SSU EARNS FIRST-EVER NCAA VOLLEYBALL
BERTH
November 9, 1998
Sea Gulls Face Gettysburg in First Round on Thursday
Salisbury State begins play in the 1998 NCAA Division III Volleyball Tournament this Thursday,
November 5 against Gettysburg in Huntingdon, PA. A victory would move the Sea Gulls into
Friday's regional semifinals against Moravian. Thursday's first round match begins at 5:30 p.m.
Gulls Are Number Six Seed in Mid-Atlantic Regional
Salisbury State, making its first-ever NCAA Tournament apeearance, is the number six seed in the
six-team Mid-Atlantic Regional being hosted by Juniata College. The regional format calls for a
single-elimination playoff, Thursday through Saturday, with the regional winner advancing to next
week's national quarterfinals. The seedings for the Mid-Atlantic Regional, with records noted --
#1 Juniata 36-1
#2 Moravian 27-6
#3 Gettysburg 29-8
#4 Lycoming 26-9
#5 Franklin & Marshall 28-8
#6 Salisbury State 25-13
Gulls vs. Regional Foes
Salisbury has a 2-4 cumulative record this season against the other memebers of the Mid-Atlantic
Regional field. SSU defeated Gettysburg 3-1 (15-8, 7-15, 15-6, 15-8) on October 23 in a regular
season tournament, also hosted by Juniata. The Sea Gulls lost 3-1 to Moravian on October 17;
lost 3-0 to Lycoming on September 11; and finished 1-2 in three matchups with Franklin &
Marshall this season.
Gulls Capture CAC Championship
Salisbury State won its first-ever Capital Athletic Conference championship with a 3-1 (15-7,
15-12, 14-16, 15-8) win over Marymount at home on Saturday. The Gulls had finished as the
CAC
runnersup in both 1996 and 1997. Salisbury won nine of 10 games played in three CAC
Tournament matches last week, having advanced to the final with earlier 3-0 wins against Catholic
and Gallaudet. The Sea Gulls were the number one seed for the CAC Tournament after finishing
6-1 in league play during the season.
Head Coach Margie Knight
Now in her second season at SSU, Knight brings a 45-29 career record into Thursday's
first-round match. Knight is no stranger to postseason success however, having won the Maryland
high school cham-pionship with her North Caroline (Md) HS team in 1990. As head coach of the
SSU softball team, she has also guided the Sea Gulls into the NCAA Tournament in both of her
two seasons, including a first-ever appearance in the College World Series in 1998.
Sea Gulls in 1998
Salisbury State enters the NCAA Tournament having won five of its last six matches. SSU has
played in seven tournaments this season, with one championship (CAC), three second place
finishes and one third place finish. Senior hitter Jen O'Neill (Woodsboro, MD) ranks anong the
conference leaders in both kills (3.09/gm) and hitting average (.303%)...Four-year letterwinner
Michelle Dugan (Ellicott City, MD) also ranks among the CAC hitting (.284%) and blocking
(0.98/gm) leaders...Soph. setter Katie Korreck (Frederick, MD) set new SSU season (1,410)
and career (2,225) assist records this year...The Gulls lead the nation in team digs (25.17) in the
latest NCAA statistics.
NCAA Tournament Notes
The championship tournament is comprised of 48 teams, with six squads selected from each of
eight geographic regions...UC San Diego is the defending national champion, having beaten
Juniata 3-2 in last year's championship final...Juniata has finished as the national runnerup four
times, including both 1996 and 1997.
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GULLS WIN CAC VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
November 7, 1998
Salisbury, MD -- Salisbury State captured its first-ever Capital Athletic Conference volleyball
championship with a 3-1 win over Marymount in the CAC Tournament final at home on Saturday.
Final game scores were: 15-7, 15-12, 14-16, 15-8.
SSU, the tournament's top seed, improved to 25-13 overall. Marymount, the #6 seed, finishes
23-14 overall. Salisbury State will receive word on its further postseason status on Monday when
pairings for the 48-team NCAA Championship Tournament are announced.
After winning game one 15-7, SSU rallied from an early 6-1 deficit to capture game two, 15-12.
The Sea Gulls fell behind early once again in game three, trailing 7-1 before rallying to tie the
game at 10-10. The game was tied four more times before Marymount won 16-14. In the final
game, the Salisbury broke a 7-7 tie by scoring eight of the final nine points to clinch the
championship.
Senior Jen O'Neill and sophomore Donna Hudson led a balanced Sea Gull attack with 12 kills and
18 digs each. Freshman Kara Kowalski added 11 kills and 19 digs. Michelle Dugan had 10 kills,
17 digs and 5 blocks. Sophomore setter Katie Korreck added to her SSU career assist record
with 4 assists and 17 digs.
SSU Head Coach Margie Knight: "I thought we played very well. We were very inspired and
played very aggressively throughout the match. I thought our passing was super tonight, and that
kept us in the match."
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SEA GULL SPORTS NOTEBOOK
November 4, 1998
News and Notes about SSU Athletics...
Volleyball Climbs in Poll
The Sea Gulls are sixth in this week's Mid-Atlantic region ranking, an improvement of two spots
from last week. Salisbury, 23-13 heading into Thursday's CAC Tournament semifinal match
against Gallaudet, will likely need to win the conference championship tournament to maintain its
ranking. The top six teams from the region will receive berths in the 48-team NCAA
Tournament, which begins next week.
Ellis is Rookie of the Week
Freshman RB Tony Ellis (Vienna, VA) is this week's Atlantic Central Football Conference Rookie
of the Week following his performance against nationally-ranked Western Maryland. Ellis rushed
for 132 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns. He ranks second in the conference in
rushing with 704 yards (88.0/game) and leads the Sea Gulls in scoring with 48 points.
Working Overtime
The women's soccer team did not have one overtime game during its regular season. However, in
its final two games of the year, played in the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament, the Sea
Gulls played a total of seven overtime periods. SSU went four overtimes in its semifinal round
game at St.Mary's, a total of 60 extra minutes, before winning the game on penalty kicks. Two
days later, the Sea Gulls played three overtime periods before falling 1-0 to Mary Washington in
the CAC Championship Game.
New Swim Records
It didn't take long to break back into the swimming recordbook this year. Sophomore Alison
Calcaterra (Severna Park, MD), who set nine team records as a freshman last year, broke two of
her own marks in Saturday's first dual meet of the season. Calcaterra set new pool marks in the
50-freestyle (28.24 seconds) and 100-freestyle (1:00.44). She was joined on the record-watch by
freshman Brendan Roddy (Rockville, MD), who shattered the pool record in the men's
800-freestyle by over 30 seconds (9:06.28)
Out of Action
Freshman cross country standout Suzy McCulloch (Ellicott City, MD), who has not lost to a
Division III runner this year, has seen her season ended by injury. McCulloch suffered a stress
fracture while winning the Mason-Dixon Championship two weeks ago, and will be shelved for
the
remainder of the season. She would have been the pre-race favorite to win this week's Capital
Athletic Conference Championship. Junior teammate Kerri Bowers (Salisbury) now becomes the
favorite to win the women's championship,
Sea Gull Nibbles
The volleyball team leads the nation in digs per game, 25.03, in the latest national statistics,
although
the Gulls have no individuals ranked among the top 20 in the category...Sophomore setter Katie
Korreck became SSU's alltime leader in assists (2,125) during last week's Elizabethtown
Classic...The field hockey team is making its 14th NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 15
seasons...Freshman Paul Kelly (35 pts) has passed teammate Mike Giuffrida (30 pts) for the men's
soccer conference scoring lead.
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FOOTBALL VISITS FERRUM IN ACFC FINALE
November 5, 1998
New Conference Rivals Meet for First Time Since 1990
The Salisbury State University football team will wrap up its inaugural Atlantic Central Football
Conference schedule when it visits new league rival Ferrum College at 1 p.m. Saturday. The Sea
Gulls (2-6 overall, 0-4 ACFC) will try to snap a six-game losing streak, while the Panthers (6-2,
2-1) will try to halt a two-game skid.
Last Week: Gulls Fall to Undefeated Western Maryland
Salisbury State held unbeaten Western Maryland to just 19 total yards in the first half and a 9-3
halftime lead, but the Green Terror scored 27 second half points for a 36-17 win to spoil Senior
Day at Sea Gull Stadium. Tony Ellis (Vienna, VA) kept the Sea Gulls close in the second half
with two touchdown runs, including a 60-yard dash. Salisbury's defense registered five
quarterback sacks and limited Western Maryland, ranked third in the South Region, to -1 yard
rushing in the first half. The Green Terror improved to 8-0 with the victory.
Ellis Named ACFC's Rookie of the Week
Freshman RB Tony Ellis was named the ACFC's Rookie of the Week for his performance against
Western Maryland. Ellis rushed for 132 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns. The
effort marked the third time this year Ellis topped the 100-yard rushing mark and the fifth time in
eight games a Sea Gull back surpassed the century plateau. Ellis ranks second in the conference
in rushing with 704 yards (88.0 yards per game) and leads Salisbury in scoring with 48 points. He
needs just 58 yards to register SSU's highest single-season rushing effort since Byron Pugh rushed
for 1,017 yards in 1994. Ellis's honor marked the sixth time in 1998 that a Sea Gull won one of
the ACFC's
weekly awards.
Statistically Speaking
The Sea Gulls are averaging 19 points per game and are outgaining their opponents by an average
of 292-277 ypg. Salisbury leads the ACFC in sacks with 24 (for -98 yards) and in pass defense,
allowing just 121 ypg. Versatile CB Tony Hill (Mechanicsville, MD) leads the conference in
kickoff returns with a 40.7 average. QB Matt Main (Middletown, MD), who has started five
games and relieved the injured Ray D'Ambrosio (Severn, MD) in the Western Maryland game,
ranks second in the ACFC in passing with 131.4 ypg. RB Myron Dent (Landover, MD) is second
on the team in rushing with 474 yards and 67.7 ypg. TE Ryan Brooks (Annandale, VA) continues
to top the Gulls in receiving with 20 catches for 216 yards. LB Scott MacRobbie (Sloatsburg,
NY) is the team's tackle leader with 69 for the season, including 12 in last week's game against
Western Maryland.
Scouting Ferrum
The Panthers began the year with a six-game win streak and are currently tied with Frostburg
State for second in the ACFC with a 2-1 league record. Offensively, Ferrum is led by the
conference's second best rushing attack that averages 203.4 ypg. Four different backs have
topped the 200-yard
mark for the season, including team leader Randy Anderson, who has 428 yards on 105 carries
and eight touchdowns. Anderson's 71.3 ypg average is fourth in the ACFC, though the Panthers
may be without his services as he was injured in last week's game, a 3-0 loss at Emory & Henry.
QB Brandon Rimes has passed for 384 yards and two touchdowns and has rushed for 267 yards
and one score. Ferrum has the conference's worst passing offense, averaging just 66.3 ypg. The
Panthers have the stingiest defense in the ACFC, allowing only 11.0 ppg. Against the pass,
Ferrum is yielding 122.5 ypg, second in the conference, and has 13 interceptions. LB J.C.
Harmon leads the Panthers with 68 tackles. DE John Brest has a team-high four sacks.
Looking Ahead
The Sea Gulls conclude their season with a non-conference game "under the lights" at William
Paterson next Friday, Nov. 13. Game time in Wayne, NJ, is 7:30 p.m. Ferrum next Saturday
travels to conference front-runner Wesley.
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GULLS RETURN TO NCAA FIELD HOCKEY
TOURNAMENT
November 3, 1998
Sea Gulls Face Lebanon Valley in First Round
Salisbury State begins play in the 1998 NCAA Division III Field Hockey Tournament this
Saturday, November 7 against Lebanon Valley in Geneva, NY. A victory would move the Sea
Gulls into Sunday's national quarterfinals against the winner of Saturday's Wittenberg-William
Smith game, also to be played in Geneva.
The schedule for the regional hosted by William Smith in Geneva, NY
Saturday---11 am....William Smith (14-2) vs. Wittenberg (16-4)
..............1:30 pm...Salisbury State (13-5) vs. Lebanon Valley (13-7)
Sunday--1:30 pm....Regional Championship Game
Gulls vs. Regional Foes
Salisbury has not played any of its three regional foes previously this season, but has faced two of
the three in past years...Salisbury and Lebanon Valley have not played since the 1992 season...The
Gulls won that contest, played as part of the SSU Invitational, 2-0...Salisbury State's alltime
record against each team:
vs. Lebanon Valley....SSU leads series 2-0
vs. William Smith......WSC leads series 2-0
vs. Wittenberg..........(Teams have never met)
SSU in NCAA Play
Salisbury State is making its 14th trip to the tournament in the last 15 years... The Gulls qualified
for the NCAA Championship Tourn-ament nine straight times from 1984-92 and have returned to
the field five straight years after missing out in 1993...Having won the national championship with
a 21-0 record in 1986, the Gulls are one of just seven teams to have claimed the Division III title
since its inception in 1981... Salisbury has advanced to the national semifinals on three other
occasions: 1987, 1988 and 1992... Last year, Salisbury entered the tournament ranked first in the
nation, but lost 1-0 at home against Messiah in the regional final...SSU is 19-13 alltime in NCAA
tournament games, including 11-2 in the first round...SSU's 14 tournament appearances is tied for
third highest in NCAA Division III history.
Head Coach Dawn Chamberlin
Now in her 12th season, she brings a 156-62-8 overall record into Saturday's contest...
Chamberlin guided the Sea Gulls to national third-place finishes in 1987 and 1988 and a fourth
place finish in 1992.
Sea Gulls in 1998
For the fourth straight year, Salisbury State enters the NCAA Tournament as the champion of the
Capital Athletic Conference... The Gulls defeated Mary Washington 3-2 in overtime in last
Saturday's title match...The Gulls enter the NCAA Tournament having won eight of their last nine
games...Senior Megan Hopper is the team's leading scorer with 12 goals and 26 total
points...She tallied all three markers in the CAC Championship Game...Freshman Marie
Brewington (7g) and senior Courtney Ball (4g-6a) are tied for second in scoring with 14 points
each...Junior goalie Kelly Snyder has seven shutouts and a .795 saves percentage...The Sea Gulls
have outscored their opponents 39-17 this season.
NCAA Tournament Notes
William Smith is the defending national champion, having won the 1997 title with a 3-0 victory
over Cortland State in the championship game...This year's 16-team field is comprised of teams
from six different geographic regions...The Sea Gulls were one of three teams, along with Eastern
Mennonite and Gettysburg, selected from the South Region.
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GULLS HOST GREEN TERROR IN FINAL FOOTBALL
HOME GAME
October 28, 1998
Salisbury State (2-5) vs. Western Maryland (7-0)
Sea Gull Stadium -- 1 p.m. -- WICO AM 1320
The Series
The teams are meeting for just the second time ever. Western Maryland blanked Salisbury 11-0 in
the first meeting last year. The teams are not scheduled to continue the series after this season.
Last Year's Game
Despite a solid defensive effort that limited Western Maryland to 189 total yards, Salisbury State
dropped an 11-0 decision to the Green Terror, which remained unbeaten at 8-0 en route to an
appearance in the NCAA playoffs. The shutout was the first against the Sea Gulls since the
opening game of the 1993 season, a span of 43 games.
Seniors in Final Home Game
Six Sea Gull seniors will be playing their final home games this Saturday. The players, all starters,
making their final appearances at Sea Gull Stadium are:
WR Ron Owens (Baltimore); WR Brian Doyle (Pasadena, MD); CB Tony Hill
(Mechanicsville, MD); LB Scott MacRobbie (Sloatsburg, NY); DT Mike Francingues
(Brandywine, MD); and OL Rick Trinidad (Springfield, VA).
Last Week: Gulls Fall Against Wesley
Despite leads of 14-0 and 21-7, the Gulls eventually lost 31-24 to Wesley in a Family Day clash at
home. Touchdown runs by Tony Ellis (Vienna, VA) and Ray D'Ambrosio (Severn, MD)
provided the Gulls with the early lead. Brian Doyle's (Pasadena, MD) 11-yard touchdown
reception in the third quarter increased the margin to 21-7 before Wesley rallied. D'Ambrosio
finished with 138 yards passing while Ellis and Myron Dent (Landover, MD) combined for 84
yards to lead the ground game. DE Khalid Attia (Woodbrodge, VA) and SS Du'Juan Wilson
(Baltimore) led the defense with seven tackles each.
By The Numbers
The Sea Gulls are averaging 19.3 ppg and 290 yards of total offense. The rushing attack averages
138 yards per contest, with Tony Ellis averaging 81.7 ypg and Myron Dent averaging 72.0 ypg.
Ellis is also the team's leading scorer with six touchdown and 36 total points. QB Ray
D'Ambrosio has completed 61.8% of his passes as the starter in the last two games. He is
averaging 124.5 ypg. TE Ryan Brooks (Annandale, VA) continues to lead the team in receiving
with 17 catches for 188 yards. LB Scott MacRobbie (Sloatsburg, NY) is the tackles leader with
55. Du'Juan Wilson is second with 33 tackles. The defense is limiting opponents to 274 ypg.
Sizing Up the Green Terror
For the second straight year, Western Maryland brings an unblemished 7-0 mark into its matchup
with the Sea Gulls. WMC downed Franklin & Marshall 28-13 last week as QB Ron Sermarini
passed for 199 yards and four touchdowns. Tim Herb and Mike Starke caught two TD passes
each. The victory extended Western Maryland's regular season win streak to 17 straight. The
Green Terror are ranked third in the South Region and seventh
in this week's USA III national poll.
Sea Gull Nibbles
The Gulls have had a 100-yard rusher in four of seven games this season...SSU finished with a
season-high 37:00 minutes in possession time in last week's game...Tony Hill is averaging 42.7
yards/return on seven kickoffs, which would lead the nation if he had enough attempts to
qualify...The Gulls close the season with road games at Ferrum and William Paterson.
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SEA GULL SPORTS NOTEBOOK
October 27, 1998
Going for Four
The field hockey team, 11-5 overall, begins its quest for a fourth straight Capital Athletic
Conference championship when it hosts Catholic at 3 p.m on Thursday. The Gulls are the number
one seed for the tournament and carry a 27-game CAC winning streak into Thursday's contest.
With a win, SSU will host either Mary Washington or York in Saturday's championship. NCAA
Tournament bids will be announced on Monday.
Shutout Central
The women's soccer team posted its 10th shutout of the season and third straight on Monday with
its 3-0 win over Goucher in the opening round of the CAC Tournament. Sophomore goalie Amy
Forbes recorded her 20th career shutout in that game, second best in team history. SSU, 13-5
overall, needs a victory over St. Mary's in Thursday's semifinal to extend its championship
appearance streak. Now in its fifth varsity season, the Gulls have appeared in the CAC
Championship Game every season.
The Regional Game
The men's soccer team, 11-3-1, brings a four-game winning streak into the final week of the
regular season. SSU is ranked fifth in this week's South Region poll, and faces #10 Christopher
Newport on Wednesday and #5 Washington & Lee at home on Saturday. The Gulls must finish
the year as one of the top four teams in the region to earn their first-ever NCAA Tournament
berth. SSU begins play in the CAC Tournament at home on Monday.
Nation's Best, With an Asterisk
Senior Tony Hill's (Mechanicsville, MD) 42.7 yard average on kickoff returns is best in the nation.
Unfortunately, Hill is not officially listed in the NCAA statistics because he doesn't have enough
attempts. Hill has seven returns through seven games. The NCAA minimum is 1.2 returns/game.
The current leader is averaging 34.9 yds/return.
Running Like Marines
Three members of the extended SSU tennis family completed last Sunday's Marine Corps
Marathon in Washington, DC. Head Coach John Browning, former assistant coach April Quigley
and senior JD Zachary all completed the 26.2-mile run in under five hours. "It was an amazing
experience," said Browning, a first-time marathoner. "There is so much positive support
throughout the race from everybody. Its an unbelievable feeling."
Sea Gull Nibbles
The volleyball team, 19-11, needs one more victory to clinch its fourth straight 20-win
season...Freshman Suzy McCulloch won the Mason-Dixon Cross Country Championship by :24
seconds over teammate Kerri Bowers last week...Bowers, meanwhile, was one minute ahead of
the third place finisher from Mary Washington...Sea Gulls Mike Giuffrida (28 pts) and Paul Kelly
(26 pts) continue to rank 1-2 in the CAC men's soccer scoring race...The men's and women's
swim teams host defending CAC champion Mary Washington in the first dual meet of the season
on Saturday at 1 p.m.
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WESLEY 31, SALISBURY 24 (Family Day Football
Game)
October 24, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- Jabbar Truitt rushed for 112 second-half yards and one touchdown as
Wesley rallied from a 14-0 deficit to capture a 31-24 Atlantic Central Football Conference victory
over Salisbury State before 1,268 on Family Day at Sea Gull Stadium.
Steve Azzanesi threw one touchdown pass and rushed for another score as the Wolverines
improved to 4-2 overall and 1-0 in the ACFC. The Sea Gulls dropped their fifth straight game to
fall to 2-5 and 0-4.
Salisbury received the opening kickoff and marched 53 yards on 10 plays, scoring on Tony Ellis's
one-yard run. Early in the second quarter, the Sea Gulls took advantage of an 11-yard punt by
Wesley's Ed Woodruff that gave Salisbury the ball at the Wolverines' 19-yardline. Quarterback
Ray D'Ambrosio put the Sea Gulls up 14-0 with a one-yard sneak.
Wesley got on the scoreboard with 3:55 remaining in the half, scoring on Azzanesi's 11-yard
scamper that came four plays after the Wolverines recovered an Ellis fumble at the Salisbury 22.
After the Sea Gulls went up 21-7 on Brian Doyle's 11-yard pass from D'Ambrosio with 8:03 left
in the third, Duane Manson returned the ensuing kickoff 43 yards to the Salisbury 37. Truitt took
the next play the distance to bring the Wolverines to within seven.
Wesley got the ball right back when linebacker Greg Gulley intercepted D'Ambrosio at the
Salisbury 17 with 6:05 to go in the quarter. Four plays later, Azzanesi found Vandrick Hamlin in
the endzone from five yards out to tie the game.
After kicker Paul Jacko put the Sea Gulls up 24-21 with a 23-yard field goal, Wesley's Dwight
Uptgrow sacked D'Ambrosio, one of seven Wolverine sacks on the day, in the endzone for a
safety with 13:06 left in the game. Manson returned Jacko's ensuing free kick 54 yards to the
Salisbury 21. Three plays later, Roger Wright added the clinching touchdown with a four-yard
run.
Wesley has now won three straight over the Sea Gulls to take a 5-4 series lead. Salisbury next
Saturday hosts nationally-ranked Western Maryland in a non-conference game at 1 p.m. The
Wolverines travel to Chowan for a 1 p.m. ACFC game.
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SSU SWIMMERS BEGIN NEW SEASON AT HOME
October 22, 1998
Salisbury Hosts Seven-Team Sea Gull Relays
SALISBURY -- The 1998-99 varsity swim season kicks off on Saturday for the Salisbury State
University men's and women's teams. Head Coach Jill Stephenson's squads start the year with the
Sea Gull Relays, formerly known as the Capital Athletic Conference Relays, at the Maggs Pool on
campus. The seven-team event begins at 1 p.m.
"This is the biggest field we've had for the event," said Stephenson, now in her fourth season at
SSU. "There are no individual events, just relays. The important thing is the experience of
competing with outside teams. Our swimmers are ready to get the season started."
The Sea Gull women return nine letterwinners from last year's squad that finished 5-5 overall and
placed fourth in the conference. The men combine six returning letterwinners with six newcomers
for added depth that should help bring improvement over last season's 2-6 record.
"Both squads are in much better shape than they were at this time last year," said Stephenson.
"We've had some impressive times in the preseason because so many of our swimmers came back
in better shape."
Coming off record-setting freshman campaigns, sophomores Alison Calcaterra and Rebecca
Mitchell are expected to lead the women's squad this season. Both posted national qualifying
times last season, with Calcaterra qualifying in the 100 freestyle and Mitchell qualifying in the 200
free.
"We have realistic expectations that both will qualify for nationals again this year," said
Stephenson.
Other top returnees for the women's team include junior Teresa Piekarski (breaststroke), senior
Jen Herzig (breaststroke), and senior Ali Dispenzieri (freestyle, IM).
Stephenson also cites two freshmen -- Julie Wood and Jessie Hobson -- who have been impressive
through the preseason and should make a strong impact this season.
"We're in good position with the returnees we have to be able to score in all events," said
Stephenson.
Key returnees expected to help the men's squad improve on last season's showing include junior
Mike Nusbaum, (IM); senior Jeff Waltz (freestyle); and sophomore Scott DeJesus (freestyle,
IM). Freshman Brendan Roddy (freestyle) should also contribute immediately.
"We have better depth on the men's team this year, which gives us a better chance to score even if
we don't win the event,"said Stephenson. "We're in much better position than we've been in the
past."
Stephenson likes the fact that the Sea Gulls have a chance to start the season with a relatively
low-key event.
"There is less pressure in this relay meet than there is in dual meets," explained Stephenson.
"Hopefully, its a fun way for the athletes to start the season. For the coaches, we get to see a lot
of athletes doing a lot of different things, and also get a chance to see what the other conference
teams have this season."
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SEA GULL SPORTS NOTEBOOK
October 21, 1998
Number 12 and Rising
After two weeks at the number 20 position in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association
(NFHCA) poll, the Sea Gulls climbed to number 12 in this week's national ranking. More
importantly, SSU 10-5 following Tuesday's 3-0 loss at Rowan, is tied for second in the South
Region
ranking. The Gulls are vying for their 14th NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 15 years,
but
must finish the season as one of the top three teams in the region to earn the postseason bid.
D'Ambrosio Player of the Week
Freshman QB Ray D'Ambrosio (Severn, MD/Arch. Spalding HS) is this week's Atlantic Central
Football Conference Rookie of the Week. Making his first collegiate start last Saturday,
D'Ambrosio
completed 9 of 15 passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns as the Gulls dropped a close 21-14
encounter against nationally-ranked College of New Jersey.
Moving to the Top
Senior Mike Giuffrida (Fallston, MD/Fallston HS) and freshman Paul Kelly (Bel Air, MD/Fallston
HS) are ranked first and second in the Capital Athletic Conference men's soccer scoring race
through
Monday's
games. Giuffrida (10 goals, 28 points) has registered at least one goal or one assist in each of
SSU's last six games to help move to the CAC scoring lead. The forward is aiming for his second
straight scoring title. He also led the league last year with 16 goals and 36 total points. Kelly has
10
goals and 26 total points.
Three Win CAC Honors
Salisbury State athletes garnered three of the Capital Athletic Conferences' player of the week
awards this week. Giuffrida was selected as the men's soccer player of the week, while runners
Larry
O'Hara (Frederick, MD/Thomas Johnson HS) and Kerri Bowers (Parkside HS) swept the men's
and
women's cross country awards. O'Hara was SSU's top male finisher at the William & Mary
Invitational with a time of 26:33, while Bowers finished sixth in the women's division with a
personal-best time of 18:16.
Stingy Defense
The SSU women's soccer team has allowed just 10 goals through 15 games this season. The
Gulls lead the CAC in team defense with a 0.67 goals against average through Monday's game,
including a conference-best seven shutouts. SSU defeated Lynchburg 4-2 on Monday. The Gulls
cap the regular season with games against Goucher on Saturday and Widener on Sunday, before
beginning play in the CAC Tournament at home on Monday.
Sea Gull Nibbles
The men's and women's basketball teams begin preseason practices this Saturday, October
24...Both teams open the regular season in four weeks...Senior hitter Jen O'Neill (Woodsboro,
MD/Walkersville HS) earned her third all-tournament honor of the season at last week's Western
Maryland Volleyball Invitational...Teammate Michelle Dugan (Ellicott City, MD/Centennial HS)
registered a team-best .431 hitting percentage in that tournament...The men's and women's swim
teams begin their seasons by hosting the Sea Gull Relays at the Maggs Pool on Saturday...The
meet
begins at 1 p.m.
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SSU-WESLEY RENEW ROUTE 13 FOOTBALL
RIVALRY
October 20, 1998
Family Day at Sea Gull Stadium ...... Radio--WICO AM 1320
The Series
The alltime series is tied at 4-4, with Wesley having won two straight. SSU's last victory came in
1995, a 24-21 win in Dover. The alltime scores.
1986 at SSU 63, WC 13
1987 SSU 63, at WC 0
1988 at SSU 75, WC 6
1993 at WC 45, SSU 30
1994 WC 49, at SSU 47
1995 SSU 24, at WC 21
1996 WC 39, at SSU 7
1997 at WC 28, SSU 7
Last Year's Game
The Wolverines scored 14 points in the opening quarter and built a 21-0 halftime lead en route to
the victory. QB Matt Main paced the Gull offense with 189 yards passing. Main connected with
fellow frosh Rob Evans for SSU's only score, a 62-yard pass play that also accounted for Evans'
first career touchdown. Travis Royall led the defense with 14 tackles.
Last Week: Gulls Fall on Homecoming
RB Tony Ellis rushed for a career-high of 163 yards and QB Ray D'Ambrosio threw for 111 yards
and two touchdowns in his first career start but it wasn't enough as the Sea Gulls dropped their
fourth straight, 21-14 to The College of New Jersey. Trailing 14-0 at the half, the Gulls cut the
deficit in half when Ellis scored on a 38-yard screen play near the end of the third quarter.
Freshman Haki Lee scored his first career touchdown on a 22-yard catch and run at 6:51 of the
fourth quarter. D'Ambrosio was named ACFC Rookie of the Week for his play.
Wesley Making ACFC Debut
The Wolverines are playing their first conference game of the year and will face only three ACFC
opponents this season. Wesley brings a two-game winning streak to Sea Gull Stadium, including
last week's 41-6 win over Newport News Apprentice. Wesley is averaging 34.8 ppg and 373 ypg
in total offense.
Sea Gull Notables
With back-to-back 100-yard performances, including a career-high 163 rushing yards in last
week's game, RBTony Ellis has raised his season rushing average to 87.2 ypg...LB Scott
MacRobbie led the defense in tackles once again last week, finishing with 13...He has 50 on the
year...Tony Hill is averaging 42.4 yards/return on five kickoffs this season...SSU outgained New
Jersey 246-199 in total yards last week...The defense limited TCNJ to just 33 yards on the
ground...Ellis leads the Sea Gulls in scoring with five TDs and 30 points...Salisbury caps
its four-week homestand on October 31 with a 1 p.m. game against unbeaten Western Maryland.
SSU To Provide Free Child ID Kits at Game
Salisbury State, in conjunction with the American Football Coaches Association, will provide free
child identification kits to families in attendance at this week's SSU-Wesley football game at Sea
Gull Stadium. The ID kits contain an inkless process for fingerprinting and space for a picture and
other vital data. The completed information should be kept at home by parents and provided to
law enforcement authorities in case of emergency.
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GULLS LOSE 21-14 IN HOMECOMING GAME
October 17, 1998
College of New Jersey 21, Salisbury State 14
College of New Jersey quarterback Edward Byrnes threw for 156 yards and two touchdowns as
the visiting Lions jumped out to a 14-0 lead and held on for a 21-14 non-conference win over host
Salisbury State before 1,486 Homecoming fans at Sea Gull Stadium. The Lions improved to 5-1
overall, while the Sea Gulls dropped their fourth straight to fall to 2-4.
New Jersey sacked Salisbury quarterback Ray D'Ambrosio eight times and blocked three Sea
Gull kicks in winning its sixth straight over Salisbury to tie the all-time series at eight. The Lions'
last block, on a punt by Salisbury's Mike Fotiadis, led to the clinching touchdown, an 11-yard
pass from Byrnes to Jason Acosta that put New Jersey up 21-7 at 12:14 of the fourth quarter.
The Sea Gulls' Tony Hill returned the ensuing kickoff 55 yards to the Lions' 40. Salisbury
marched the distance in nine plays, scoring on D'Ambrosio's second touchdown pass of the day, a
31-yarder to Haki Lee that brought the Sea Gulls to within seven with 6:51 to play. Salisbury got
the ball back with 1:14 remaining, but Mike Feeney broke up D'Ambrosio's fourth down pass to
seal the win for the Lions.
New Jersey also blocked two Salisbury field goal attempts. The Sea Gulls limited New Jersey to
33 yards rushing. Tony Ellis had career highs of 32 carries and 163 yards to lead Salisbury.
D'Ambrosio completed nine of 15 passes for 111 yards in his first career start.
The Sea Gulls host Wesley in an Atlantic Central Football Conference game at 1 p.m. next
Saturday. The Lions next Saturday host New Jersey City at 2 p.m.
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SEA GULL NOTEBOOK
October 13, 1998
Field Hockey Showdown
Saturday's football game will not be the only showdown of the day between Salisbury State and
the College of New Jersey. The two field hockey teams face off at noon in what is shaping up as
an important game for postseason positioning. After a sluggish 3-3 start, the 20th-ranked Sea
Gulls have won six of seven to improve to 9-4 overall and renew their chances for a bid to the
16-team NCAA Tournament field. A victory over the 11th-ranked Lions would further solidify
SSU's postseason chances.
Giuffrida Among Select Company
Senior forward Mike Giuffrida (Fallston, MD) of the men's soccer teamcontinues his ascent in the
Sea Gull recordbook. Heading into Wednesday's game at Goucher, Giuffrida needed one more
goal to tie former SSU all-American Matt Tirschman (1993-96) for second place in career goals
with 35. With 83 total points, he also ranks third on the career points list, trailing only Tirschman
(97) and SSU Hall of Famer Harry Winters (113).
Alumni Swimmers Return
Coach Jill Stephenson's men's and women's swim teams get a final preseason tuneup on Saturday
when they welcome back the alumni in a scrimmage meet. SSUbegins the 98-99 season on
October 24 when it hosts the Sea Gull Relays. About 20 former varsity swimmers are expected to
return for this week's alumni meet. The event begins at 11 a.m. at the Maggs Pool.
Player of the Week
Freshman Marie Brewington (James M. Bennett HS) is this week's Capital Athletic Conference
field hockey player of the week. Brewington has scored SSU's first goal in three straight
conference games, including Tuesday's 5-0 shutout at St. Mary's, helping to extend SSU's CAC
win streak to 27 straight. She has six goals for 12 points on the season.
Sea Gull Nibbles
The men's soccer team is fifth in this week's South Region rankings...The region's top four teams
will earn a bid to the NCAA Championship Tournament....Freshman cross country standout Suzy
McCulloch (Ellicott City, MD/Glenelg HS) added another win to her impressive resume by
claiming top honors in last week's Maryland State Championship...McCulloch finished 42 seconds
ahead of her closest competitor... Women's soccer goalie Amy Forbes (Ewing, NJ) leads the
conference in shutouts (6), save percentage (85.2%) and goals against average (0.66)...Tuesday's
women's soccer game against Widener was postponed due to travel problems for the visiting
Pioneers...No reschedule date has been announced.
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SALISBURY HOSTS TCNJ FOR HOMECOMING
October 13, 1998
Saturday, October 17 (1 p.m.)
Radio: WICO 1320 AM
The SSU-CNJ Series
Salisbury leads the series between the teams 8-7, although The College of New Jersey (formerly
Trenton State) has won five straight. The College of New Jersey has won all five meetings
between the teams since the rivalry was renewed in 1993 after an eight year hiatus. The last time
these teams met at Sea Gull Stadium, in 1996, QB Pete Harteveld's five-yard TD pass to WR
Tino Russo with :32 seconds remaining lifted the Lions to a 17-14 come-from behind win.
Last Year's Game
The Gulls dropped a 35-7 decision on the artificial turf of Lions Stadium in Trenton. The Lions
built an early 14-0 lead, then outscored the Gulls 21-0 in the second period to take control. SSU
avoided its first shutout in four years by scoring on the game's final play, a nine-yard scoring toss
from QB Matt Main to WR Brian Doyle. Ryan Pusey added the extra-point kick with :00
showing on the clock. On the bright side, SSU's scoring drive
covered 85 yards in 15 plays and consumed the final 5:42 of the game, while RB Mac James
finished with 114 yards rushing.
Last Week
The Gulls fell below .500 for the first time this season and remained winless in the Atlantic
Central Football Conference by falling 26-10 to Chowan. RB Tony Ellis, who finished with a
career-high 133 yards rushing, scored on a 19-yard first quarter TD to give the Gulls the early
lead. After Chowan tied the game, Paul Jacko's 23-yard field goal in the second quarter pushed
SSU back in front 10-7. The Braves outscored the Gulls 19-0 the rest of the way however to
record their first victory over SSU in five attempts.
Ellis Fills the Shoes
Freshman RB Tony Ellis registered his first career 100-yard game with his 133 yard effort last
week. Ellis had a busy afternoon while subbing for starter Myron Dent, who left the game after
two plays with an injury. In addition to a season-high of 26 carries, the Vienna, VA native also
had three pass receptions for 52 yards and added his first punt return of the season. Ellis is the
team's leading scorer through five games with four touchdowns and 24 total points.
Lions Present Formidable Challenge
The College of New Jersey appears headed for its third straight NCAA Tournament bid with
several impressive wins already posted on its 1998 resume. The Lions have beaten two other
members of the 97 postseason field in the past two weeks with wins over Rowan (28-27) and
Cortland State (32-23). TCNJ is averaging 30.4 ppg,
with a balanced attack that averages 138 yards rushing/game and 133 yards passing. The defense
generated three scores last week, with two interception returns and one fumble return for
touchdowns.
Sea Gull Nibbles
The Sea Gulls are 13-13 alltime in Homecoming Day games... The Gulls will be trying to win their
fourth straight non-conference game...SSU began the year with non-ACFC wins against Ursinus
and Alfred and also beat William Paterson in last year's final game...SSU has nine different
receivers with at least two receptions...Eight of the nine are averaging 10 yards or better per
catch...Brian Doyle is averaging 8.2 yards per punt return,
including a season-best 23 yarder against Chowan last week...CB Tony Hill recorded his third
interception of the season last week and the seventh of his career....The Sea Gulls are averaging
305 yards of total offense per
game (150 rush, 155 pass)... SSU continues its October homestand with games against Wesley
and Western Maryland on the next two Saturdays.
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GULLS FALL 26-10 TO CHOWAN
October 10, 1998
SALISBURY, Md. -- Lamont Boone rushed for 127 yards and two touchdowns to lift visiting
Chowan to a 26-10 victory over host Salisbury State today in an Atlantic Central Football
Conference game at Sea Gull Stadium. Chowan earned its first-ever victory in five meetings with
the Sea Gulls and improved to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the ACFC, while Salisbury dropped its third
game in a row to fall to 2-3 overall and 0-3 in the conference.
After Salisbury took a 10-7 first quarter lead, the Braves outscored the Sea Gulls 19-0 to
conclude the game. Chowan recovered a Salisbury fumble with 5:08 remaining in the second
quarter. The Braves marched 69 yards on eight plays, taking the lead for good on Chris Dent's
41-yard touchdown pass to Marchavis Johnson.
On the next possession, Chowan's David Boyd intercepted Salisbury quarterback Matt Main and
returned it to the Braves' 47 yardline. Chowan drove to the Sea Gull 25 yardline, and Justin
Trout converted the first of his two field goals on the afternoon, a 42-yarder as time expired to
give the Braves a 16-10 halftime lead.
Boone, who had 20 carries on the day, scored his second touchdown with 8:14 remaining in the
third to put the Braves up 23-10. He notched his first score on a 15-yard scamper with 8:51 to go
in the first quarter that culminated a three-play, 73-yard Chowan drive that tied the game at seven.
The Sea Gulls had received the opening kickoff and drove 69 yards on 11 plays, taking a 7-0 lead
on Tony Ellis's 19-yard touchdown run. Ellis finished with 133 yards on 26 carries for Salisbury.
Salisbury State steps out-of-conference next Saturday, hosting the College of New Jersey for
Homecoming at 1 p.m. Chowan travels to Ferrum for a 1:30 p.m. ACFC game.
Back to Top
GULLS BEGIN FOUR-WEEK FOOTBALL HOMESTAND
October 7, 1998
Salisbury State (2-2, 0-2 ACFC) vs. Chowan (2-3, 1-1 ACFC) -- 1 p.m.
Radio: WICO 1320 AM
The Series
Salisbury and Chowan are meeting for the fifth straight year, with the Sea Gulls holding a 4-0
edge in the series. Previous scores between the teams:
1994 SSU 35-2
1995 SSU 21-6
1996 SSU 23-0
1997 SSU 28-17
Last Year's Game
The Sea Gulls scored twice on kickoff returns and twice with rushing touchdowns in the fourth
quarter to rally for a 28-17 win at Chowan. Tony Hill returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a
touchdown and Brian Doyle added a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown in the second quarter, but
the Gulls still trailed 17-14 entering the fourth quarter. RB Jamal Avery's 10-yard TD run early in
the final period put the Gulls ahead for good, and Mac James added an insurance score with a
one-yard plunge with 4:49 remaining.
Last Week
Salisbury State had an open date in the schedule. The Sea Gulls have not played since a 17-14
loss at Frostburg two weeks ago. Chowan is coming off one of its biggest victories in recent
years, a 29-16 win over the same Frostburg team last week. The Braves rallied for their first
ACFC win by outscoring the Bobcats 17-0 in the fourth quarter. Chowan tallied 317 yards of
total offense, led by Lamont Boone's 84 yards rushing and QB Chris Dent's 120 yards through the
air.
Dent Paces SSU Attack
RB Myron Dent has been SSU's primary offensive weapon through four games. The junior ranks
2nd in the conference in rushing, averaging 98.5 yards per game and 5.7 yards/carry. Tony Ellis is
adding 56.8 yards/game and is tied for the team lead in scoring with three touchdowns. QB Matt
Main adds 149 yards per game passing, with three touchdowns. TE Ryan Brooks, 12 catches, and
WR Ryan Lambert, 10 catches, have been his favorite targets.
Morandi Leads Sack Exchange
The SSU defense has already recorded 14 sacks this season, with junior Chris Morandi leading the
way with five solos. DE Tony Rulapaugh is second with 3.5. LB Scott MacRobbie is the overall
tackles leader with 34. He registered a season-high of 14 against Frostburg two week's ago,
earning
ACFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. SSU's cornerbacks Tony Hill and Seth Haskins
have also earned Player of the Week honors this season, while freshman FS Du'Juan Wilson was
Rookie of the Week following the game against Methodist.
Scouting the Braves
Chowan enters Saturday's game averaging 134 yards rushing per game and 120 yards passing.
Boone is the team's top rusher, averaging 57.6 ypg. Timmy Carter's 35.6 average per game is next
highest. Dent has completed 45 of 96 passes for 450 yards and six touchdowns in five games.
Jeremy Forbes leads the receivers with 16 catches for 244 yards and three touchdowns. Chowan's
defense has recorded 10 interceptions this year, including three in last week's victory over
Frostburg.
Sea Gull Nibbles
Tony Hill has scored three touchdowns this season: one by kickoff return, one by interception
return and one on a fumble return...Saturday's game is the first of four straight home games for
the Sea Gulls...Salisbury has not had a four-game homestand since 1988...SSU hosts the College
of New Jersey for Homecoming next week.
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SEA GULL SPORTS NOTEBOOK
October 6, 1998
Field Hockey Milestones
Senior forward Megan Hopper (Millsboro, DE/Sussex Central HS) became the seventh SSU
player
to record 100 career points when she reached the milestone in Saturday's 4-1 win over York.
Hopper
tallied her 44th career goal in that contest as the Sea Gulls (6-4, 2-0 CAC) extended their Capital
Athletic Conference winning streak to 23 straight, dating back to 1994. SSU's next victory, which
could come Wednesday at
Goucher, will also mark a milestone win in Head Coach Dawn Chamberlin's career. She needs
one
more win to record number 150 in her 12-year tenure.
Korreck With the Assist
Sophomore Katie Korreck (Frederick, MD/Thomas Johnson HS) is quickly approaching her own
volleyball milestone, which she is likely to reach in Tuesday's home match against Goucher.
Korreck,
the team's primary setter, needs 15 more assists to become the second Sea Gull player to record
1,500
assists in a career. She trails only Jen Bowman (2,121) on SSU's alltime list. The Sea Gulls carry
an
11-8 overall mark (2-1 CAC) into Tuesday's match.
Kelly's Heroics
Freshman forward Paul Kelly (Bel Air, MD/Fallston HS) has wasted little time in making an
impact
on the men's soccer team. Kelly leads the Gulls (6-3, 2-1 CAC) in scoring with 8 goals, 3 assists
and
19 total points heading into Wednesday's home game against St. Mary's. Kelly has already etched
his name into the SSU recordbook by tying the single-game record with three assists in last week's
13-0 win over Gallaudet.
Just Around the Corner
The SSU Athletics Hall of Fame banquet is quickly approaching, with tickets for the October 16
gala
still available. This year's inductees are Robin Adair (field hockey); Mike Coppa (football); Deane
Deshon (baseball coach); and Dr. Norman Crawford (former University president). Tickets are
$25
and available by contacting the the SSU Alumni Office at 410-543-6042.
Unbeaten in the Division
Freshman cross country standout Suzy McCulloch (Ellicott City, MD/Glenelg HS) has not lost to
a
Division III runner through four races this season. She finished fourth in her first meet of the year
behind three runners from Navy. She won her next two races at the Wesley Invitational and
Dickinson Invitational. She finished second in this past weekend's SSU's Tidewater Invitational,
nine
seconds behind the winner from Bucknell University.
Sea Gull Nibbles
Prior to Monday's game, the women's soccer team had lost four games this season, all by the
identical
score of 1-0...SSU's upcoming four game football homestand is its longest since a similar four
game
home stretch in 1988...RB Myron Dent ranks second in rushing in the Atlantic Central Football
Conference with a 98.5 yards per game average...The Sea Gulls ranked second in the nation in
digs
(22.7 per game) in the most recent NCAA statistics.
Back to Top
FOUR HOME EVENTS HIGHLIGHT BUSY HOME
WEEKEND
October 2, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- The Salisbury State football team has an open date on its schedule this
week, but that doesn't mean that all will be quiet on the playing fields at SSU on Saturday. Four
other Sea Gull squads are in action at home, highlighted by a soccer doubleheader and a
first-place showdown in field hockey. In addition, the cross country team hosts its annual
Tidewater Invitational at Winter Place Park, beginning at 11 a.m.
The men's soccer team (6-2 overall, 2-0 CAC) has won three of its last four games, including a
record-setting 13-0 shutout of Gallaudet, entering Saturday's 1 p.m. game against York. The Sea
Gulls set new team marks for goals scored and margin of victory in Tuesday's win over Gallaudet.
The victory was also the team's fourth by shutout this year. The Gulls, ranked sixth in the South
Region, are 12-4-5 all-time vs. York. The Spartans (8-3, 3-0) bring a five-game win streak to
town, having outscored its opponents 20-3 during that stretch.
The women's soccer team (8-3 overall, 3-1 CAC) hosts St. Mary's in another Capital Athletic
Conference matchup at 3 p.m. The Gulls are coming off back-to-back shutouts, including a 3-0
win over Marymount on Wednesday. Salisbury has shut out six teams this year and has not
allowed an opponent to score more than once in a game since Mary Washington scored four goals
on Sept. 27, 1997, a streak of 23 consecutive games. SSU's record in those games is 18-5. The
Seahawks (5-2-1, 2-1-1) have won two straight, but have never beaten the Gulls. SSU is 6-0
all-time vs. St. Mary's.
The field hockey team (5-4 overall, 1-0 CAC) will try to rebound from Wednesday's 1-0
overtime loss against Washington with its first conference game since the season-opener on
September 5. Saturday's game against York is the first of four straight Capital Athletic
Conference games for the Gulls. SSU is the three-time defending CAC champion and has not lost
a conference game, regular season or postseason, since 1994. Salisbury has won 22 straight
games against conference teams, and has an alltime CAC record of 27-2 since joining the league
in 1994. York brings an 11-1 overall record and 2-1 CAC mark into the contest.
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TIDEWATER INVITATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS CROSS
COUNTRY WEEK ON THE EASTERN SHORE
September 29, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- It's cross country week on the Eastern Shore. Salisbury State University
hosts two meets this week with over 500 high school and college runners expected to compete.
SSU's annual Tidewater High School Invitational for boys and girls prep squads begins the
festivities on Thursday, October 1. Over 20 schools from across Delmarva will be represented.
The meet will be contested on the course at Winter Place Park in Salisbury. The girls' race begins
at 3:45 p.m., with the boys scheduled to run at 4:15.
"This race has become a tradition on the Shore and we're happy to serve as hosts," said Cliff
Latham, head coach of the Salisbury State University cross country teams and the race director
for the Tidewater Invitational. "We think its one of the top events in the region. Our goal is to
also make it a fun event for all the competing teams."
In addition to the high school meet, Salisbury State will host the college version of the Tidewater
Invitational on Saturday, October 3. Rowan, Western Maryland, Hartwick and Christopher
Newport are among the Division III teams scheduled to compete, along with Division I entries
from Geroge Mason and Bucknell. The college race will also run at Winter Place Park. The
women's event begins at 11 a.m., with the men to follow at 11:45.
"This will probably be the largest field we've ever had for the college meet," said Latham. "The
addition of the Division I squads also provides the toughest competition we're likely to see all
year."
With back-to-back wins at Wesley and the Dickinson Invitational in the past two weeks, SSU
freshman Suzy McCulloch has quickly emerged as one of the top runners in the region. She
finished first among 273 runners in last week's race at Dickinson, one of the largest events of the
season.
"Suzy led from start to finish in last week's race," said Latham. "She hasn't really been pushed
yet. The tougher competition this week should be a good test for her."
Junior Kerri Bowers and senior Caroline Rolker have also been among the team's top female
runners this season.
The SSU men finished 24th among 32 teams at last week's Dickinson Invitational, but are just
two weeks removed from their first place finish at Wesley. Sophomore Larry O'Hara and junior
Max Snavlin are among the top Sea Gull contenders.
"We're looking forward to the weekend," said Latham. "We're proud to show off our home
course and the area. We're looking forward to having a good meet."
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SSU HOSTS VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT THIS
WEEK
September 23, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- Coming off perhaps its best match of the season, a 3-0 win over Mary
Washington last week, the Salisbury State volleyball team hopes to carry that momentum into its
Sea Gull Invitational, which begins on Friday at the Maggs Center on campus. The two-day,
five-team round-robin tournament includes Catholic, Frostburg State, Washington College and
Richard Stockton. Matches begin at 5 p.m. on Friday. Saturday's action begins at 9 a.m.
All matches will be best three of five, 15-point games. The team with the best win-loss record will
be the tournament champion. In case of ties, head-to-head results, total games won and win-loss
percentage will be used as tiebreakers.
"We're playing real well as a group right now," said SSU Head Coach Margie Knight. "And
while it may be a cliche, it's very true that if you don't play well as a team in volleyball, you get
killed."
This weekend's tournament is one of six such events that dot the Sea Gull schedule this season,
but the only one at home.
"For coaches, its probably easier to go somewhere, get off the bus and play," said Knight. "But
for the players, it's nice to be at home with friends and family watching. You're also playing at
the same place you practice at everyday. Being used to the floor and the lights can be an
advantage."
With each team playing four matches in under 24 hours this weekend, conditioning can also
become a factor as the tournament progresses.
"I think we're in very good shape," said Knight. "When you play this many matches, you better
be in real good shape or have a great bench. It takes a lot out of the players."
SSU Notes-- The Gulls have won five of their last six matches entering the
tournament...Senior hitter Jen O'Neill currently ranks fourth in the conference in kills with
3.53/game...Freshman Kara Kowalski is second in the CAC in digs with 4.43/game...Sophomore
Katie Korreck ranks third in both digs, 4.16, and assists, 9.33/game... Frostburg is coached by
recent SSU graduate Jen Bowman, who served as Knight's assistant coach last season...The Sea
Gulls don't play at home again until October 6, when they host Gallaudet in a CAC match.
Back to Top
SWIMMER MITCHELL RECEIVES ACADEMIC
HONORS
September 23, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- Last year, Salisbury State freshman swimmer Rebecca Mitchell
(Salisbury/James M. Bennett HS) made quite an impact in her first collegiate season. She
set seven school records, and also met the NCAA qualifying standard in the 200 freestyle. Now,
as the Sea Gulls begin preparations for the 1998-99 season, Mitchell is also making an impact out
of the water.
Each semester, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America recognizes its academic
all-Americans. These are swimmers who have excelled in the pool as well as in the classroom.
For the first time ever, Salisbury State is represented on that list.
Mitchell was recognized as one of 16 academic all-American honorable mention selectees for the
Spring 1998 semester. In order to earn the award, Mitchell carried a 3.8 grade point average as a
Liberal Arts major for the full academic year.
"It's quite an accomplishment," said SSU Head Coach Jill Stephenson. "Just to be
considered, you must have at least a 3.5 GPA for the full academic year. In addition, you have to
make at least one national qualifying standard, which Rebecca did in the 200 freestyle. She's the
first one from our team to receive this honor."
While Mitchell becomes the first Sea Gull to earn the individual distinction, the Salisbury State
squads have been recognized by the CSCAA for their cumulative team GPAs for several seasons.
Both teams continued that tradition during the spring by accruing cumulative grade point averages
of 3.0 or higher.
"Receiving the team award for each semester is one of our team goals," said Stephenson. "The
Spring 1998 semester was the fifth in a row that both our men and women have received this
honor."
Coming off a year in which the men and women combined for 13 new school records, the Sea
Gulls have already begun workouts for the 1998-99 season.
"Our swimmers have come back in very good shape," said Stephenson. "Although we're in our
first week of workouts, they are already doing more yardage than at this point last year."
Both SSU squads open the new season on October 24 at home with the Sea Gull Relays.
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NEW TWIST TO SSU-FSU FOOTBALL RIVALRY
September 22, 1998
Long-time Rivals Meeting for First Time as Conference Foes
The Sea Gulls, who began play in the Atlantic Central Football Conference last Saturday, bring a
new twist into their oldest rivalry when they visit Frostburg this week. The cross-state foes are
meeting for the 26th time overall, but the first time as rivals in the ACFC.
Last Year vs. Frostburg
The two teams met on Homecoming Day in Salisbury and played the second-lowest scoring game
in the history of their rivalry. Led by the rushing of Orlando Jones, who finished with 167 yards
and a 19-yard TD run, the Bobcats beat the Sea Gulls 16-7. RB Mac James accounted for SSU's
only score on a three-yard run just before halftime. The tightly-contested affair featured six
turnovers and 20 punts between the two teams
Series Record
SSU leads 14-11. The teams have met every year since 1973, Salisbury's first full varsity season.
Frostburg has won eight of the last nine meetings, including last year's game, 16-7. Salisbury won
seven in-a-row between 1982-1988.
Series Notes
Biggest SSU Win -- 39 pts (1986)
Biggest FSU Win -- 38 pts (1980)
Most Consecutive Wins, SSU -- 7
Most Consecutive Wins, FSU -- 6
Most Points Scored, SSU -- 53 (1975)
Most Points Scored, FSU -- 46 (1994)
Highest Scoring Game -- 83 pts (1975)
Lowest Scoring Game -- 22 pts (1979)
Last Week: Missed Opportunities Doom Gulls
Despite racking up 361 yards of total offense and outgaining the home team by over 100 yards,
the Gulls dropped their ACFC opener 21-7 at Methodist. The Gulls made five trips into the red
zone, but came away empty on four of those visits. SSU scored its only touchdown on its first
possession of the third quarter, moving 62 yards in
10 plays before RB Tony Ellis (Vienna, VA) hit paydirt on a one-yard plunge. RB Myron Dent
(Landover, MD) enjoyed another strong rushing afternoon, finishing with 138 yards on 24 carries.
QB Matt Main (Middletown, MD) threw for 159 yards, but also had four passes intercepted.
Freshman WR Ryan Lambert (Laurel, MD) caught a career-high seven passes for 59 yards.
Sea Gull Notables
Junior DL Chris Morandi recorded two more sacks in last week's contest and has a
conference-best five sacks through three games...The Sea Gulls also lead the conference in two
other individual categories, with Dent tops in rushing at 112.7 ypg and Main leading in passing
yards with 165.3 ypg...SSU also leads the league in total offense with 341.0 ypg...TE Ryan
Brooks (Annandale, VA) caught five passes against Methodist and leads the team with 11
receptions through three games...LB Scott MacRobbie is the total tackles leader with
20...Beginning in 1999, the Salisbury-Frostburg game will move to the last week of the
regular season.
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SEA GULL SPORTS WEEKLY ROUNDUP
September 21, 1998
Hot Start Propells Men's Soccer to 5-1 Record
Aaron Szager (Havre de Grace, MD) and Paul Kelly (Bel Air, MD) scored first half goals to lead
the Sea Gulls to a 2-1 non-conference win at Eastern Mennonite on Saturday. Szager's unassisted
goal opened the scoring 6:36 into the game. After EMU had knotted the score, Kelly netted his
third of the year for the Gulls on an assist from Kyle Eberhardt (Damascus, MD) 22:50 into the
match.
Salisbury begins a five-game homestand when it hosts Frostburg State in another non-conference
match on Saturday. A victory would equal the team's 6-1 start from the 1992 season, a campaign
in which SSU established a new team record for wins by finishing 13-2-1 overall.
SSU Men, Women Winners at Wesley Cross Country Invitational
Salisbury State swept to victories in both the men's and women's divisions at the Wesley
Invitational Meet in Dover on Saturday, capturing top individual and team honors in both races.
SSU's Larry O'Hara (Frederick, MD) won the men's 8K race in a time of 27:10, finishing just two
seconds ahead of second place teammate Max Snavlin (Westminster, MD). SSU's Blair Morse
(Gambrills, MD) was fourth. The Gulls finished with 26 points, followed by Howard (30 pts),
Wesley (75) and Anne Arundel (75).
Freshman Suzy McCulloch (Ellicott City, MD) won the women's individual title by covering the
5K layout in a time of 19:10. SSU finshed with five of the top six runners overall. Kerri Bowers
was second in 19:12, followed by Caroline Rolker (Towson, MD) in third, Jen Tessier (New
Market, MD) in fourth and Katey Cecil (Frederick, MD) in sixth. SSU finished with 16 points,
followed by Anne Arundel (68), Howard (72) and Wesley (86). Both Sea Gull squads race in the
Dickinson (Pa) Invitational next Saturday.
Field Hockey Places Second in SSU Invitational
The Gulls, 3-3 overall, placed second in their annual tournament, falling 2-1 in overtime to
Eastern Mennonite in the tournament final on Sunday. SSU had posted wins over Nazareth (4-0)
and Denison (3-0) earlier in the two-day event. Seniors Bonnie Wilson (Wilmington, DE) and
Megan Hopper (Millsboro, DE) led the Gulls with three goals each in the three tournament
games.
Gulls Host Volleyball Tournament This Weekend
Coming off a 3-0 win over Mary Washington on Saturday, SSU hosts its annual Sea Gull
Tournament this Friday and Saturday. The Gulls bring a 6-3 overall record into this weekend's
event which also includes Catholic, Richard Stockton, Frostburg and Washington. The
round-robin event begins at 5 p.m. on Friday at the Maggs Center on campus.
Weekend Split Leaves Women's Soccer at 6-2
The women's soccer team, 6-2 overall, visits Mary Washington this week in a key Capital Athletic
Conference match. The Gulls closed a five-game homestand last weekend by splitting two games.
SSU downed York 4-0 in its CAC opener before falling to Haverford 1-0 in a non-conference
match.
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GULLS HOST SSU FIELD HOCKEY INVITATIONAL
September 17, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- The annual SSU Field Hockey Invitational returns to the Eastern Shore this
weekend as the Gulls play host to the two-day, four-team tournament. The round-robin schedule
for the event:
Saturday...8:30 a.m....Salisbury State (1-2) vs. Nazareth (3-2)
...............10:30 a.m....Eastern Mennonite (5-0) vs. Denison (4-2)
.................3:30 p.m....Denison vs. Salisbury State
..................5:00 p.m...Nazareth vs. Eastern Mennonite
Sunday......9:00 a.m....Nazareth vs. Denison
................11:15 a.m....Salisbury State vs. Eastern Mennonite
The team with the best win-loss record following three round-robin contests will claim the
tournament championship. In case of ties, head-to head results and goals allowed will be used as
the tiebreakers.
Three of the four participating teams are ranked in this week's field hockey coaches national top
20 poll. Eastern Mennonite checks in at number 10, Salisbury is ranked 16th and Denison is 20th.
"This is a very strong field and there will be some pressure on us to do well," said SSU Head
Coach Dawn Chamberlin. "We've played our last two games on artificial turf, but now we're back
on our own turf and its a good opportunity to have the home field advantage.
"This is always a fun weekend, not only for the players, but for parents and fans also. There's
great competition with four teams at one site and everybody enjoys it. This weekend is like a field
hockey festival."
The Sea Gulls are 1-2 overall entering Saturday's first game. After opening the season with a 3-0
victory over Catholic, the Gulls have been blanked twice on the road, falling 3-0 at Messiah and
1-0 in overtime at Johns Hopkins on Wednesday.
"We applied great pressure throughout the game against Hopkins," said Chamberlin. "We just
didn't get it in the net. We need our forwards to finish on our scoring chances and to place their
shots better. We have lots of talent and I'm confident that we'll progress to where we hope to
be."
Salisbury State owns a 4-0 alltime record against Denison, including a 5-1 win in last year's SSU
Invitational. The Gulls are 2-2-2 in six games previously with Eastern Mennonite. Salisbury and
Nazareth have never met before.
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HASKINS EARNS ACFC DEFENSIVE HONORS
September 15, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- Salisbury State cornerback Seth Haskins (Rockville, MD/DeMatha HS)
has been named this week's Atlantic Central Football Conference defensive player of the week.
Haskins' selection marks the second straight week that a Sea Gull has won the conference's
defensive player of the week award.
Playing in just his second career game on defense, Haskins recorded three tackles and four pass
breakups in a 28-21 victory at Alfred. More importantly, Haskins' 34-yard interception return for
a touchdown in the third quarter proved to be the game-winning score for the Sea Gulls. The
interception and the touchdown were both career firsts for the sophomore.
Haskins moved to defense this season after serving as the team's number three running back last
year. He finished with 78 yards on 23 carries in 1997.
Salisbury State, 2-0 this season, visits Methodist (NC) College this Saturday in its first-ever
ACFC contest. The Gulls opened the year with non-conference wins over Ursinus and Alfred.
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GULLS BEGIN ACFC PLAY AT METHODIST
September 15, 1998
The Sea Gulls begin play in the new Atlantic Central Football Conference this Saturday when they
visit Methodist in Fayetteville, NC. The game marks SSU's first-ever conference matchup in 27
seasons of football.
Last Year vs. Methodist
The Sea Gulls played their first-ever overtime game, losing 29-22 to the Monarchs at Sea Gull
Stadium... MC's Marcus Reaves scored on an eight-yard run in the first extra-session for the
game-winner...The Sea Gulls had missed a 30-yard field goal with :05 seconds remaining in
regulation that would have won the game... SSU's Mac James finished with a career-high 147
yards rushing and one touchdown...QB Matt Main finished with 179 yards
passing and two touchdowns, including a 61-yard scoring toss to Tony Hill.
Series Record
The teams are meeting for the eighth straight year, with the Sea Gulls holding a 5-2 edge in the
series...Methodist won last year's game 29-22 in overtime in Salisbury... SSU won the last
meeting in Fayetteville, 28-21 in 1996.
ALL-TIME SERIES SCORES
1991---SSU 41-21
1992---SSU 37-14
1993---SSU 33-19
1994---MC 21-18
1995---SSU 34-19
1996---SSU 28-21
1997---MC 29-22 ot
Last Week: Big Plays Carry Gulls Past Alfred
Two defensive touchdowns and four total takeaways helped the Gulls secure a 28-21 win at
Alfred last Saturday...Tony Hill scored on a 92-yard fumble return and Seth Haskins had a
34-yard interception return for a TD to lead the way...Fourth-quarter interceptions by Mike
Francingues and Jamie O'Kelley also stopped potential game-tying Alfred drives...RBs Myron
Dent and Tony Ellis paced the offense with 92 and 84 yards rushing, respectively...The victory
provided the Sea Gulls with their first 2-0 season start since 1986.
Scouting Methodist
The Monrachs are celebrating their 10th anniversary of varsity football this season, and bring a
1-1 record into Saturday's contest...Methodist opened the year with a 37-16 win at Chowan
before falling 9-0 against Guilford last week...Soph. Patrick Mebane leads the team with 94 yards
rushing through two games...QB Brian Turner has thrown for 343 yards and four
touchdowns...WR William Ray has 11 catches for 190 yards.
Sea Gull Notables
The Gulls are averaging 33.0 points per game through two contests, second best in the
ACFC...The SSU defense has registered 10 sacks through two games after finishing with 19 sacks
all of last season...Tony Hill has a 53.5 yd average on two kickoff returns while Brian Doyle has a
32.0 avg on three returns...TE Ryan Brooks leads the receivers with six catches while fellow TE
Josh Stark is second with five receptions...LB Scott MacRobbie leads the team with 16 total
tackles, including 11 in last week's game vs. Alfred...CB Seth Haskins had four pass
breakups in addition to his 34-yard interception return TD in last week's game...Freshman WR
Ryan Lambert has three receptions on the season, two for touchdowns.
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Sea Gull Sports Roundup
September 14, 1998
Women's Soccer Team Remains Unbeaten
First half goals by Kerri Siess and Joy Mulholland lifted the women's soccer team past Notre
Dame on Saturday, pushing the Gulls to 5-0 on the year. The 2-1 victory also extended SSU's
unbeaten string to 17 straight games, dating back to last season. The Gulls face three more home
tests this week, including back-to-back contests against York on Saturday and Haverford on
Sunday.
Men's Soccer Stands at 3-1; Begins CAC Play This Week
The men's soccer team nearly upset the number two ranked team in the nation before falling 2-1 in
overtime against Greensboro on Sunday. SSU finished with a split of its two games in the
Methodist
College Invitational, and brings a 3-1 overall record into its first conference game of the season on
Wednesday at home against Marymount.
Volleyball Wins Four of Five in Gettysburg
The volleyball team won four of five matches in last weekend's Gettysburg College Invitational
and captured the tournament's Blue Division championship. Senior Jen O'Neill (Woodsboro,
MD) was named to the all-tournament team, while setter Katie Korreck (Frederick, MD) set a
new team record with 63 assists in a five-game victory over Johns Hopkins.
Field Hockey Ready For SSU Invitational
The field hockey team hosts its annual SSU Invitational this week, with two games on Saturday
and
one on Sunday. The four-team event also includes Nazareth, Denison and Eastern Mennonite.
The
Sea Gulls are 1-1 entering Wednesday's game at Johns Hopkins.
Cross Country Set to Returns After Off Week
The cross country teams return to action after a week off by competing in the Wesley Invitational
on
Saturday. The Sea Gull squads have not raced since their opener on September 5. The SSU men
captured fourth among six squads in that home event, while the SSU women placed second
among
five.
This Week's Events
Tuesday, Sept. 15.....Volleyball at Marymount.....7 p.m.
Wednes, Sept. 16.....Men's Soccer vs. Marymount (HOME).....4 p.m.
..................................Field Hockey at Johns Hopkins.....4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 17....Women's Soccer vs. Messiah (HOME).....3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 19.....SSU Field Hockey Invitational (HOME).....8:30 a.m.
..................................Cross Country at Wesley Invitational......10:45 a.m.
..................................Football at Methodist...............................1 p.m.
..................................Volleyball vs. Mary Washington (HOME)....1 p.m.
..................................Women's Soccer vs. York HOME)........2 p.m.
..................................Men's Soccer at Eastern Mennonite.......2 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 20.......SSU Field Hockey Tournament (HOME)....11:15 a.m.
..................................Women's Soccer vs. Haverford (HOME)....Noon
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GULLS VISIT ALFRED SEEKING 2-0 START
September 9, 1998
After posting a 38-14 win against Ursinus in the season opener, Salisbury State will try to make it
two in a row when it visits Alfred (NY) University this Saturday. Game time is 1:30 p.m.
A Look Back at the Opener
The Sea Gulls played one of their most balanced games in recent seasons -- getting solid
contributions
from the offense, defense and special teams -- to down Ursinus 38-14. Offensively, QB Matt
Main
(Middletown, MD) threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns while RB Myron Dent (Landover,
MD)
rushed for 108 yards and one TD. Freshman WR Ryan Lambert (Laurel, MD) and senior wideout
Brian Doyle (Pasadena, MD) caught scoring passes.
Defensively, the Gulls recorded eight sacks, with Chris Morandi (Stoughton, MA) registering
three
and John Reynolds (Rockville, MD) and Tony Rulapaugh (Port Tobacco, MD) tallying 2 1/2
each.
Tony Hill's (Mechanicsville, MD) 43-yard interception return on the game's first possession also
set
up SSU's early field goal.
Hill also keyed the special teams' effort with a 92-yard kickoff return touchdown in the third
quarter.
Hill Receives Honors
With two tackles, one interception, and his 92-yard kickoff return touchdown, CB Tony Hill
became the first recepient of the Atlantic Central Football Conference's Defensive Player of the
Week' award. The kickoff return touchdown was the third of Hill's career, establishing a new
SSU record.
Historical Perspective
A win against Alfred will provide the Sea Gulls with their first 2-0 season start since 1986. The
Gulls won 13 straight games that season before falling to Augustana in the national championship
game.
About Alfred
The Saxons are celebrating their 100th season of football in 1998. Last Saturday was supposed
to
be opening day, but the milestone was pushed back when Alfred's game against Susquehanna was
cancelled by AU's president in response to an alleged hazing incident involving members of the
football team. The Sea Gulls and Saxons have never met in football.
Sea Gull Nibbles
QB Matt Main established a new career-best with his 231 yards passing...Nine different players
caught at least one pass, including three -- Ryan Lambert, Zach Freistat and Tony Ellis -- who
caught their first collegiate pass...LB Scott MacRobbie and CB Seth Haskins (who made his
first start) led the Gulls with five tackles apiece...SSU Head Coach Joe Rotellini served as the
defensive line coach at Alfred in 1984.
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GULLS DOWN URSINUS 38-14 IN FOOTBALL
OPENER
September 5, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- Matt Main completed 11 of 23 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns
as host Salisbury State jumped out to a 24-0 lead on its way to a 38-14 season-opening victory
over visiting Ursinus in a non-conference game at Sea Gull Stadium. The Sea Gulls recorded
eight sacks in improving to 1-0, while Ursinus drops to 0-1.
Tony Hill put Salisbury into scoring position on Ursinus's fourth play from scrimmage when he
intercepted Bears' quarterback Frank Vecchio and returned it 43 yards to the Ursinus's 11-yard
line. Ryan Pusey immediately converted a 25-yard field goal before Main connected with Ryan
Lambert and Brian Doyle on second quarter scoring passes.
Myron Dent rushed nine times for 108 yards for the Sea Gulls, including a 73-yard touchdown
run that put Salisbury up 24-0 midway through the third quarter. Vecchio then rallied Ursinus
with two touchdown passes, the second coming after Kevin Bailey intercepted a Main pass.
Vecchio then hit Stephen Sharkey in the corner of the endzone with a 27-yard pass, cutting
Salisbury's lead to 24-14 with just under two minutes to play in the third.
Hill answered immediately for the Sea Gulls, returning the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a
touchdown and a 30-14 Salisbury lead. The Sea Gull defense limited Ursinus to 65 yards rushing
and registered 47 yards lost on eight quarterback sacks.
Salisbury State begins a three-game road trip next Saturday with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff at Alfred
(NY). Ursinus hosts Lebanon Valley next week at 1 p.m.
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MEN'S SOCCER OPENS WITH FIRST SHORE FEDERAL
TOURNAMENT
September 2, 1998
SALISBURY, MD -- In what has become an annual tradition, the Salisbury State men's soccer
team will begin its season with a tournament challenge. The Gulls open the 1998 campaign at
home this weekend with the First Shore Federal/SSU Classic, a four-team event that features two
games on both Saturday and Sunday. The tournament schedule:
Saturday........Salisbury State vs. Misericordia........2 p.m.
......................Mary Washington vs. Dickinson ......4 p.m.
Sunday..........Mary Washington vs. Misericordia....1 p.m.
......................Salisbury State vs. Dickinson.............3 p.m.
Head Coach Gerry DiBartolo, beginning his 17th season with the Sea Gulls, enjoys the challenge
of a strong tournament field to start the season.
"A tournament like this is a convenient way for teams from different conferences and regions to
play each other," said DiBartolo. "Many Division III tournaments are at the beginning of the
season because teams get locked into conference schedules on most weekends during the year. In
our tournament, we have two teams from Pennsylvania who were looking to play two southern
teams."
While the tournament setting offers a chance for cross-regional play, the early-season timing
makes back-to-back games a physical and mental hurdle for the players.
"We tried to prepare by simulating a tournament experience with back-to-back scrimmages last
weekend," said DiBartolo. "Our group seems to be in good shape and I think they're prepared for
the physical rigors. The weather and the schedule will be the same for all four teams."
While winning the tournament is important, DiBartolo is also pointing to other goals for his team
this weekend. "We want to play well, regardless of the outccomes. We want to be well
organized, to play smart and to walk off the field knowing we played good soccer."
DiBartolo also acknowledged the support of First Shore Federal, who is sponsoring the SSU
Classic for the third time. "We certainly appreciate the continued support that they have provided
for this event and the efforts, specifically, of Marty Neat."
The tournament champion will be determined based on a point system that awards three points for
a win and one point for ties. The top three tiebreaking criteria, if necessary, are head-to-head
results, goal differential and goals scored.
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GULLS HOST URSINUS IN FOOTBALL
OPENER
September 1, 1998
Salisbury State's football program begins a new era this season. The Sea Gulls end 26 years of
independent status by becoming a charter member of the new Atlantic Central Football
Conference (ACFC). This Saturday's game against the Ursinus Bears is one of five
non-conference contests. Game time is 1 p.m.
Last Year
The Sea Gulls finished 3-6 overall, with victories against Ursinus, Chowan and William Paterson.
The SSU defense limited six of nine opponents to 17 points or less. The Gulls dropped one game
by two points, and lost another in overtime, their first-ever OT contest.
Who's Back
The 1998 edition of the Sea Gulls features a number of returning letterwiners on both offense and
defense. SSU lost just three offensive starters and returns 17 of their top 22 offensive players
from last season. On the other side, the Gulls lost six defensive starters from the 97 season
finale, but return 14 of the top 22 from last year's defensive depth chart.
For Openers
The Sea Gulls are 13-13 alltime in season-opening games, including two straight victories. SSU
posted a 40-0 win at home against Delaware Valley in 1996 and a 14-12 win at Ursinus in last
year's opener.
The 98 Schedule
The Gulls are playing their first 10-game regular season schedule since 1991. SSU's 1998
opponents had a cumulative 53-49 record last season. Following this week's season-opener at
home, the Gulls play three straight road games before beginning a four-week homestand in
October. SSU closes the season with back-to-back road contests in November. Conference
games include home dates with Chowan and Wesley and road
contests at Methodist, Frostburg and Ferrum.
Radio Coverage -- WICO 1320 AM will provide play-by-play coverage in Salisbury.
The pregame show begins at 12:45 p.m. Matt Spence will handle the play-by-play duties with
Rick Marsalek providing the color analysis.
Series Record -- SSU leads 1-0. The Sea Gulls won last year's game 14-12.
Main Among Rare Gull Breed--Returning QB
Sophomore Matt Main (Middletown, MD/ Middletown HS) provides the Gulls with a rare
commodity this season, a returning starter at QB. He becomes the first incumbent to start a
season since Len Annetta in 1993. Main began the 97 season as the number two quarterback,
then started the final eight games of the season, passing for 1,125 yards and five touchdowns.
Second-year freshman Ray D'Ambrosio (Severn, MD/Archbishop Spalding HS) is the top backup.
Crowded House at Running Back
Junior Myron Dent (Landover, MD/Bowie HS), who rushed for 316 yards in 1996 but sat out last
season, has returned to the number one spot on the depth chart. Dent heads a three-man rotation
that also includes newcomers Tony Ellis (Vienna, VA/Madison HS) and Haki Lee (Baltimore/
Perry Hall HS).
The Delmar Kick Connection
Sophomore Ryan Pusey, who finished last season as the team's number one kicker, has reclaimed
that spot after a preseason challenge from a familiar face. Pusey withstood the challenge of fellow
Delmar-native Paul Jacko, who also succeeded Pusey as the kicker at Delmar HS.
Scouting Ursinus
The Bears have 51 letterwinners and 11 starters (five on offense/six on defense) returning from
last year's 4-6 team. The Bears are just one season removed from a 9-2 campaign which saw
them earn a bid to the NCAA playoffs in 1996. Among the key returnees are senior FS Peter
Hinckle, a two-time Centennial Conference first-team selectee who headlines the 4-3 defense; and
senior WR Ron Withelder, who caught 32 passes for 512 yards and four touchdowns in the
Multiple I offensive set last year.
The Triple Threat is Back
Senior Tony Hill (Mechanicsville, MD/ Chopticon HS), a three-year starter at cornerback, is this
year's elder statesman in the secondary. In addition to his work there, Hill may once again
showcase his versatility in other roles this season. He finished with three touchdowns last year,
scoring once on defense, once on offense and once on special teams.
Offensive Line Features Veterans
All five starters on the o-line are returning players, although some have juggled positions this
season. Junior Ken Schuckle (Jarrettsville, MD/North Harford HS) returns to the center position.
Junior Jim Kirk (Wilmington, DE/Salesianum) will man one guard spot while sophomore Larry
Holmes (Absecon, NJ) will play the other spot. The tackles will be senior Rick Trinidad
(Springfield, VA), a three-year starter, and junior Eric Morgan (Aberdeen, MD/Aberdeen HS).
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FOOTBALL LUNCHEONS MOVE TO CAMPUS
September 1, 1998
Head Coach Joe Rotellini of the Salisbury State University football team will be the
featured speaker at a luncheon hosted by the Sea Gull Club on Thursday, September 3. The
luncheon, in the Caroline Room of the SSU Commons, will begin at noon. The public is cordially
invited to attend.
Rotellini will preview this week's season-opening game against Ursinus (Pa) College and also
provide an outlook for the 98 season. SSU begins a new era this season as a charter member of
the new Atlantic Central Football Conference.
The luncheons will continue regularly every Thursday at noon at the Commons. Rotellini will
recap each week's previous game and preview the upcoming opponent while also showing game
highlights. Those in attendance will also have an opportunity to ask specific questions of the
coach and selected Sea Gull players.
The cost of the luncheon is $6.35 per person, which includes an all-you-can eat a la carte menu, as
well as beverages and dessert. Reservations are not necessary.
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SSU ADDS FOUR TO HALL OF FAME
August 26, 1998
Salisbury State University will be adding four new members to its Athletics Hall of Fame during
Homecoming Weekend festivities in October. The four newest inductees will be officially
honored at a dinner banquet on Friday, October 16. The 1998 inductees are:
Robin Adair 87...A two-time field hockey All-American and two-time team
MVP...Leading scorer on the team in both 1985 and 1986, she was one of the key players on
the 1986 team that claimed the national championship with a perfect 21-0 record.
Mike Coppa 88...One of the top running backs in SSU history who still owns
13 school records...The alltime single-season rushing leader with 1,812 yards in 1986, he is
also the alltime points leaders (264) and ranks third in career rushing with 3,325 yards.
Dr. Norman Crawford...Served as University president from 1970-79, during
which time he was instrumental in the growth of the Athletics program...He supported the
addition of football and men's lacrosse as well as the expansion of the women's intercollegiate
program.
Deane Deshon (Coach)...The winningest coach in SSU history, he retired last
year after 34 seasons as head baseball coach...Deshon compiled a 553-446-12 alltime record,
with 22 winning seasons and nine postseason appearances.
The Hall of Fame was initiated in 1985 to honor those who have made outstanding
contributions to Salisbury State's athletic heritage. The addition of these four inductees brings
the Hall's membership to 65.
Selection for the Hall of Fame is the highest honor that the University can bestow upon one of
its former student-athletes. To be eligible, an individual must have graduated from the
University at least 10 years earlier or be retired as a coach.
Tickets for the October 16 induction banquet are available through the SSU Alumni Office at
(410) 543-6042. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Upon induction, each
member will have a permanent plaque added to the Hall of Fame display case in SSU's Maggs
Physical Activities Center.
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For release: Friday, August 21, 1998
ACFC COACHES TAB SSU FIFTH IN PRESEASON
POLL
Sea Gulls Receive One First-Place Vote
>Salisbury, Md. -- The Atlantic Central Football Conference coaches
have picked Salisbury State University to finish fifth in the ACFC's inaugural
season in a preseason poll released Thursday. The Sea Gulls garnered one
first-place vote from the conference coaches, who selected Wesley College
to finish first.
The ACFC, a six-team, football-only league, begins play this season,
but because of various scheduling difficulties will not name its first
champion until 1999. The alliance marks the first time Sea Gull football
has been affiliated with a conference, as the program competed as an independent
during its first 26 years.
The 1998 Atlantic Central Football Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll,
with first-place votes in parenthesis:
1. Wesley College (5) 25 points
2. Frostburg State University 17
3. Ferrum College 15
4. Methodist College 15
5. Salisbury State University (1) 13
6. Chowan College 5
Though the ACFC will not award an official championship this season,
it will name offensive and defensive player and rookie of the week honorees.
Postseason honors will include a first- and second-team all-conference
squad, as well as an offensive and defensive player and rookie of the year
selectee.
Salisbury State is 135-112-4 overall through 26 years of football,
including a 29-21 all-time record against the five other teams that now
join SSU in the new ACFC.
SSU opens its 1998 season with a non-conference home game against Ursinus
College at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 5.
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For release: August 25, 1998
GULLS MORE EXPERIENCED in 1998
A year ago, the Sea Gulls entered their season-opener with a relatively new cast of characters,
familiar perhaps to only their families and to the Salisbury State coaching staff that had spent day
and night with them throughout the two-week preseason. Incredibly, despite the presence of 40
returning lettermen, the Sea Gulls returned just one offensive starter and one defensive starter for
the 1997 opener.
As a result of last year's team makeover, Coach Joe Rotellini begins the 1998 preseason with a
roster full of experienced players and returning starters. The Gulls lost just two starters on
offense and five on defense from the lineup that took the field for the 1997 finale, a 16-14 victory
over William Paterson.
A closer look at the Sea Gulls, by position:
Quarterback
For the first time in five seasons, the Gulls expect to begin the season with a returning starter at
this position. Sophomore Matt Main, who started the last eight games of the season, should
return to that spot, barring any unforseen developments during the preseason. Main passed for
1,125 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman, while completing 48% of his passes. Two other
players who were on the team last year but saw no game action, Ray D'Ambrosio and Jared
McCutchen, will likely contend for the top backup position. Both players retain their full four
years of eligibility.
Running Back
The Sea Gulls have a number of possibilities at this position as they look to replace Mac James,
last year's offensive team MVP. James rushed for 761 yards, the highest single-season total in four
years and the second highest by a running back during Rotellini's tenure with the Gulls. The
leading candidate entering the preseason is probably junior Myron Dent, who sat out last year.
Rotellini is counting on Dent to return to the form he displayed in 1996, when he closed the year
with a 139-yard, five-touchdown performance against Sue Bennett. Dent finished with 316 yards
rushing that season on just 41 carries, a whopping 7.7 yds/rush average.
Sophomore Jamal Avery, last year's top backup, will have a chance to gain more time this season.
Avery played in all nine games, netting 96 yards on 39 attempts last year. The Gulls have a
number of other candidates among the newcomers who will vie for playing time. Transfer Tony
Ellis and freshman Josh Bergey may offer the most immediate help. Traditionally a proponent of
the one-back offense, Rotellini may utilize a two-back look a bit more frequently this season if he
can settle on a fullback during the preseason. Sophomore Rob Evans, who caught five passes as a
tight end last season, may be among the candidates considered. If SSU retains its primarily
one-back set, Rotellini hopes to use a three-man rotation in the backfield.
Receivers
The Gulls return two of their top four pass receivers from last year, led by senior Brian Doyle.
Entering his third season as a starter, Doyle had 17 catches for 139 yards and one touchdowns
last year. He is a dangerous target on the outside who is an elusive runner once he catches the
ball. Senior Ron Owens, who caught three passes, and junior Craig Cohen, who had two catches
last year, should both fill bigger roles this season.
The Sea Gulls also have a solid two-man combination at tight end. Despite the loss of Doug
Batten, who led the Gulls with 211 yards on 13 catches last year, SSU's attack should be
well-stocked at the position. Sophomore Josh Stark, who saw ample playing time as the number
two tight end last year, should fill a bigger role this season. In addition, junior Ryan Brooks, who
sat out last season after starting his first two years, also returns. Brooks led the Gulls with 37
receptions in 1996.
Offensive Line
A year ago, the Gulls faced the prospect of having to rebuild the offensive line. This year, SSU
returns eight of its top 10 linemen from 1997, including four of five starters from the season
finale. Senior Rick Trinidad (6-1, 285) and sophomore Jim Kirk (6-0, 260) will probably return to
the tackle positions. Junior Ken Schuckle (6-0, 235), who finished the year at center, can play
there or at guard. Fellow junior Eric Morgan (6-0, 240) will likely return to the other guard
position.
Three other returnees, all sophomores, are among the other veterans who saw playing time last
season. Larry Holmes (6-1, 235), Steve Lee (6-0, 240) and Kevin Gilligan (6-1, 235) will all
contribute once again.. Rotellini likes to utilize an eight-man rotation for games, with players
ver-satile enough to play several positions, as needed.
Defensive Line
The unit returns two starters from last year's season finale and six players who were featured on
the two-deep depth chart. The top candidates at the inside tackle positions are junior John
Reynolds (6-0, 220) and senior captain Mike Francingues (6-4, 250). Reynolds started seven of
nine games while finishing with 21 tackles. Francingues started two games and finished with 23
tackles. Sophomore Aaron Rogan (6-0, 240) also saw duty last year and should fill a bigger role
this season.
Sophomores Khalid Attia (6-2, 210) and Joshua Mason (6-3, 215) are among the top returnees at
defensive end. Attia started eight of nine games as a freshman and finished tied for the team lead
with four sacks. Mason emerged during the season's second half and should see greater playing
time this fall.
Linebackers
Three of the six linebackers who saw significant playing time last season are back to lead the unit
this year. Senior captain Scott MacRobbie, who made an immediate impact as a junior transfer in
1997, will likely fill the middle. He finished second on the team in tackles last year with 57.
Sophomore Jamie O'Kelley, who finished with 15 tackles while playing in eight games, will either
share time with MacRobbie in the middle or move to one of the outside positions. Junior Tim
Gentry returns as a starter at the other outside position. Junior Cory Brown, a contributor at
cornerback last year, begins the preseason as a linebacker. The Gulls will look for three others to
fill the rotation from among the newcomers.
Secondary
Senior cornerback Tony Hill returns as a three-year starter and the most experienced member of
the secondary. Hill, who also saw spot duty on offense, finished with 24 tackles, two interceptions
and three touchdowns last season. Three other returnees also saw significant playing time in 1997.
Sophomore Rob Howes finished the year with 34 tackles and three interceptions. Sophomores
Aubrey Harrisonand Stanley Walker will likely have bigger roles at the safety positions.
Sophomore Seth Haskins, who gained 78 yards on 23 carries at running back last season, moves
to the secondary this year.
Specialists
Sophomore Ryan Pusey, who handled the placekicking duties for the final five games of the 1997
season, enters the season listed first on the depth chart. Pusey was 1 of 6 on field goals and 7 of 8
on extra points. The Gulls will use the preseason to find a punter. WR Brian Doyle serves double
duty as the team's primary kick return specialist. He has finished among the national punt return
leaders in each of the past two seasons. He will likely be joined by Tony Hill on kickoff returns.
Hill averaged 32.2 yds on six returns last season.
Coach Rotellini's Assessment
"Offensively, we hope to be better. We may try using the two-back set a bit more, but that
depends on who emerges during preseason camp. We also want to establish a go-to
receiver.
"Defensively, we need to develop some depth across the board. Defense was the strength of our
team last year. There's no individual stars, but the guys who are coming back can all play.
"Overall, we feel good about our returnees on both sides of the ball. We need competent backups
to emerge from among the newcomers. Our players believe they can be a good team."
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