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November 1999
MEN'S SOCCER VISITS WHEATON IN FINAL EIGHT
Salisbury State (18-3-1) vs. Wheaton (17-2-2)
What's at Stake
Rankings
The Series
How They Got to the Final 8
About Salisbury
About Wheaton
MEN'S, WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAMS TIP OFF
FRIDAY The Salisbury State men's and women's basketball teams begin their 1999-2000 seasons in tournament play this Friday, November 19. The Sea Gull men, coming off a 12-14 campaign last year, face Eastern Mennonite in the opening round of the Lycoming College Tournament in Williamsport, PA. SSU plays either Lycoming or Bloomfield in Saturday's second round. The SSU women face Marietta in the first round of the Randolph-Macon Invitational in Ashland, VA. Roanoke and Randolph-Macon round out that field. The SSU men return nine players from last year's Capital Athletic Conference Tournament semifinal squad and will try to make Head Coach Ward Lambert's 30th and final season a memorable one. Lambert, the 24th winningest coach in NCAA Division III history, announced in October that he will retire following this season. The top returning player is 6'3" sophomore forward Victor Jackson, last year's CAC Rookie of the Year. Jackson averaged 13.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg while finishing second in the conference in field goal percentage (54.1%) and sixth in scoring. Sophomores Jason Campion (4.4 ppg) and Lou Clark, who both saw limited duty as freshman last year, are expected to play bigger roles in the frontcourt. Senior guard Colin Exelby (10.4 ppg) started all 26 games last year and will be the main outside scorer. He begins the season ranked fourth in SSU history with 119 career three-pointers. Junior Josh Merkel (8.2 ppg) and sophomore Tony Chiavelli (7.7 ppg) are also threats from behind the arc. The biggest preseason question mark facing the team is point guard, where Lambert must replace four-year starter Eric Prendeville, the school's all-time assist leader. Three returnees - senior Dan Fisher (4.1 ppg), senior Ali Azizikia (1.7 ppg), and sophomore Jared Silberzahn (2.2 ppg), - and transfer Doug King are the leading candidates at the position. The Sea Gull women return three starters and nine letterwinners from last year's 18-8 squad which advanced to the semifinal round of the Capital Athletic Conference Tournament. The trio of forward Lisa Neylan, forward Elisabeth Barfuss and guard Jaime Kohlenstein are expected to lead the Gulls, but SSU must replace two first-team all-conference backcourt players in Amy Cooke and Jessica Latour. Cooke finished her career ranked third in NCAA Division III all-time assists, while Latour was SSU's leading scorer the past three years. Neylan, a 6'0" junior, is one of the top returning frontcourt players in the conference. She averaged 13.2 ppg and 9.0 rpg last year, with 11 double-double games. She was the team's leading rebounder in 16 of 26 games last season and the leading scorer seven times. Neylan is joined in the frontcourt by fellow junior Barfuss, who was the team's second leading scorer (14.0 ppg) and rebounder (6.5 rpg) last year. Sophomore Kohlenstein saw action in 22 games last year while averaging 6.7 ppg and 5.0 rpg. The versatile player could see action in a number of different positions this season. Junior defensive specialist Michele Deschu (2.2 ppg), and junior Sara Wright (2.7 ppg, 2.0 apg), the top backup at point guard last season, are the leading candidates to start in the backcourt. Key reserves Jessica Baker (5'9" forward), Sara Scangarello (5'10" forward), and Kelly Palmer(5'7" guard) all saw significant action last year. Freshmen Amy Campion (6'0" guard/forward) and Kristin Samm (6'0" center) are the top newcomers. "Losing Amy (Cooke) is like the Cowboys losing Troy Aikman," said SSU Head Coach Bridget Benshetler. "However, we have a lot of confidence in our returning point guards as well as freshman Amy Campion, who can play any position on the floor. We will continue to push the ball upcourt this season and apply pressure as always. Our bench will also be utilized extensively as part of our philosophy to play as many players as possible."
SALISBURY FALLS 23-22 IN FIRST REGENTS CUP
FOOTBALL GAME BALTIMORE, MD - Frostburg State clinched the Atlantic Central Football Conference championship by rallying for a 23-22 win over cross-state rival Salisbury State in the first-ever Regents Cup Game played before 5,192 at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore. QB Jason Henry's 47-yard touchdown pass to Greg Cooper with 2:43 left in the game and the ensuing two-point conversion run by Craig Hopkins lifted Frostburg (8-2, 5-1 ACFC) to the victory. Salisbury (2-7, 2-4 ACFC) drove down the field on its final possession and advanced to the Frostburg 28-yard line, but Paul Jacko's 45-yard field goal attempt missed as time expired. Frostburg led 9-0 at halftime on the strength of a 16-yard first quarter TD run by Chris Perkins and a 22-yard second quarter field goal by Peter Angman. Myron Dent's two-yard run capped a five-play, 50-yard Salisbury drive at 9:55 of the third quarter. Tim Gentry's safety at 3:25 pulled the Sea Gulls to within 9-8 after three quarters. Reggie Boyce opened the fourth quarter scoring with a five-yard run for Salisbury. SSU led 14-9 following a failed two-point conversion pass. Frostburg answered with a 12-play, 73-yard drive to recapture the lead, with Hopkins scoring from four yards out. Another failed two-point conversion left Frostburg with a 15-14 lead. Salisbury jumped ahead with 3:56 remaining when CB Seth Haskins recovered a Frostburg fumble and returned it 32 yards for the touchdown. Dent's two-point run pushed SSU ahead 22-15. Henry then marched the Bobcats 75 yards on the game-winning drive, capped by the 47-yard connection with Cooper. Henry finished 13 of 18 passing for 220 yards for Frostburg. RB DeNalle Hale led all rushers with 158 yards on 22 carries. Dent led the Salisbury offense with 129 yards rushing on 31 attempts. He finished the season with 1,033 yards, becoming just the eighth 1,000-yard season rusher in SSU history, and the first to reach the milestone since 1994. The two Maryland rivals have met every year since 1973, Salisbury's first varsity season. This year's game was the first to award the winner the newly-created Regents Cup.
SALISBURY MEETS FROSTBURG IN FIRST REGENTS CUP
GAME
Salisbury State (2-6, 2-3 ACFC) vs. Frostburg State (7-2, 4-1 ACFC)
The Coaches Ed Sweeney is completing his fourth season at Frostburg State, with a 29-10 overall record with the Bobcats. Prior to joining the Bobcats, Sweeney was head coach at Colgate for three seasons, and head coach at Dickinson for seven years. He has an overall career record of 91-59-4 in 14 seasons.
The Key Players Salisbury State has relied on senior RB Myron Dent, the conference's leading rusher, for much of its offensive production this season. Dent, who has eclipsed the 100-yard mark four times this season, is averaging 113.0 ypg. With 904 yards rushing on the year, he has a chance to become SSU's eighth 1000-yard season rusher and the first to reach that plateau since 1994. Sophomore QB Bryan Driskell has started the last five games and adds 85.0 ypg through the air. Senior TE Ryan Brooks is the team's leading receiver with 16 catches this year. He ranks fourth in team history with 89 career receptions. Sophomore LB Pat Brannon ranks second in the conference in tackles with 10.4 per game. He also leads the Sea Gulls with nine tackles for loss. Sophomore FS Du'Juan Wilson leads the team with three interceptions.
Last Year's Game Defense and turnovers would dominate the second half. Frostburg finished with three turnovers, while Salisbury committed five, including a fumble in Bobcat territory with just 59 seconds remaining in the game. QB Matt Main led SSU with 99 yards passing and RB Myron Dent added 56 yards rushing.
The Series
Ticket Information
Transportation Options
Special Halftime Ceremonies
SALISBURY WINS CAC MEN'S SOCCER
CHAMPIONSHIP
1-0 Overtime Win at Mary Washington Earns Sea Gulls First-Ever NCAA
Tournament Berth Johnson, a fullback who had scored just once previously this year and entered the game with just four career goals, scored off an unsettled ball in the Mary Washington penalty area after the Eagles had deflected a pair of SSU shots in a scramble in front of the goal. The play was initiated by a corner kick from senior Morten Zederkof. "At the beginning of overtime, I told our guys that the team that was more dominant in the box would probably win the game," said SSU Head Coach Gerry DiBartolo. "I thought we had the better of the play in the overtime, with Mary Washington appearing to be content playing a more defensive style. I told our guys to continue to play normally, without exposing ourselves defensively. "I've got a very tired bunch of guys right now, but we certainly feel very good about what happened. Its almost a relief to finally pull this thing out. It was a great game." Junior goalie Mike Svehla (Baltimore/Calvert Hall HS) registered four saves for the Sea Gulls while recording his school-record 15 shutout of the season. JT Nino finished with six saves for the Eagles. Salisbury, the tournament's #2 seed, improves to 17-3 overall and avenges a 2-1 regular season loss to #1 seed Mary Washington (15-4-1). Pairings for the 44-team NCAA Tournament will be announced on Sunday, November 7.
Scoring
Shots: SSU 8, MWC 8
Saves
GULLS PLACE SIX ON ALL-CAC WOMEN'S SOCCER
TEAM
Earl, Gallagher, Forbes Named to First Team
First Team Dana Earl (Medford, NJ/Lenape HS)...A four-year starter for the Gulls, Earl, a senior midfielder, earns first team honors for the second time in her career...She led the Sea Gulls in scoring this season with 12 goals, six assists and 30 total points, and finished fourth in the conference scoring race...Earl finishes her career ranked fourth all-time in SSU history in goals (18) and points (52). Amy Forbes (Ewing, NJ/Ewing HS)...Forbes, a junior, started all 18 games in goal for the Gulls and finished with a league-best 0.59 goals against average...Forbes recorded 12 shutouts in 1999 and capped her junior season with 32 shutouts, the all-time SSU record...Forbes earns first team all-CAC honors for the first time in her career after earning second team recognition in 1997 and 1998.
Second Team Meredith Bigham (Medford, NJ/Bishop Eustace HS)...The sophomore midfielder earns all- conference honors for the first time...She was third in scoring for the Gulls this year while also leading the team in assists...She finished with seven goals, nine assists and 23 points. Ellen Mirsky (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee HS)...Mirsky, a fullback, joins Maxfield and Bigham as a first time honoree in 1999...She was one of the core defenders on SSU's stingiest defense in history... Mirsky also scored one goal. Salisbury State, which completed its sixth varsity season, was the Capital Athletic Conference's runner-up for the fifth straight time. The Sea Gulls were 5-1 in CAC play.
SENIORS PLAY FINAL GAME AT SEA GULL STADIUM
Salisbury State returns to Sea Gull Stadium for the first time in five weeks and plays its final game of the season on its home turf. Ferrum is making its first visit to Salisbury since the 1989 season.
Game Data
The Series
Last Week: SSU Wins Battle, Loses War
Passing Game Comes to Life
Sea Gulls Among the Conference Leaders
- Myron Dent, 1st in rushing (116.4 ypg) and 1st in all-purpose yards, (134.6 ypg)
Seniors in Final Home Appearance
About Ferrum
Sea Gull Nibbles
Regents Cup at PSINet Stadium Next Week
VOLLEYBALL SEASON ENDS IN CAC TOURNAMENT
YORK 3, SALISBURY 2 SALISBURY, MD - York College captured the first two games and withstood a late charge by Salisbury State to defeat the Sea Gulls 3-2 in the opening round of the Capital Athletic Conference Volleyball Tournament on Tuesday. York (17-17), the tournament's #7 seed, advances to Thursday's semifinal round to face the winner of the #3 Catholic -#6 Mary Washington match. Salisbury, the defending conference champion and tournament's #2 seed, finishes the year at 16-16 overall. York won the opening two games 15-3 and 15-11 before Salisbury rallied to win games three and four. SSU won the third game 16-14, then captured game four 15-9 to force the decisive fifth game. York built an early advantage in the final game, leading 8-5 at one point. Salisbury battled back to knot the score for the first time at 11-11. The teams were tied four more times, the last time at 15. Junior Donna Hudson paced the Sea Gull attack with 16 kills. Sophomore Lisa Headd had 13 kills and sophomore Kara Kowalski added 11 kills. Kowalski also led SSU with 29 digs. Setter Katie Korreck had 40 assists and 20 digs. Sophomore hitter Heather Applegate led the Spartans with 21 kills while adding 27 digs. Jill Crouse-Wolf added 16 kills and a team-high 44 digs. Setter Angie Wagman had 52 assists, 25 digs and two service aces. Middle hitter Melissa Mahoney had a team-leading four blocks.
SALISBURY RETURNS TO NCAA FIELD HOCKEY
TOURNAMENT
Sea Gulls (15-3) Face Johns Hopkins (16-2) in Opening Game on Saturday
The schedule for the regional hosted by The College of New Jersey (with records
noted)
Gulls vs. Regional Foes
vs. Johns Hopkins....SSU leads series 9-4
SSU in NCAA Play
Head Coach Dawn Chamberlin
Sea Gulls in 1999
NCAA Tournament Notes
SALISBURY RETURNS TO ACFC PLAY AT WESLEY THIS
WEEK Following an open date in the schedule last week, Salisbury (2-4, 2-1) returns to conference football action this week with a visit to Route 13 rival Wesley (4-3, 2-1) in Dover, DE. The teams are tied for second place in the conference.
Game Data
Head Coaches
Brannon Leads Gulls at New Jersey
Dent, Haskins Among NCAA Statistical Leaders
Sea Gulls Among the Conference Leaders
- Myron Dent, 1st in all-purpose yards, 143.8 ypg
GULLS BEGIN SWIM SEASON WITH HIGH HOPES
SSU Hosting Sea Gull Relays on Saturday Salisbury State begins the new season coming off a successful '98-99 campaign in which both Sea Gull teams posted their best-ever conference showing. The teams both placed fourth in the season-ending Capital Athletic Conference Championship Meet while combining for 17 new school records. Many of the record setters are back to form the core of this year's squads. "This is probably the strongest women's team we've had," said Stephenson, beginning her fifth season at SSU. "We've got lots of depth, with solid contenders for first place in most events and others who should score backup points. We also have very improved numbers on our men's squad and should have one of the biggest teams in the conference." Juniors Alison Calcaterra, CAC champion in the 50 freestyle, and Rebecca Mitchell, school record holder in eight events, are expected to lead the women's squad. Calcaterra is the SSU record-holder in both the 50 and 100 freestyles, while Mitchell owns the 200 and 500 freestyle records, among others. Senior Teresa Piekarski, record-holder in the 100 breaststroke and 200 IM, is also back. "We'll be trying to get some national cuts this season and we also have a shot at qualifying a relay team," said Stephenson. Other top returnees include sophomores Jessie Hobson (distance freestyle) and Julie Wood(backstroke and sprint freestyle). Newcomers to watch include junior transfer Cineva Kline(backstroke, IM), freshman Jamie Nusbaum (butterfly) and freshman Dianne Pitcher (freestyle). Sophomore Brendan Roddy, conference champion in the 1650 freestyle, leads the men's team. Roddy should contend for CAC honors in multiple events this year and will be one of the team's top candidates to meet national qualifying standards. Other top returnees include senior Mike Nusbaum (distance freestyle), junior Scott DeJesus(freestyle, IM), junior Steve Gilligan (sprint freestyle), and senior Dan Hutton (breaststroke). Junior transfers Jason Langenfelder (distance freestyle) and Steve Muller (breaststroke) could also make immediate contributions. "All these guys were big scorers for us last year," Stephenson said. "With our improved depth, we're hoping to generate more backup points in all events. Lineup strategies will be important for us in certain meets." Stephenson hopes to see both teams get off to quick starts at this week's Sea Gull Relays. "Winning is the goal for us," Stephenson said. "We're ready for some real competition and we're geared up to win the meet."
SSU TO HOST MASON-DIXON CROSS COUNTRY
CHAMPIONSHIP
Sea Gull Men, Women Hope to Challenge For Top Honors "I think our team is refocusing its energies and is ready to run fast," said first year SSU Head Coach Jim Jones. "We know that the next three meets are important and each week builds on the previous one." Salisbury sophomore Suzy McCulloch, last year's Mason-Dixon individual champion, once again enters Saturday's event as one of the favorites. McCulloch has won all four of her races this season, including the Maryland State Meet two weeks ago in Baltimore. Senior Sherry Esposito, freshman Scottie Skuza and freshman Diana Hempel are also among SSU's top runners. "Our goal is to win the race," Jones said. "Mary Washington is probably the women's favorite, but we want to be in position to challenge them." Seven teams are entered in the women's event. Frostburg State is favored to win the men's team title, with Salisbury, Christopher Newport and Mary Washington seen as the top challengers in the eight-team field. The Sea Gulls placed fourth last year. "We could be anywhere from first to fourth in the men's event," said Jones. "One or two spots can be critical and can make the difference. "I think both of our teams are physically ready to go," added Jones. "At this point of the season, the difference in mental. We've got to believe that we'll run fast." Junior Larry O'Hara, fifth in last year's event, is likely to lead the Gulls once again. Sophomore Jason Stick and freshman Jeremy Beall are also among SSU's top contenders. Salisbury State, making its last home appearance of the season, is running its third race of the year on the Winter Place Park course. Following Saturday's event, the Sea Gulls compete in the Capital Athletic Conference Championship in Fredericksburg, VA and the NCAA Mideast Regional Championship in Frostburg, MD.
REGENTS CUP GAME TICKET AND TRANSPORTATION
INFORMATION ANNOUNCED SALISBURY, MD - Tickets for the November 13 Salisbury State-Frostburg State Regents Cup football game at PSINet Stadium in Baltimore are currently on sale. They may be purchased in advance on the SSU campus at the Guerrieri University Center's Information Desk through November 12. The Information Desk is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets will also be sold at PSINet Stadium on game day, beginning at 11:30 a.m at the Main Ticket Window. Gates also open at 11:30 a.m. at the stadium, with kick off scheduled for 1 p.m. Tickets are priced at $7 for adults and $3 for students with a valid ID. All seats are general admission. All spectators will need a ticket for the game. No complementary tickets will be issued. A number of transportation options are also available to students, faculty and alumni. For $5, students may reserve a seat on one of the buses being sponsored by SSU's office of student activities. The reservation fee will be refunded upon departure on November 13. For further information, contact the Information Desk at 410-543-6006. The SSU Alumni Office is also sponsoring a charter bus for alums. The cost is $15 per person for roundtrip transportation. Game tickets must be purchased separately. Information on the alumni charter is available by calling 410-543-6042, or on the internet at alumni@salisbury.edu. For those driving to PSINet Stadium, parking will be in Lots B and C. Parking lots will open at 10 a.m. Parking will cost $5 per car, and $15 for oversized vehicles. Tailgating will be allowed in all lots, but must end at 12:30 p.m. There is no post-game tailgating allowed (per stadium rules). Cameras and camcorders will be allowed into the stadium, but bottles, cans and umbrellas will not. Salisbury and Frostburg are meeting for the 27th time in their annual series, but will be playing for the first time for the newly-created Regents Cup. The award, designated by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, will be presented annually to the winner of the only game that features two USM member institutions. This year's game will also be the first in series history to be played at a neutral site. Salisbury is the designated home team for this year's game.
SALISBURY - MARY WASHINGTON SOCCER PREVIEW
Game Info
Rankings
The Series
Last Year
Updating Salisbury
Updating Mary Washington
SALISBURY AIMS FOR 2ND STRAIGHT WIN AT TCNJ
Salisbury State posted its first road victory of the year last week with a 31-27 win at Chowan. The Gulls will try to make it two straight when they visit The College of New Jersey in a non- conference game this Saturday.
Game Info
Dent Registers a Career-Best 245 Rushing Yards
Haskins 5th in Nation in Kickoff Returns
Parker is ACFC Defensive Player of the Week
About New Jersey
The Salisbury-New Jersey Series
Last Year vs. New Jersey
Sea Gull Nibbles
FIELD HOCKEY, MEN'S SOCCER REMAIN HIGH IN
NATIONAL POLLS Coming off its second victory of the season over a top-10 team, the MEN'S SOCCER team has climbed to 11th in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) poll, released on Monday. The ranking is the highest ever for Salisbury State, which carries a seven-game win streak into Wednesday's home game against Goucher. SSU, 9-1 overall, defeated #10 Johns Hopkins 3-1 on Saturday. The Sea Gulls entered the national poll at #16 two weeks ago, moved up one spot last week, and climbed to #11 this week. Salisbury also achieved another first this week, tying Emory as the number one ranked team in the South Region. The Sea Gulls have never been the top-ranked team in the weekly regional poll. The FIELD HOCKEY team held its position at number five in the latest national poll, released on Tuesday. The Sea Gulls bring a four-game win streak into Tuesday's home match against St. Mary's, seeking to capture their 34th straight Capital Athletic Conference victory. Salisbury follows Tuesday's match with a non-conference battle against #2 ranked College of New Jersey in Trenton, NJ on Friday evening. The Sea Gulls have won the last two annual meetings between the two perennial powers, including a 1-0 decision at home last year. Suzy McCulloch (Ellicott City, MD) did it again. The sophomore CROSS COUNTRY standout won the Maryland State Championship on Saturday for the second straight year and registered her fourth win in four races this year. McCulloch posted a season-best time of 18:34 in besting the field that also included runners from the state's Division I and II teams. The SSU women placed 5th overall. The Sea Gull men finished 6th at the same meet, with Larry O'Hara (Frederick, MD/Thomas Johnson HS) placing 15th to lead the squad. Sophomore hitter Kara Kowalski (York, PA/Central York HS) continues to rank among the conference's VOLLEYBALL statistical leaders in virtually all categories. Kowalski is second in digs (4.22/game), second in service aces (0.55), fourth in hitting (.275) and fifth in kills (3.10). Junior setter Katie Korreck (Frederick, MD/Thomas Johnson HS) is fourth in the CAC in assists (8.77/game), while junior Donna Hudson (Williamsport, MD) is sixth in kills (3.03). Sophomore LB Anthony Parker (Springfield, VA/Lee HS) has been named this week's Atlantic Central FOOTBALL Conference defensive player of the week for his efforts in Salisbury's 31-27 win at Chowan. Parker registered a team-leading 12 tackles, including seven solos, with two tackles for loss and one sack. Parker is second on the team with 32 total tackles through five games. SSU, 2-3 overall, plays at the College of New Jersey in a 2 p.m. non-conference game on Saturday.
FOOTBALL RETURNS TO ACFC PLAY THIS WEEK AT
CHOWAN After stepping out-of-conference last week, Salisbury State returns to Atlantic Central Football Conference action this week at Chowan. Saturday's game is the first of three straight road games for Salisbury.
Game Info
1994 SSU 35, CHO 2
Last Year vs. Chowan
Statistically Speaking
Sea Gulls Among the Conference Leaders
- Seth Haskins, 1st in kickoff returns, 35.0 ypr
About Chowan
Sea Gull Nibbles
LAMBERT TO RETIRE FOLLOWING 1999-2000
BASKETBALL SEASON
Will Step Down After 30th Season at Salisbury State Lambert says that he made the decision to retire some time ago, with a little help from his wife, Sally. "Actually, my wife made the decision for me about eight years ago," Lambert said. "We bartered back and forth. She would say five more years, I would say 10. We settled on eight. She said 'it's a young man's game, get out.' I think she's right. "A lot of people would like to have this job, so why not give them a chance to have it. I could do it for a few more years, but why hold on to it? I'll find something new to do, although I don't have any plans yet. I'll probably do some woodworking or try to improve my golf game." Ranked among the all-time winningest coaches in NCAA Division III history, Lambert begins his 30thand final season with 416 career wins, all at Salisbury State. His victory total is the 24th highest in Division III history. Lambert's teams have posted seven winning campaigns in the 1990s, including a memorable 1997 season in which his Sea Gulls finished 25-6 and advanced to the final eight of the NCAA Division III Tournament. That was Salisbury's second visit to the national quarterfinal round in five years. Over the past nine seasons, his teams have posted 161 wins while earning four NCAA Tournament bids and claiming four conference championships. Lambert was honored as the Capital Athletic Conference's Coach-of-the-Year in 1996 as he led Salisbury State to both the regular season and postseason championship. He has a 416-350 overall record. Under his tutelage, the Sea Gulls have had 16 winning seasons, have notched double-figures in victories in 25 of 29 seasons and earned five NCAA Tournament bids. Included in that stretch is a record-setting 1991-92 season, when Lambert guided the Sea Gulls to a a 28-2 record and second place ranking in the final Division III national poll that season. For his efforts, he was selected as the Atlantic District Coach-of-the-Year, as well as the Eastern States Athletic Conference Coach-of-the-Year. The 1992 team set a school-record with 28 wins while also enjoying a nations's best 27-game winning streak. The Sea Gulls also produced the national player-of-the-year that season. A 1962 graduate of the University of Virginia, Lambert was a three-year varsity player on the Cavalier basketball team. He then received his master's degree from the University of Maryland in 1965 before entering the high school coaching ranks. Lambert posted an 85-24 record in six seasons at the prep level, including five successful seasons at Stephen Decatur HS in Berlin, MD. In all, Lambert's squads captured one state title, one state second place and four county championships before he took over the reins of the SSU program in 1970. Lambert is a native of Wilmington, Delaware and attended Mount Pleasant High School.
VARSITY CLUB IS NEWEST ADDITION TO SSU
ATHLETICS
Group Hopes to Serve as a Support Arm for Sea Gull Athletics Program The purpose of the Varsity Club is to support the University's 19-team intercollegiate athletics program. The primary focus of that support is fundraising, through membership and special events, for the enhancement of the athletics program. NCAA, conference and University regulations will be stringently followed while providing this support. The Varsity Club has established a board of directors to oversee and direct its activities. Members of the board are: Michael Vienna (SSU's director of athletics), Mike Jessup (SSU's director of annual giving), Mike Mercer (Club President), Bill McCain (Vice President), Carmen DiSylvestro (2nd Vice President), Marylane McGlinchey (Secretary), Herb Geary (Treasurer), Norm Crawford, Terry Daly, Bruce DiCintio, Amy Fenzel-Mergott, Bob Freeman, Andy Jones, Ralph Murray, Jim Ruark, and Billye Sarbanes. The club offers a number of different membership levels for interested groups and individuals. All Varsity Club memberships are tax deductible to the extent of IRS rules. Salisbury State competes on the NCAA Division III level as a member of the Capital Athletic Conference and the Atlantic Central Football Conference. SSU placed seven teams in NCAA postseason play last year and won six conference championships. Salisbury finished 34th in the national Sears Director's Cup rankings and also won the CAC's All-Sports Trophy. In addition, 136 student-athletes earned all-conference academic honors during the 1998-99 year. For further information about the Varsity Club, contact the SSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at 410-548-3503.
TIDEWATER CROSS COUNTRY CLASSIC SET FOR
WINTER PLACE PARK SALISBURY, MD - The Salisbury State men's and women's cross country teams welcome nine squads to town for the annual Tidewater Fall Classic on Friday, October 1 at Winter Place Park in Salisbury. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, October 2, but moved to Friday due to a schedule conflict with the race venue. The 5K women's race begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by the 8K men's race at 5:30 p.m. Friday's race is the fourth of the year for the SSU teams, and the second in four weeks on their home course. Both teams competed in the New York University Invitational in the Bronx last weekend, with the Sea Gull men placing 12th among 25 teams and the women finishing 13th among 24 teams. Senior Brian Sellers (34th), junior Larry O'Hara (58th), and sophomore Jason Stick (76th) were Salisbury's top finishers in the 258-person men's field. Sellers and O'Hara have been the team's top two finishers in all three events this year. Sophomore standout Suzy McCulloch, who missed last weekend's race, returns to the Sea Gull lineup on Friday and will be aiming for her third victory of the season. Senior Sherry Esposito(93rd) and freshman Diana Hempel (99th) were the team's top two finishers in New York. Friday's Tidewater Classic features a diverse field, including entries from Division I George Mason as well as Division II teams from East Stroudsburg and Adelphi. Traditional Division III rivals from Christopher Newport and Wesley are also entered.
SSU HOSTS CATHOLIC IN HOMECOMING DAY GAME
Salisbury State returns to Sea Gull Stadium to host Catholic for its annual Homecoming Day game on Saturday. The Sea Gulls (1-2) and Cardinals (2-1) are meeting on Homecoming for the second time in five years.
Game Info
MEN'S SOCCER CRACKS INTO NATIONAL TOP 25
POLL Sea Gulls Ranked 16th in the Nation and Second in the South Region SALISBURY, MD Salisbury State's men's soccer team has broken into this week's National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) top 25 poll, released on Monday. SSU is ranked 16th in the nation and is also ranked second in the South Region poll. The NSCAA ranking is the officially recognized NCAA Division III weekly poll. SSU, 5-1 overall, will have its first chance to defend its new ranking on Tuesday when it visits Gallaudet for a 4 p.m. conference match. The Sea Gulls have won three straight games, including a 1-0 victory at Shenandoah on Saturday. Freshman Bernie Edwards tallied the game-winner in the 30th minute, while goalie Mike Svehla and the SSU defense registered the team's fourth shutout of the year. The newest ranking finds the Sea Gulls included among the nation's elite for the first time this season. Salisbury was listed among the teams receiving consideration earlier in the season, but had not been officially included in the poll until this week. SSU has also hopped around the South Region poll in recent weeks. After placing fourth in the initial ranking of the season, the Gulls dropped to ninth two weeks ago, moved to sixth last week, and jumped to second this week. Tuesday's game is the second of six straight road games for the Sea Gulls, and the first of four straight conference games. Salisbury visits York on Saturday in a rematch of last year's CAC Championship Game. The Gulls will also play at Marymount on Sunday in a makeup game for the contest postponed from September 15.
A PERFECT SEA GULL WEEKEND
Salisbury State enjoyed an unblemished weekend of sports competition as SSU's seven fall teams combined to win a total of 10 events on Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19. The field hockey team was the weekend's biggest winner with three victories and a first place finish in its own SSU Invitational Tournament. The Gulls, ranked eighth in the nation, improved to 5-0 overall with wins over Oneonta (5-2), Denison (1-0 in 2ot) and Eastern Mennonite (3-0). Salisbury faces another busy week with games against Virginia Wesleyan on Tuesday, Johns Hopkins on Thursday and number one ranked Cortland State at home on Saturday. The women's soccer team posted a pair of shutout wins on the road, defeating Frostburg State 3-0 and York 1-0. SSU remains undefeated for the year with a 7-0 record, including six shutouts. Junior goalie Amy Forbes recorded her 26th career shutout vs. York, leaving her one behind Kristi Kauffman's (1994-96) SSU career record. Senior Dana Earl has also moved to fourth in SSU career goals (13) and points (39). The men's soccer team blanked Eastern Mennonite 3-0 while improving its record to 3- 1 overall. The Gulls, who have won all three games by shutout, host Eastern Shore rival Washington this Wednesday before beginning a five-game road stretch. The volleyball team recorded its first conference win with a 3-2 victory at Mary Washington. Junior setter Katie Korreck registered 60 assists in the five-game match, finishing just three assists shy of her own school record. SSU is 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the Capital Athletic Conference. Salisbury hosts its own five-team Sea Gull Invitational this Friday and Saturday, September 24-25. The men's and women's cross country teams were both victorious at the Wesley (DE) Invitational Meet on Saturday. SSU's sophomore Suzy McCulloch won the women's race and freshman Diana Hempel placed second as Salisbury easily outdistanced the eight-team field. The SSU men placed seven finishers among the top nine to also capture top team honors. Brian Sellers, Larry O'Hara, and Jason Stick finished second, third, and fourth, respectively. The football team beat Methodist 21-6 as Head Coach Sherman Wood won his first game since returning to his alma mater. Senior RB Myron Dent rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns while the defense held Methodist scoreless over the final three quarters. Junior CB Seth Haskins made a team-high seven tackles (all solo) to pace the defense and was named this week's Atlantic Central Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. SSU, 1-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play, travels to Greensboro this week.
GULLS DOWN METHODIST 21-6 FOR FIRST
FOOTBALL WIN
SALISBURY, MD - Senior RB Myron Dent rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns to lead Salisbury State to a 21-6 victory at home over Methodist in an Atlantic Central Football Conference game. Salisbury (1-1 overall, 1-0 ACFC) provided first-year Head Coach Sherman Wood with his first victory since returning to coach at his alma mater. Methodist fell to 0-3 overall, 0-2 in the ACFC. Methodist's Carl Floyd (19 yds) opened the scoring with a six-yard touchdown run at 6:44 of the first quarter. Salisbury tied the game on its next possession with Dent scoring on a 20-yard run. Both teams missed the extra point kicks. Dent scored his second of the day at 3:51 of the second quarter, capping a 7-play, 46-yard drive with a two-yard TD run. Following another missed PAT kick, SSU led 12-6 at halftime. Ryan Pusey's 27-yard field goal following a 10-play, 35-yard drive extended Salisbury's lead to 15-6 at 8:54 of the third. The Gulls closed the scoring on a 23-yard touchdown pass from QB Bryan Driskell (9-16-1, 87 yds) to WR Damon Dorsey at 9:17 of the fourth quarter. The Salisbury defense blanked the Monarchs over the final three quarters and limited Methodist to just 43 yards rushing and 210 total yards in the game. CB Seth Haskins and LB Pat Brannon led the SSU defense with seven tackles apiece. Dent paced an SSU rushing attack that totaled 204 yards in the game and an offense that finished with 311 total yards. Salisbury visits Greensboro in another ACFC contest next week, while Methodist returns home to host Frostburg State.
GULLS HOST METHODIST IN ACFC OPENER
Salisbury State (0-1) begins its Atlantic Central Football Conference schedule this week as the Methodist Monarchs (0-2) come to town.
Game Info
The Series
All-Time Series Scores
About Methodist
SSU-MC Series Features Notable Firsts
Second Half Rally Fails in Season Opening 20-13 Loss
SSU Defense Opens with Strong Showing
Coach Sherman Wood's Words
Sea Gull Nibbles
SEA GULL SPORTS ROUNDUP
Salisbury State hosts its annual field hockey invitational this Saturday and Sunday, September 18-19, featuring six games over the two days. The action begins early, with the Sea Gulls hosting Oneonta in the tournament's opening game at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Eastern Mennonite, last year's tournament champion, and Denison will also compete. SSU, 2-0 to start this season, hosts Johns Hopkins on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in a final pre-tournament test. The men's soccer team posted a 1-1 record in last weekend's Methodist College Tournament. The Gulls posted a 2-0 shutout over Greensboro, ranked second in the nation, on Saturday, but dropped a 1-0 decision against host Methodist on Sunday. Three SSU players were selected to the all-tournament team: goalie Mike Svehla (Baltimore/Calvert Hall HS), midfielder Morten Zederkof (Sussex Central HS), and forward CR Krauss (James M. Bennett HS). The Gulls (2-1 overall) visit Marymount in the conference opener on Wednesday before welcoming Eastern Mennonite in their home opener on Saturday at 2 p.m. The women's soccer team is off to a 4-0 start following a pair of weekend wins. SSU downed Notre Dame 3-1 on Saturday and followed with a 3-0 shutout at Villa Julie on Sunday. Salisbury has outscored its first four opponents 13-1. Senior Heidi Shaneybrook (Reisterstown, MD/Franklin HS) led the scoring with three goals in the two weekend games. The Gulls return to the road on Wednesday with another non-conference match at Widener (4 p.m.). The volleyball team faces a busy week with three matches in six days. The Gulls begin defense of their Capital Athletic Conference championship when they host Marymount on Tuesday, September 14 (7:30 p.m.). SSU then plays at Mary Washington on Saturday before returning home for a rare Sunday home match at the Maggs Center against Chowan. SSU is 3-2 to start the season, including wins over Delaware Valley and Mary Washington in last week's Gettysburg College Tournament. Sophomore hitter Kara Kowalski (York, PA/Central York HS) was named to the all-tournament team after registering 40 kills, 21 digs and eight service aces in four matches.
GULLS LOSE FOOTBALL OPENER 20-13
SALISBURY, MD - Steve Rossi scored on a three-yard touchdown pass from Matt Gates with 5:44 remaining in the game to break a 13-13 tie and lift Alfred to a 20-13 non-conference win in Salisbury. The winning score was set up by Andrew Genung's block of a Salisbury punt deep in Sea Gull territory. The ball rolled out of bounds on the Salisbury six-yard line, with Rossi scoring the game-winner two plays later. Both teams were playing in their season-openers. The loss spoiled the debut of SSU's Sherman Wood, a 1983 alum who was coaching his first game at his alma mater. Alfred took a 10-0 halftime lead on the strength of a 35-yard first quarter field goal by Ryan Rambacher and an 81-yard TD run by George Eason (159 yards) early in the second quarter. Salisbury rallied for a 13-10 lead in the third quarter behind a pair of touchdown runs by Myron Dent (109 yds). Rambacher's second field goal, from 33 yards on the first play of the fourth quarter, deadlocked the score. Following Rossi's touchdown and an exchange of possessions, Salisbury had a final chance to tie the score after taking a final possession with 2:20 remaining on its own 28 yard line. The Sea Gulls moved to the Alfred 35 before turning the ball over on downs. Genung sealed the win by sacking QB Ray D'Ambrosio on fourth down. The final stats were evidence of a closely played game. Alfred finished with 345 total yards of offense on 70 plays. Salisbury had 322 yards on 68 plays. Alfred QBs Todd Zandrowicz and Gates combined for 171 yards passing (17-30-1), while Salisbury QB's D'Ambrosio and Bryan Driskell totaled 156 yards (8-25-2). Salisbury hosts Methodist in its Atlantic Central Football Conference opener next week, while Alfred hosts St. Lawrence in its home opener.
MEN'S SOCCER RANKED FOURTH IN FIRST
REGIONAL POLL
SALISBURY, MD - Salisbury State's men's soccer team is ranked fourth in the first South Region poll of the 1999 season. The Sea Gulls, 1-0, were also listed among the teams receiving votes for the NSCAA's national top 25 poll. SSU could strengthen its regional and national positions with a strong showing in this weekend's tournament hosted by Methodist College in Fayetteville, NC. The Sea Gulls play Greensboro in Saturday's opening round. Greensboro, last year's national championship runnerup, is ranked first in the South Region and second in the nation. "Playing the nation's number two ranked team is great motivation for us," said SSU Head Coach Gerry DiBartolo. "We want to play well against them because it's important to determine how we stack up against the best teams in the country. Anytime a player comes to Salisbury State, he knows he will be playing in competitive matches." SSU and Greensboro are not strangers, having played each other in the same tournament last year. Greensboro prevailed with a 2-1 win in overtime. The last time SSU faced one of the nation's top-ranked teams, Salisbury defeated Virginia Wesleyan 2-0 at home during the 1997 season. Salisbury opened the 1999 season with a 2-0 win over Frostburg State in the opening round of the Eastern Mennonite Tournament last Saturday. Sunday's scheduled game against Maryville was canceled due to weather conditions. "We started very slowly against Frostburg," said DiBartolo. "Good goaltending and defense kept us in the game in the first half. We played the way we expect to play in the second half by pushing the tempo and creating a number of quality scoring chances." SSU makes its home debut on September 18 with a 2 p.m. game against Eastern Mennonite.
SSU HOSTS ALFRED IN FOOTBALL OPENER
Salisbury Begins Sherman Wood Era
Salisbury State (0-0) vs. Alfred (0-0)
Head Coaches
The Series
Salisbury Football on the Radio
SSU in Season Openers
D'Ambrosio, Dent to Lead the Offense Senior RB Myron Dent (581 yds, 3 TDs) will run behind a veteran offensive line that includes seniors Ken Schuckle and Eric Morgan and juniors Jim Kirk and Larry Holmes. Dent led the Gulls in rushing four times last year, with two 100-yard performances.
Veteran Line to Anchor the Defense
About Alfred
TE Brooks in Position to Finish Among All-time Leaders
CAREER PASS RECEPTIONS
Revolving QB Door
SSU Defense and Special Teams Shine in Openers
Sea Gull Club Luncheon
It's Official, SSU Visiting Baltimore
Coach Sherman Wood's Words
SSU CROSS COUNTRY IS OFF AND RUNNING
Gulls Host First Meet at Winter Place Park on Friday SALISBURY New Head Coach Jim Jones makes his Salisbury State debut on Friday as the men's and women's cross country teams host the Sea Gull Opener at Winter Place Park in Salisbury. The women's race begins at 5 p.m., with the men scheduled for a 6 p.m. start. The six-team men's field includes traditional rivals Catholic and Christopher Newport as well as Division I entries from Navy and Loyola. The women's competition will feature four teams, with Christopher Newport, Drew and Loyola joining the Sea Gulls. "I think we're ready to get started," said Jones. "This is a low-key meet in regards to the number of teams, but having a couple of Division I squads always raises the level of intensity. Our goal is to win." Jones, who joined the Sea Gulls in July after five seasons as the head coach at Muskingum (OH) College, has been pleased with the hard work of his athletes. "I'm impressed by the work ethic of the team," said Jones. "Most of the runners appear to have done a good job of training during the summer. They have also adjusted well to my style of coaching. We're off to a good start." Jones pinpoints three men's returnees -- Brian Sellers, Eric Ratcliffe and Larry O'Hara -- who have stood out during preseason workouts. Jones also cites Dave Frei, Rodney Dore and freshman Jeremy Beall as others who could perform well in Friday's opening race. The top returnee on the women's squad is sophomore Suzy McCulloch, who ranked among the best in the nation last year. McCulloch appears fully recovered from the injury that prematurely ended her season in 1998. "Suzy is our top runner and probably will be throughout the season," said Jones. "She is a national-caliber runner. Our goal with Suzy as well as everybody else is to keep them healthy. We want to minimize injuries." Others on the women's team who should be among SSU's top finishers include Stacie Wentz, Katey Cecil, Sherry Esposito and freshman Diana Hempel. Despite making his SSU coaching debut, Jones is trying to minimize the distractions before Friday's race. "I'm a little apprehensive, but I've been coaching on the college level for 10 years, so I'll try to treat it like a regular meet," said Jones. "I think I've adjusted to being here and I feel like I'm fitting in."
MEN'S LACROSSE TEAM TO BE HONORED AT PERDUE
STADIUM The Salisbury State University men's lacrosse team will be recognized at Perdue Stadium as part of the pregame activities for this Friday's (Sept. 3) Shorebirds game. SSU captured its third NCAA Championship in six years with a 13-6 victory over Middlebury College in the national championship game on Sunday, May 30. The championship game win capped an 18-1 campaign for the Sea Gulls, who also established a new single-season victory record. The lacrosse championship capped a banner 1998-99 athletic year for Salisbury State, which captured six conference titles and claimed the Capital Athletic Conference's All-Sports Trophy. Seven Sea Gull teams were represented in the NCAA Championships and 14 student-athletes earned all-America honors, including eight members of the men's lacrosse team.
Championship Ring Presentation Scheduled for October 23
SEA GULL CLUB FOOTBALL LUNCHEON SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER
9 Wood will preview his team's season-opening game against Alfred (NY) University and also provide an outlook for the '99 season. The luncheons will continue regularly every Thursday at noon at the Commons. 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. Schedule Cards Available Pocket-sized schedule booklets featuring all of Salisbury State's fall and winter sports teams are now available. Contact the SSU sports information office at 410- 543-6016 for a free copy.
GULLS BEGIN VOLLEYBALL SEASON AT HOME
The preseason is over. The Salisbury State volleyball team gets its first test of the year at home on Wednesday against Goldey-Beacom. The match begins at 7 p.m. at the Maggs Center. Wednesday's season-opener will also mark the end of the most competitive preseason in Head Coach Margie Knight's three years with the Sea Gulls. Knight welcomed 21 players to the start of preseason camp 10 days ago before settling on a final roster of 13. "Our lineup is a lot deeper than its been before," said Knight, who begins the year with a 45-30 career mark at SSU. "The skill level is very good throughout the lineup." Knight has eight letterwinners back from last year's championship squad, but must offset the graduation loss of CAC Player of the Year Jen O'Neill, who joins Knight as an assistant coach this season. Junior setter Katie Korreck, who competed internationally on a USA all-star team during the summer, will assume the squad's on-court leadership role. Korreck already ranks as SSU's all-time assist leader with 2,265, and averaged 9.73 assists per game last year. Key returnees among the hitters include 5'9" junior Donna Hudson, 5'9" sophomore Kara Kowalski, 6'0" sophomore Lisa Headd and 5'10" senior Mandy Heagy. Hudson finished second on the team with 2.61 kills/game last year and led the Gulls in service aces with 72. Kowalski earned second team all-CAC honors during an impressive freshman season in which she averaged 2.59 kills/game and led the Sea Gulls with 709 digs. Headd averaged 0.68 blocks/game, third best on the team. Senior Liz Houser is the top returnee among the defensive specialists. Houser contributed 3.69 digs per game to SSU's nation-leading 25.35 average last year. Houser and Heagy also serve as this year's team captains. "Liz and Mandy give us very good leadership," said Knight. "They have done a very good job throughout preseason." SSU's team depth will be tested right away with three players missing Wednesday's contest due to injuries. Headd and freshmen Samantha Crehan and Monica McLaughlin will be out of the lineup. "Playing in real game situations is always different from practice," said Knight. "One of our goals is to run a faster offense than we have in the past. In retrospect, we could have used another week of practice due to the injuries, but we're ready to get started." The Gulls will have 10 days between matches following Wednesday's opener against Goldey- Beacom. SSU returns to action in the Gettysburg College Invitational on September 10-11.
MEN'S, WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS HAVE
CHAMPIONSHIP GOALS The men's and women's soccer teams begin their seasons this week with championship hopes and optimistic outlooks. Both squads finished as Capital Athletic Conference runnersup last season, and hope to challenge for the CAC title again in 1999. Head Coach Gerry DiBartolo welcomes back 17 lettermen from last year's record-setting men's team which posted a school-record 15 victories in 1998. The Sea Gulls established a number of individual and team records, including victories, consecutive wins (8), and goals scored (63). Salisbury State has averaged over 12 wins per season during the past seven years and is pointing for a sixth straight appearance in the CAC championship game. Sophomore Paul Kelly, last year's conference rookie of the year and leading scorer, is expected to pace the offense once again. Other key returnees include senior Kyle Eberhardt, and juniors Steven Ritchie (9g-2a), Rusty Tritsch (6g-5a) and goalie Michael Svehla. The Sea Gulls allowed just 21 goals in 20 games last year, and return most of the key performers on the conference's top-ranked defense. The Gulls begin play in the Eastern Mennonite (VA) University Tournament on September 3-4. Like the men's team, the women's squad also had one of the strongest defenses in the nation last year. The Gulls posted 10 shutouts and allowed just 12 goals in 20 games while finishing 13-6-1 overall. SSU has posted a 69-22-3 record over its first five varsity seasons and has played in the Capital Athletic Conference championship game each year. Head Coach Jim Berkman welcomes 14 returning letterwinners from last year's squad, including four all-conference players. Last year's stellar defense returns virtually intact, highlighted by senior Amy Gallagher. A three-year starter, she earned first team all-CAC and third team all-Mid Atlantic Region honors in 1998. Joining Gallagher on the defensive core are senior Dana Earl and sophomore Joy Mulholland, both second team all-CAC performers last season. Junior Amy Forbes, who started all 20 games, returns in goal. SSU begins the season with non-conference home games against Wesley on September 1 and Shenandoah on September 8.
SSU-FSU FOOTBALL GAME MOVES TO RAVENS PSINet
STADIUM November 13 Game Winner to Receive First-Ever Regents Cup Long-time Maryland football rivals Salisbury State and Frostburg State add a new chapter to their battle for state Division III bragging rights in 1999 with the move of their annual game to PSINet Stadium in Baltimore, home of the NFL's Ravens. The game will remain on its original date of Saturday, November 13, with a 1 p.m. kickoff. The joint announcement was made by officials from both universities. "This is a great opportunity for our kids to play in a major league stadium and wonderful exposure for our university," said SSU Head Coach Sherman Wood. "This game means a lot to us regardless of where its played, but we certainly can't beat setting of PSINet Stadium." Salisbury State, which was originally slated to host the game at Sea Gull Stadium, is the designated home team for the neutral site contest. This year's game will be the first in series history to be played at a neutral site. The latest announcement is just one of several new twists to Salisbury's longest running rivalry. Coinciding with the move to Baltimore, this year's game will also feature added stakes, with the Sea Gulls and Bobcats playing for the newly-created Regents Cup. The award, designated by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents, will be presented annually to the winner of the only game that features two USM member institutions. Salisbury leads the overall series 14-12, though Frostburg has won three straight. "We're really thrilled about the Regents Cup," said Wood. "This gives the community an idea that the state's political leaders have a commitment to our universities, both academically and athletically." This year's game is also the first in series history to be played on the final Saturday of the regular season, the traditional rivalry day of college football. The teams had previously met at various times during the regular season since 1973, Salisbury's first full varsity season, but most often in the third or fourth week of September. "Moving the game to the end of the season, adding the Regents Cup and playing in a neutral site are all changes that we have been pursuing for a long time," said Dr. Michael Vienna, SSU's director of athletics. "It's certainly exciting for our programs and our alumni and fans to have all three unfold at the same time." The addition of the Regents Cup and the added appeal of PSINet Stadium are simply the latest escalations of the cross-state rivalry. In 1998, Salisbury and Frostburg met for the first time as members of the new Atlantic Central Football Conference. This season, the teams will vie for the league's first official championship. Frostburg State was one of three Maryland teams Salisbury played with regularity during its early years of football in the 1970s. But as the NCAA reorganized its divisional structure in the late '70s, opponents Bowie State and Towson departed the Sea Gull schedule for their current positions in Division II and Division I-AA, respectively. Salisbury and Frostburg remained as the only public, football-playing schools on the Division III level in Maryland.
MEN'S SOCCER USES OPENING WEEK FOR
EVALUATION 43 Players Battling for 26 Roster Spots SALISBURY, MD -- The task may seem a bit daunting, but it's part of the job. That's the approach for Salisbury State University's Head Coach Gerry DiBartolo as he shaves a preseason soccer roster of 43 hopefuls to the final squad size of 26. "It's difficult to make the cuts, but we base our decisions on a number of factors that we evaluate throughout the week of preseason drills," said DiBartolo, now in his 18th season with the Sea Gulls. "We base it on soccer ability, on athletic ability, on position play, and on team chemistry." DiBartolo and his three assistant coaches utilize a variety of different drills to assist them in the assessment of player abilities. Some small-field drills, some full-field play, as well as a lot of individual skill exercises. "The goal of the week is evaluating and making decisions," said DiBartolo. "I wish we had more time, but we do the best that we can. We're looking to see how the players respond in pressure situations and we try to evaluate their overall attitudes." Regardless of which newcomers make the final roster, DiBartolo has been impressed with the entire group of potential new players. "It's a strong group and there are some players who will help us immediately. One of the things we try to evaluate is how quickly new players will adjust from high school to the collegiate level." DiBartolo has 17 returning players among those in camp this week. Some are certain to make the final roster, while others may be vying against newcomers to make the final roster. "With returning players, we mainly want to see how they've improved," said DiBartolo. "It's important to see where they are skill-wise and how they compare to the new players." Preseason Notes: SSU is running two to three practices per day through Thursday. DiBartolo anticipates making the final roster cuts after Thursday's practice. The Gulls will have a morning practice on Friday before facing Virginia Wesleyan in a 6 p.m. scrimmage in Pocomoke that evening.
WOOD PLEASED WITH EARLY CAMP
PROGRESS SALISBURY -- First year Head Coach Sherman Wood welcomed over 100 players to the start of preseason football camp at Salisbury State on Friday. While that number has dipped during the first few days through natural attrition, Wood is happy with the team's opening efforts. "I'm pleased with the amount of information the kids have picked up right away," said Wood. "They've grasped quite a bit and caught on to what the coaches are trying to teach them. It's certainly more mental than physical during the first few days." As is the case in most preseason camps, the offense takes a little longer to jell than the defense. "The defense seems to be a little ahead at this point, but that's not unexpected," said Wood. "I'm also pleased with the things we've been able to introduce on special teams. We've gotten everything in that we wanted to this point." While the first days of practice have been committed to teaching and instruction, contact work will begin to increase each day. Nevertheless, Wood is intent on minimizing potential injuries by carefully monitoring physical contact. "We've been walking through the drills and been very careful with techniques so far because one of our goals is to control the number of injuries," said Wood. The Gulls will continue two-a-day drills through Friday. The team plays in a closed scrimmage on the road Saturday, then begins its normal, one practice per day routine on Monday. SSU opens the season at home on Saturday, September 11 against Alfred. Camp Notes: Three veterans are among the preseason scratches thus far. LB Jamie O'Kelleyand DB Sean Fitzpatrick were both hoping to return from previous injuries, but appear physically unable to play. LB Chris Keane, who saw action last year, will also sit out this season. The Gulls have just three quarterbacks in camp: returning players Ray D'Ambrosio and Bryan Driskell and sophomore transfer Christopher Hudson. Sophomore Eric Sweet, who played tight end last season, has moved to linebacker.
1999 SALISBURY FOOTBALL PREVIEW The 1999 Salisbury football season will offer a touch of the 'old and familiar' to complement the plethora of 'new and unknown.' The vast number of changes this season include a new head coach, a new coaching staff, a new conference championship to contend for and new offensive and defensive schemes. Mixed in with the new however, are 58 returning players, including 40 returning letterwinners and 16 returning starters. At least the majority of the players know each other. First year Head Coach Sherman Wood, a former Sea Gull all-American, inherits a full roster of experienced players highlighted by key returnees on both sides of the ball. Since taking the reins in April, Wood has met with each player and also spent endless hours reviewing tape in order to familiarize himself with the squad. "I certainly have some ideas about personnel based on what I've seen," said Wood. "We need to settle on a depth chart during the preseason, to establish the starters and identify the main backups." A preliminary look at the Sea Gulls, by position, as they begin preseason camp.
Quarterback "Not knowing much about the quarterbacks is a concern," said Wood. "It's a position that needs immediate attention and will be a priority throughout the preseason."
Running Back Sophomore Dan Bonney did not have a carry last year but could earn a bigger role as the Gulls implement a Basic Pro-I scheme this season. "Dent will be a mainstay," said Wood. "He is very underrated. He can do some things for us." A number of candidates will be available to fill the fullback position, a spot that wasn't utilized much in recent seasons. Wood however, is committed to the idea of a fulltime fullback as the Gulls move away from the one-back set. Sophomore Rob Evans, who missed all of last season due to injury, and sophomore transfer Woody Braywood, are among the top candidates.
Receivers "We're very excited about Lambert's potential and what he offers as a receiver," said Wood. Senior Jason Durham and junior Andrew Canigiani both saw action last year and could play bigger roles in the offense this season. The Sea Gulls have excellent depth at tight end, including first team all-conference player Ryan Brooks. The senior was the team's leading receiver as a sophomore and junior, including 27 catches for 315 yards and three touchdowns last year. Junior Josh Stark, who had nine catches last year, and sophomore Zach Freistat, who caught five passes, are also solid returning players at the position. "We're glad to have Ryan back and anticipate another outstanding season," said Wood. "With our depth at this position, we could also consider moving a player to another spot."
Offensive Line Two other returnees, both sophomores, begin the preseason as the top backups. They include Andrew Riley (6-3, 255) and Cem Sakarya (6-2, 285). "Having an experienced offensive line is a definite plus for us," said Wood. "We just need to make sure they grasp the new terminology and feel comfortable with their responsibilities."
Defensive Line Senior captain Michael Sheehan (6-0, 240) and senior Chris Morandi (6-2, 240) are the top returnees at tackle. Morandi led the Gulls with eight sacks last year, while Sheehan added two sacks and 19 tackles. Sophomore Paul Duffy (6-2, 210) will also see action. "We have a very good crew of returning players on the defensive line," said Wood. "It's probably our most comfortable position on defense as we enter preseason camp."
Linebackers "We're counting on Brannon and Gentry to lead the way," said Wood. "We'll probably take some chances with our linebackers."
Secondary Junior Rob Howes and sophomore Jared Huyett are also experienced returnees. Junior Seth Haskins, who finished with 44 tackles and a team-high 10 pass breakups, returns at one cornerback spot. Sophomore Bernard Smith is the leading candidate at the other corner position. "I'm itching to see these guys on the field," said Wood. "Our priority is to have two corners who can cover man-to-man."
Specialists "One of our goals is to produce 10 points per game through special teams," said Wood. "Our kickers and punters are very important keys in helping us realize that goal."
Coach Wood's Preseason Assessment
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