckenrode made 20 saves.  Salisbury out shot York 27-5 and had the advantage in penalty corners 13-2.   

With the win, Salisbury improves to 8-1 overall and 2-0 in the Capital Athletic Conference.  York falls to 3-5 and 1-2 in the CAC.  The Sea Gulls will travel to Goucher on Thursday for a CAC game.


Salisbury 4, St. Mary’s 1
Women’s Soccer

Salisbury, MD – Four different players scored for Salisbury as they defeated St. Mary’s 4-1 at home on Saturday.  Senior Kristey Lillis led the Sea Gulls with one goal and one assist.

Sophomore Thea Zygmunt, sophomore Racheal Cerza, and junior Rachel Tansey each scored a goal.  Senior Brooke Barcheski tallied the only goal for St. Mary’s.  Freshman goalie Katie Hendrickson made 10 saves for Salisbury, while Caitlin McClure made nine for St. Mary’s.

The win improves Salisbury’s record to 3-5 overall and 3-0 in the Capital Athletic Conference, while St. Mary’s drops to 4-2 and 1-1 in the CAC.  The Gulls will host Chowan on Thursday in a non-conference matchup.
 

Salisbury 1, North Carolina Wesleyan 0
Men’s Soccer

Rocky Mount, NC – The No. 19 ranked Sea Gulls traveled to North Carolina Wesleyan and came away with a 1-0 victory in a non-conference game on Saturday. 

Following a scoreless first half, sophomore Algerson Vincent found the back of the net in the 50th minute on an assist from senior Marc Callabretta to give the Sea Gulls the victory.  Salisbury goalie Jason Cranford made four saves, while North Carolina Wesleyan goalie Paul Orbacz made seven.

With the win, Salisbury improves to 5-1-1 overall, while North Carolina Wesleyan drops to 5-4-2.  Salisbury will host St. Mary’s in a CAC game on Tuesday.

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Football Remains Unbeaten With 23-18 Win
Sept 28, 2002

Salisbury, Md - Senior RB Tony Ellis rushed for 176 yards and two touchdowns as Salisbury remained unbeaten with a 23-18 non-conference win over at home over Greensboro. The Sea Gulls, off to their best start since 1986, improved to 4-0, while Greensboro falls to 1-2.

Second quarter field goals of 50-yards and 20-yards by Erik Naglee provided Greensboro with a 6-0 lead. Ellis then put Salisbury ahead to stay by capping a 75-yard drive with a 36-yard touchdown run with 35 seconds remaining. The two-point conversion run gave the Sea Gulls an 8-6 halftime lead.

Another long Ellis score accounted for the only scoring in the third quarter. The senior extended Salisbury’s lead with a 70-yard touchdown dash. Another successful two-point PAT pushed the lead to 16-6 with 9:00 remaining in the quarter.

QB Dustin Johnson’s five-yard touchdown run at 14:20 of the fourth quarter extended the Salisbury lead to 23-6 before Greensboro began its comeback.

The Pride pulled to within 23-12 when QB Boomer Durham connected with WR Priest Everhart on a 20-yard scoring pass with 13:13 left in the game.  Following a blocked punt, Greensboro then scored again on a five-yard pass from Durham to WR Ricky Moore with 8:00 remaining. 

Greensboro would get one more possession in the game, but Durham was intercepted by Salisbury CB Pat Barnes to end that threat with 4:50 left in the contest. Salisbury then ran out the clock with a 10-play drive that ended on Greensboro’s four-yard line as time expired.

Salisbury, which entered the game ranked second in the nation in rushing offense, finished with 352 yards on the ground. Johnson finished with 92 yards rushing and added 38 yards (2 of 7) passing. FB Reggie Boyce finished with 54 yards rushing.

Durham finished with 170 yards passing (14 of 31) to lead Greensboro. RB Quentin Caldwell, who brought a 141.5 ypg rushing average into the contest, finished with 81 yards to lead GC’s ground attack.

Salisbury continues non-conference play at Gallaudet next week. Greensboro plays cross-town rival Guilford in the sixth annual Souper Bowl game.

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Sea Gulls Seek Fourth Straight Football Win
Sept 25, 2002

Greensboro (1-1) at Salisbury (3-0)
Saturday, September 28, 2002 – 1 p.m.
Sea Gull Stadium – Salisbury, MD
Radio Coverage: WICO 1320 AM in Salisbury
Internet Radio: www.wicoam.com

The Series
The Sea Gulls and the Pride are meeting for the fourth time. Greensboro leads the series 2-1, including a 22-16 victory at home last year. Salisbury posted a 52-28 win the last time the teams met at Sea Gull Stadium, with Tony Ellis posting a career-high of 255 yards rushing in that 2000 game. The home team has won each of the three previous meetings.

Last Week: Gulls Rush Past Methodist
The Sea Gulls rolled up 477 yards on the ground and 585 yards in total offense in a 45-20 win over Methodist in Fayetteville, NC. Ellis recorded the third-highest rushing total of his career, finishing with 181 yards. He scored on touchdown runs of four- and 15-yards. QB Dustin Johnson added 147 yards on 16 attempts, while FB Reggie Boyce finished with 65 yards, including a 13-yard TD run. Johnson rushed for one touchdown and threw for another, connecting with WR Kevin Belt on a 27-yard scoring toss.

Checking the History Book
Salisbury has registered its first 3-0 season start since 1986. The Sea Gulls won their first 13 games that season while advancing to the national championship game. Salisbury lost to Augustana in the final game to finish with a 13-1 record. Last week’s 477 rushing yards tied the team’s previous high during Coach Wood’s tenure. The Gulls amassed that same total vs. Greensboro in 2000. The team record is 563 yards rushing, set against Frostburg State in 1975.

Salisbury Records for Total Offense
633 yards vs Wesley                  10-15-88
609 yards vs Frostburg               11-15-75
585 yards at Methodist               9-21-02
585 yards vs Inter-American      12-4-76

Offensive Explosion
Salisbury finished with 29 first downs in last week’s game, its highest total since posting 29 first downs vs. Wesley in 1994. The Sea Gulls have also recorded their highest-ever point total after three games, with 120 points. This marks only the second time in team history that SU has registered 100-points or better through its first three games. The only other time that happened was in 1972, Salisbury’s first season of football.

Player of the Week
For the second time in three weeks, senior RB Tony Ellis was recognized as the Atlantic Central Football Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week. In addition to posting the third-highest single-game rushing total of his career, Ellis averaged 12.1 yards per attempt in last week’s victory at Methodist. He has raised his season average to 128.3 ypg, and ranks 22nd in the nation among this week’s NCAA Division III rushing leaders. One of just four players in Salisbury history with 3,000 yards or better, he now has 3,289 career rushing yards.

All-Time SU Rushing Leaders
1 - Levi Shade (1973-76)        3,649 yds
2 - Jim Watson (1973-76)       3,490
3 - Mike Coppa (1984-87)      3,325
4 - Tony Ellis (1998-pres)      3,289

Statistically Speaking
Salisbury is averaging 384.3 ypg rushing (ranked second in the nation), 100.4 ypg passing, and 484.7 ypg in total offense. The offense averages 7.5 yards per play. In addition to averaging 104 ypg rushing, QB Dustin Johnson has