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Click on one of the following links for direct connection, or scroll down to view all game summaries from the 1998 season.

1998 Season Results
(Record: 8-3, 5-1 PSAC East)

Athletes of the Week

November 2:  Male - Kevin Ingram, Jr., football, (Levittown/Truman)...caught 13 passes for an NCAA Division II record-setting 401 receiving yards...also set the ECAC II, PSAC and WCU single-game yardage marks...set WCU all-purpose record for a game (401)...was named the ECAC II South and PSAC East Offensive Player of the Week...also scored four touchdowns, tying the WCU record.

October 12:   Male - Matt Cozza, Jr., football, (Churchville/Council Rock)...was named the PSAC Defensive Player of the Week...made ECAC II Honor Roll...free safety had seven solo tackles, two assists and two interceptions.

October 5:   Male - Mike Mitros, Jr., football, (Glenolden/Bonner)...completed 38 of 53 passes for 481 yards and six touchdowns in a 57-35 victory over East Stroudsburg (10/3)...set WCU records for completions (38) and yards (481)...tied WCU record for most touchdown passes with six...only the third WCU QB ever to throw for over 5000 yards in a career (5064)...also named PSAC Eastern Division Player of the Week and Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II South Offensive Player of the Week.

September 21:   Male - Kevin Ingram, Jr., Football, (Levittown/Truman)…was named to the ECAC II Weekly Honor Roll …caught 10 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns in 42-21 loss at Delaware…has caught at least 10 passes in three straight games, tying WCU career record for 10-catch game.

September 14:  Male - Mike Mitros, Jr., Football, (Glenolden/Bonner)… named PSAC East and ECAC II South Offensive Player of the Week…led WCU to 33-27 triple overtime win at New Haven…completed 29 of 55 passes for 378 yards and two scores…the 378 yards was the first 300-yard game of his career and third-highest WCU total of all-time.

September 7:  Male - Kevin Ingram, Jr., Football, (Levittown/Truman)…posted 12 catches for 116 yards in 19-10 loss to IUP on 9/3/98.

September 3

 IUP slips by the Golden Rams

Mike Mitros throws for 255 yards
Ingram catches 12 passes for 116 yards

WEST CHESTER, PA - Paul Failla completed 18 of 31 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown, and Greg Dorsey recovered a fumbled snap on a WCU punt attempt for a touchdown as Indiana (PA) University (1-0) slipped by the Golden Rams of West Chester University (0-1) 19-10.

The game, played September 3 under the lights at John A. Farrell Stadium in West Chester, PA, was the first night contest at WCU since 1993 and featured over 7000 spectators. It also marked the 700th game in Golden Rams football history.

The Indians opened up the scoring with a 21-yard pass by Failla to Scott Niederberger at the :57 mark of the first half. IUP extended its leas to 13-0 in the second quarter when WCU freshman punter Ron Minck (Dover/Dover) fumbled the snap in his own end zone and Dorsey pounced on it for a score. Minck made up for it later in the game by booming a pair of punts 88 yards - the longest sailing 53.

WCU freshman kicker Tony Gracia (Coatesville/Downingtown) booted a 32-yard field goal with 1:42 left in the opening half to cut the lead to 10, then sophomore QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner) powered his way to a one-yard score midway through the third quarter. Mitros completed 25 of 42 attmepts for 255 yards, making it the ninth time in his career he has surpassed the 200-yard total. Only Dave MacDonald and Al Niemela reached the bicentennial mark more often.

The IUP special teams, however, blocked three of Gracia's filed goals to help secure the win.  Terrence Wilson's 23-yard scamper with 4:05 left in the third quarter shut the door on the Golden Rams.

The WCU offense outgained IUP 371-333, racking up 29 first downs along the way. That total was the fifth highest recorded against an IUP club.

WCU junior wideout Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) caught a career high 12 passes for 116 yards, while junior receiver Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) accumulated 76 yards on seven
catches.

Multiple Targets

In addition to Lowe and Ingram, Mitros found junior TE Mike Spinka (Temple/Mulenburg) four times for 39 yards and junior TE Tom Truitt (Feasterville/LaSalle) once for a spectacular 17-yard catch.

Red-shirt freshman TB Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia), who was converted from wide receiver to tail back, snagged a seven-yard pass to go along with his 55 yards rushing on 12 carries.
Junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) picked up 60 yards on 15 rushing attempts.

Special Teams

In the return department, red-shirt freshman Adrian Wilerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) electrified the crowd by busting the opening kickoff 28 yards up the middle. He was one tackler away from breaking
into the red zone. For the game, Wilkerson totaled 49 yards on two kikcoff returns.

The Defense

The Golden Rams defense yielded just 12 points and 333 yards of total offese in a solid all-around performace. Sophomore CD Lamont Johnson (Philiadelphia/Norristown) finished second with 10 tackles, recording nine unassisted hits and one assist. Johnson also posted an interception - returning it five yards while imultaneoulsly killin an IUP drive - and recorded a pass breakup.

Senior DT Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) and senior OLB Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxbourough) each had stellar games. Colontrelle earned five tackles (2U, 3A), while Wescott led WCU with 11 total hits (4U, 7A). Colontrelle also was credited with a pass hurry.

Improving Secondary

Often maligned for giving up the big play in 1997, the Golden Rams secondary stepped up to curtail the IUP passing game. Sophomores SS Paul Borusiewicz (Norristown/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) and red-shirt freshman DB Shariff Blackwell (Chester/Chester) complemented the play of seniors FS Mark Fields (Conshohocken/Plymouth-Whitemarsh), junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock), and senior CD Vince Ellzy (Trevose/Bensalem).

Borusiewicz (4U, 1A) and Cozza (3U, 1A) checked in with five and four tackles, respectively, while Fields (3U), Ellzy (1U,3A), and Bklackwell (1U, 2A) were instrumental in stopping the IUP offense. Blackwell (2) and Ellzy (1) thwarted the IUP passing game by combining for three pass breakups.

Overcoming obstacles

The linbacking corps began it first season in four years without all-everything Ben Tonon in the middle to inspire the tema. In addition, WCU seior co-captain Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) hurt his ankle early in the game and was lost for the duration. Toss in Wescott's being sick, and the Golden Rams had to hurdle obstacles before ever steppin on the field.

But sophomore MLB Mike O'Neill (Norwood/Bonner) recorde four tackles (2U, 2A) and red-shirt freshman OLB Brian Kersey (Philadelphi/Cardinal Dougherty) had seven hits (2U, 5A) and a pass breakup.

A Decree from the Governor

The natives of Shillinton, PA, and the graduates of Governor Mifflin High School outside of Reading, PA, are proud of an unusual duo of red-shirt freshmen nowseeing action at WCU. Josh Lombardo (Shillington/Governor Mifflin) and Scott Cook (Shillington/Governor Mifflin) may both be red-shirted freshmen, but their stories come from different authors.

Lombardo, now in his second year as a Golden Ram linebacker, saw the initial experience of his collegiate career against the Indians. The first-year player and second-year team member collected two unassisted tackles and three assists.

Cook, on the other hand, is a 25 year old army veteran with a wife and the motivation to return to school.  In his first collegaite game, the rookie defsensive lineman earned four assists.

Lining up the rest

Senior DE Kevin Verbosh (Minersville/Nativity BVM) and junior DE Mark Burns (Kulpmont/Mt. Carmel) turned in signigicant contributions along the frontline for the Golden Rams. Verbosh registerd an unassisted tackled, three assists and a pass hurry, while Burns had an assist and two pass hurries.

Junior DT Matt Jesson (Havertown/Haverford) kicked in one unassisted tackle, three assists, two pass hurries and a four-yard tacled for loss.

Other contributiors on defense for the Golden Rams included freshman Duane Thomas (Ephrata/Conestoga Valley), who had six tackles (3U, 3A), and sophomore Raheem Islam (Philadelphia/Central) and junior DT Chris DiSanto (Trevose/Bensalem), who each recorded three unassisted tackles.

September 12

Golden Rams stun New Haven in triple overtime 33-27

Mitros named PSAC East, ECAC Offensive Player of Week
Wilkerson is ECAC Rookie of the Week

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY of PA - Junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) pulled down a 10-yard fade pass in the end zone and sophomore CB Lamont Johnson (Philadelphia/Norristown) secured the win with a diving pass breakup as the West Chester University Golden Rams upset the University of New Haven Chargers 33-27 on September 12 in triple overtime.

The Golden Rams (1-1) handed the Chargers - the NCAA Division II National Runner-ups in 1997 - their first home loss since 1996 when WCU won 24-17. The Golden Rams are 3-1 all-time in West Haven, CT, while the Chargers are 3-0-1 at WCU.

Freshman kicker Tony Gracia (Coatesville/Downing-town) gave WCU a 3-0 lead on a 30-yard field goal with 5:06 left in the opening quarter.

New Haven rallied for a 6-3 lead on Adam Roman’s 47-yard punt return for a touchdown, but the Golden Rams exploded for 17 unanswered points in the second quarter on junior FB Conrad Quarles’ (Philadelphia/Central) one-yard TD run and senior Christian Vigna’s (Buckingham/Central Bucks East) alert recovery of a Quarles fumble into the end zone. Gracia canned a 22-yard field goal with 0:03 left on the first-half clock to give the Golden Rams a 20-6 lead at intermission.

The Chargers scored early in the third to slice the WCU lead to seven at 20-13, but Mitros found junior TE Mike Spinka (Temple/Muhlenberg) - after a beautiful pump fake - for a 29-yard touchdown.

New Haven would eventually tie the game and force overtime, but the Golden Rams cashed in on a missed field goal, a blocked field goal by Johnson, and his game-ending pass breakup to steal the win.

Mighty Mitros

Mitros was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division and the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II South Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding effort. He completed 29 of 55 passes for 378 yards and two scores in the game, hitting Spinka with a defense-freezing 29-yard lob early in the game, then finding Ingram with a 10-yard fade in the third overtime stanza.

The 378 yards for Mitros was the first 300-yard game of his career and the third-highest total of all-time by a WCU player. Only Ed Brown (449 vs. New Haven, 1990) and Dave MacDonald (403 vs. California, 1994), threw for more yards in a single game.

Mitros’ TD pass to Spinka was the prettiest of all. Looking directly at red-shirt freshman wideout Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) on an inside slant, Mitros pumped as Wilkerson sold the play by leaping into the air. The defense froze as Mitros lobbed the ball down the sideline to a wide-open Spinka.

Wilkerson’s acting may have been the play of the game, but the rookie receiver was selected as the ECAC II South Rookie of the Week for his five catches and 85 yards. He also brought back two kickoffs a total of 41 yards for a 126-yard all-purpose afternoon. The five catches were the first of his career.

Mitros, who hit Ingram 10 times for 115 yards, recorded his second straight 200-plus game, giving him 10 for his career. Only MacDonald (26) and Al Niemela (18) stand ahead of him in that category.

Mitros also surpassed the 4000-yard mark for his career in the game, climbing ahead of Brown into sixth place with 4168 yards. He is currently tied for fifth with Jim Haynie (1965-67) in career TD passes (35).

Mitros is presently second in the PSAC in total offense, averaging 313 yards per game.

The go-to guy

Junior TE Tom Truitt (Feasterville/LaSalle) seems to know when the big play is needed. He caught two passes for 39 yards on the afternoon, both for first downs and one on fourth and long. The latter set up Ingram’s game-winning touchdown.

Going Lowe

Junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) may be having the quietest season of all the Golden Ram receivers. In two games he has pulled down 14 passes, including seven for 69 yards against the Chargers.

Lamenting Lamont

The Chargers may be lamenting the fact that Johnson broke their two-year home winning streak. In addition to his seven tackles (5 UT, 2 AT), Johnson tipped a field goal attempt in the first overtime period and batted away the pass that sealed the victory.

Secondary thoughts

The secondary was led by sophomore SS Paul Borusiewicz (Norristown/Plymouth-Whitemarsh), who totaled eight tackles (4 UT, 4 AT), and senior CB Vince Ellzy (Trevose/Bensalem), who had six hits (5 UT, 1 AT). Junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock) and senior FS Mark Fields (Conshohocken/Plymouth- Whitemarsh) posted five (2 UT, 3 AT) and three (2 UT, 1 AT) tackles, respectively.

The Golden Rams also picked up defensive back help from sophomore Logan Umberger (Lebanon/Cedar Crest) and junior Ted Pendergrass (Philadelphia/Harriton). Umberger recorded four tackles, while Pendergrass turned in three unassisted hits. Junior SS Rocky Ullman (West Chester/Henderson) added three tackles (2 UT, 1 AT) to the secondary totals.

Line dancing

The Golden Rams linebacking crew were devastating against the Chargers. Senior OLB Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxborough) topped the linebacking corps with six tackles (2UT, 4 AT), while senior OLB Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) posted five tackles and a three-yard TFL. Red-shirt freshman Brian Kersey (Philadelphia/Cardinal Dougherty) earned four solo tackles and picked off a pass that led to Gracia’s field goal just prior to halftime.

Starting MLB Mike O’Neill (Norwood/Bonner) broke up a pass in overtime, recorded two TFLs for –5 yards and accumulated four total hits, while red-shirt freshman MLB Josh Lombardo (Shillington/Governor Mifflin) had four tackles (1 UT, 3 AT)

Along the Connecticut line

Two of the biggest plays on defense came late in the game when senior DT Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) climbed into the backfield to earn a pair of sacks. His afternoon in New Haven featured five tackles (4 UT, 1 AT) and two sacks for –9 yards.

Just call them junior

Juniors abound when the defensive line is called in for duty. Defensive tackle Matt Jesson (Havertown/Haverford) and DE Jake Dawson (Blue Bell/Wissahickon) each checked in with two solo hits and one assist, while DT Chris DiSanto (Holland/Council Rock) registered a pair of solo tackles. The Golden Rams also received a TFL (–2) and an assist from DE Mark Burns (Kulpmont/Mt. Carmel) and a solo hit and an assist from DE Kevin Verbosh (Minersville/Nativity BVM).

Very Special Teams

While Gracia was hitting two field goals and all three extra-point attempts, freshman punter Ron Minck (Dover/Dover) was trading booming kicks with his UNH counterpart. Minck averaged 48.3 yards per punt over six attempts, including a 60-yarder.

The Golden Rams also pulled off a nifty fourth down fake when red-shirt freshman QB Tim Bigelow (Camp Hill/Camp Hill) slipped into the game and found sophomore TE Jason Muchler (Clark Summit/Abington Heights) with a short four-yard toss. The completion kept WCU’s drive alive and prevented New Haven from capitalizing on its fourth-quarter momentum.

Rushing around

Quarles led all runners with 48 yards on 18 carries, while sophomore FB Scott Reed (Pottstown/St. Pius X) added 32 yards on five attempts.

September 15

NEWARK, DE - The University of Delaware Blue Hens used 25 second-half points to break open a 20-14 third-quarter lead on their way to a 42-21 victory over West Chester University.

Although the loss dropped WCU's record to 1-2 overall, the Golden Rams turned in a good performance against the ninth-ranked team in Division I-AA. The turnover bug bit the Golden Rams often in Delaware Stadium as WCU handed the Blue Hens three fumbles and a pair of interceptions.

But the Golden Rams did manage to post 21 points and 324 yards of total offense against the powerful Hens.

Junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner) connected on 22 of 36 pass attempts for 213 yards and three touchdowns. The 200-yard game was the third of the season for Mitros and the 11th of his career. His yardage total moved him into fifth place on the WCU all-time career list with 4381.

PASSING HIS WAY INTO HISTORY

On Saturday, Mitros passed Tom Pierantozzi (4256, 1970-72) to claim that fifth position. He now needs 40 to tie Ron Gaynor (4421, 1979-82) and 94 to catch Jim Haynie (4475, 1965-67) for fourth and third place, respectively.

He has a long way to go to pull even with Al Niemela (7853, 1985-88) for second place. Dave MacDonald (1991-94) holds the career mark with 9080.

Mitros also moved into fourth place on the all-time TD pass list by tossing his 36th, 37th and 38th vs. Delaware. He is now 18 behind Ed Brown (1987-90, 56) for third place.

THE FAVORITE TARGET

There is no doubt about it - junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) is Mitros' favorite target. Ingram was selected to the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II Weekly Honor Roll for his 10-catch, 106-yard, two-touchdown performance against Delaware.

Since returning from his red-shirt season in 1997, Ingram has been a one-man wrecking crew. He has caught 32 passes for 337 yards and three TD's, and he has surpassed the 10-catch and 100-yard plateaus in all three games this season.

To put Ingram's season into perspective, consider this: He has three games of 10 or more catches this season, tying the career mark held by Brian Penecale (1992-95), WCU's all-time leading receiver. Ingram matched Penecale's feat in just three games against three Top 10 teams - IUP, New Haven and Delaware.

Keeping a Lowe profile

Junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) may be keeping a low profile, but his numbers are about to jump off the charts of defensive coordinators. In just three games this year, Lowe has managed to catch 18 balls for 187 yards. Last season he led WCU with 38 catches for 489 yards.

Against Delaware, Lowe hauled down four passes from Mitros for 42 yards.

Junior TE Mike Spinka (Temple/Muhlenburg) added three catches for 32 yards against the Blue Hens to his season totals. He already is at 10 catches for 102 yards - just three receptions shy of his injury-plagued 1997 totals. As for yardage, Spinka had just 90 last season.

Junior TE Tom Truitt (Feasterville/LaSalle) collected two more receptions for 32 yards and came up with another big play - a 12-yard fourth-quarter TD snare. Red-shirt freshman WR Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) snagged two passes for 14 yards.

Rushing around Hen Town

Lost in the Golden Rams aerial assault were the contributions of junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central), who had 11 carries for 46 yards, and red-shirt freshman TB Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia), who carried eight times for 29 yards.

Offensive Line's Defense

In past seasons, the UD defense has recorded as many as 10 sacks on WCU quarterbacks. But this year - thanks to the Golden Rams offensive linemen - Delaware managed to get to Mitros just one time.

Seniors Christian Vigna (Buckingham/Central Bucks East) and Mike Perozich (Lancaster/Conestoga Valley), juniors Vance Row (Ellicott City, MD/McDonough), Derek Barlow (Williamsburg, VA/York, VA) and Matt McFillin (Philadelphia/Archbishop Ryan), and sophomore Gary Blanch (Philadelphia/Archbishop Ryan) kept Mitros safe in the pocket.

Young defender leads hit parade

Red-shirt freshman MLB Josh Lombardo (Shillington/Governor Mifflin) led the Golden Rams in tackles by recording 10 (6U-4A). The rookie linebacker has seen increased playing time since the beginning of the season.

Senior OLB Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) totaled nine tackles (6-3) and a fumble recovery, while senior DT Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) recorded six hits (4-2).

Junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock) and sophomore SS Paul Borusiewicz (Norristown/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) were credited with six tackles (4-2 and 5-1, respectively) each, while sophomore MLB Mike O'Neill (Norwood/Bonner) posted seven tackles (2-5). O'Neill added a four-yard TFL.

The Golden Rams breakup leader continued to add to his totals. Sophomore CB Lamont Johnson (Philadelphia/Norristown) smacked down four more pass attempts to go along with his six tackles (2-3). Red-shirt freshmen OLB Brian Kersey (Philadelphia/Cardinal Dougherty) and CB Shariff Blackwell (Chester/Chester) posted six (5-1) and three (2-1) hits, respectively.

Other Golden Rams contributing on defense included sophomore SS Logan Umberger (Lebanon/Cedar Crest), who had two solo tackles; junior CB Ted Pendergrass (Philadelphia/Harriton), who also had two solo hits; and senior OLB Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxborough), who was credited with four tackles (3-1) - one being a six-yard TFL. Sophomore special teams player Curtis Callands (Philadelphia/George Washington) also chipped in with a pair of solo hits.

Senior FS Mark Fields (Conshohocken/Plymouth-Whitemarsh), senior DE Kevin Verbosh (Minersville/Nativity BVM) and junior DE Mark Burns (Kulpmont/Mt. Carmel) each recorded three tackles (2-1), while junior DT Matt Jesson (Havertown/Haverford) and junior DE Jake Dawson (Blue Bell/Wissahickon) each checked in with a solo hit and an assist.

Freshman Duane Thomas (Ephrata/Conestoga Valley) caused two pass hurries and earned an unassisted tackle.

September 26

Conrad squelches any Quarles by Shippensburg

Junior TB earns PSAC East Offensive
Player of the Week award for career afternoon

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY of PA - Junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) pounded Shippensburg for 196 yards and junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) claimed a season-low nine catches for a season-high 130 yards as the Golden Rams of West Chester University (2-2) defeated the Red Raiders of Shippensburg University (2-2) 36-21.

The non-conference victory took place before a Family Day crowd of over 5600 at John A. Farrell in West Chester, PA.

Quarles and Ingram set career marks for yardage in the contest. Quarles - who owns the highest GPA among all of WCU's student-athletes - rumbled 196 yards on just 22 carries. He averaged 8.9 yards per rush and was never thrown for a loss. He also scored on a three-yard run to stake WCU to a 7-0 lead.

Ingram, who entered the game leading the nation in receptions per game in Division II, actually saw his average dip when he managed to grab just nine passes for a career-best 130 yards. It marked the fourth straight game he has recorded over 100 yards receiving.

Ingram's first touchdown catch boosted the Golden Rams' lead to 16-7 early in the second quarter when junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner) found him on a 16-yard fade in the end zone. With just :35 left in the first half, Mitros again found Ingram, this time for a 57-yard bomb that erected a 23-14 intermission lead.

Mitros' Mounting Numbers

Mitros, who completed 15 of 31 passes for 191 yards and the two scores, fell just shy of posting his fourth straight 200-yard game. In addition to Ingram, Mitros connected four times with junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) and once with red-shirt freshman WR Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts). Lowe amassed 54 yards, while Wilkerson collected eight. Wilkerson also had 56 kick return yards for a 64-yard all-purpose afternoon.

Mitros also completed a short swing pass to sophomore TE Jason Muchler (Clark Summit/Abington Heights) who was scampering out of the full back slot, but the play was officially ruled a lateral and Muchler was credited with an 11-yard rush attempt.

Rushing into the Opposition

The line dispelled any myth that the WCU offense was strictly a passing attack as the Golden Rams allowed their backs to earn 331 yards on the ground.

Overall, the line comprised of seniors Christian Vigna (Buckingham/Central Bucks East) and Mike Perozich (Lancaster/Conestoga Valley), juniors Derek Barlow (Williamsburg, VA/York, VA), Matt McFillin (Philadelphia/Archbishop Ryan) and Vance Row (Ellicott City, MD/ McDonough), and sophomore Gary Blanch (Philadelphia/Archbishop Ryan), drove WCU to 522 yards of total offense.

Benefitting from the Run Blocking

Red-shirt freshman Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia) gained 59 yards on 10 carries, while Mitros collected 39 yards on scrambles. Sophomore FB Scott Reed (Pottstown/St. Pius X) bulldozed his way to 20 yards and a touchdown on just three carries. He set up and then scored the Golden Rams' final TD by powering his way to the Shippensburg one on a 19-yard march. Two cracks later he was in the end zone.

RS-freshman FB Leo Schulz (Chalfont/Central Bucks West) has extended the line of Bucks County full backs paving the way for WCU tail backs. Schulz was outstanding as the lead blocker for Quarles and Bradley, and he earned six yards on his lone rush attempt.

Very Special Teams

Freshman kicker Tony Gracia (Downingtown/Downingtown) and freshman punter/kickoff man Ron Minck (Dover, PA/Dover) have steadily improved the Golden Rams' kicking game. Minck, who is averaging 43 yards per punt, boomed three kicks a total of 125 yards (41.7 average). His long was 49 yards.

Gracia, on the other hand, has overcome three blocked field goal attempts vs. IUP to hit three times vs. Shippensburg - tying a school record. The mark is shared by Eric Wentling (vs. East Stroudsburg, 1984) and John Marotta (vs. Cheyney, 1988). Gracia made field goals of 32, 22 and 23 yards.

For the season, Gracia has been successful on 6 of 11 field goal trys. He needs just six more field goals and 11 more attempts over the next seven games to tie the WCU record. Wentling (12 of 22) established both marks in 1984.

Singing Teddy's Tune

Junior CB Ted Pendergrass (Philadelphia/Harriton), who was named the 1997 Special Teams Player of the Year at WCU, continued his stellar contribution during the transition game. With the Golden Rams leading 26-21 late in the fourth quarter, Pendergrass swatted the ball from the arms of a Shippensburg punt returner. Quarles recovered the ball deep in SU territory.

Pendergrass also had five tackles (3 unassisted, 2 assisted) in the game.

Sinking the Ship Offense

Sophomore SS Paul Borusiewicz (Norristown/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) and senior DT Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) led the Golden Rams with eight tackles each.

Borusiewicz earned seven unassisted tackles and one assist, and he also returned an interception 21 yards. Colontrelle's eight tackles (6-2) consisted of six unassisted hits and two assists, as well as two late-game sacks for -14 yards.

Junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock) posted six tackles (3-3), while rs-freshman CB Shariff Blackwell (Chester/Chester) chipped in with five unassisted hits. Junior DT Kevin Verbosh (Minersville/Nativity BVM) also posted five tackles (3-2).

Senior outside linebackers Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) and Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxborough) teamed up for nine total tackles. Simmons had five (3-2) and Wescott earned four (2-2). Junior DT Matt Jesson (Havertown/Haverford), senior FS Mark Fields (Conshohocken/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) and sophomore DB Curtis Callands (Philadelphia/George Washington) each were credited with two solo tackles and an assist.

Freshmen also jumped into the defensive action for the Rams. True freshman DE Duane Thomas (Ephrata/Conestoga Valley) earned a pair of unassisted tackles, while rs-rookie DT Scott Cook (Shillington/Governor Mifflin) picked up a solo hit and an assist. RS-freshman MLB Josh Lombardo (Shillington/Governor Mifflin) had a one-yard TFL.

Other Golden Rams contributing on defense included sophomore MLB Mike O'Neill (Norwood/Bonner) and senior CB Vince Ellzy (Trevose/Bensalem), who each earned two tackles (1-1). Ellzy was also in the right place at the right time, pouncing on a loose ball in the secondary after a fumble.

October 3

Junior QB earns PSAC East and ECAC II
South Offensive Player of the Week award

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY of PA - Junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner) was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division and the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II South Offensive Player of the Week for his record-setting performance against East Stroudsburg University on Saturday.

The Golden Rams exploded for a 57-35 victory at ESU as Mitros reeled off 481 passing yards on 38 completions to set new WCU standards. The passing yardage mark was originally set by Ed Brown in 1990 against New Haven (449), while Dave MacDonald connected on 37 pass attempts vs. Millersville in 1994.

Mitros also tied a WCU record by tossing six touchdown passes - four to junior wideout Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman). Brown threw six vs. New Haven and Matt Levin connected six times against Cheyney in 1995. Mitros also attempted 53 pass attempts in the contest, the second highest total in WCU history.

Mitros’ numbers lifted him among the PSAC all-time leaders as well. His completion total fell one shy of the PSAC record (39), while his 481 yards was the 10th best passing performance in league history.

In addition to the passing yards category, Mitros collected 463 yards of total offense. That total was the second highest ever in WCU history and ranks 15th all-time in the PSAC for a single game.

Mitros now has thrown for over 5000 (5064) career yards, making him just the third Golden Ram to crack the 5000-yard barrier.

In addition to Ingram (11 catches, 133 yards, 4 TDs), Mitros found junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) 14 times for 168 yards. Lowe did not score a TD, but he did produce the second-highest reception total in WCU history. George Reid (1990 vs. New Haven) holds that record with 17.

As an offense, the Golden Rams racked up 656 yards - the second best in WCU recorded history and the ninth most yards in PSAC annals. The Golden Rams managed 672 yards of offense vs. Kutztown in 1971.

Mitros now has five straight 200-yard games, giving him 13 on the year. He is third all-time in that category at WCU.

No Grounding Ingram

For the fourth time in his career, Ingram grabbed 10 or more passes. Not only did he set a WCU record for most career games with double-digit catches, he did it in four of the first five games this season. Ingram, who is averaging over 10 catches per game, is the leading receiver in Division II. Mitros’ TD passes to Ingram were from 14, 30, 13 and seven yards out.

The Targets

In addition to Ingram and Lowe, Mitros established connections with five other receivers. Junior TE Mike Spinka (Temple/Muhlenburg) grabbed six balls for 80 yards, while junior backup TE Tom Truitt (Feasterville/LaSalle) snared three passes for 33 yards. Spinka caught a 26-yard TD pass from Mitros to start WCU’s third-quarter scoring.

Red-shirt freshman WR Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) closed out WCU’s first-half scoring with a seven-yard grab. He caught two passes for 28 yards on the day and accumulated 103 return yards (82 on five kickoffs and 21 on ESU’s free kick punt following the safety). His day featured 131 all-purpose yards and a blocked punt for a safety.

The Golden Rams saw junior WR Dan Rivera (Schwenksville/Perkiomen Valley) catch a nine-yard pass and junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) snag a 30-yard reception. Quarles also rushed for 59 yards on 15 carries and scored on a one-yard plunge.

Rushing Contributions

While the pass game took center stage, the Golden Rams used the shifty running of red-shirt freshman Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia) to bolster their attack. The rookie runner chipped in with a game-high 75 yards on 12 carries. He averaged 6.3 yards per attempt.

Red-shirt freshman Leo Schulz (Chalfont/Central Bucks West) powered his way to 36 yards on five carries, while senior TB/FB Wali Dickson (Philadelphia/George Washington) collected 22 yards on just four attempts.

Special Teams

Freshmen kickers Tony Gracia (Coatesville/Downingtown) and Ron Minck (Dover, PA/Dover) have solidified the Golden Rams kicking game. Minck averaged 42.5 yards per punt on Saturday, booming his best kick 59 yards. Gracia, meanwhile, connected on 7 of 8 PATs. Junior DT Matt Jesson (Havertown/Haverford) blocked an ESU PAT and recorded two tackles (1 unassisted, 1 assist).

Cozza Causing Havoc

Junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock) led all Golden Ram defenders with 12 tackles (9 UT, 3 AT). He also broke up a pass and recovered a fumble. Senior co-captains Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) and Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) each posted seven tackles and a tackle for loss, while junior Ted Pendergrass (Philadelphia/Harriton) – starting his first career game at cornerback – earned four solo hits and an assist. Colontrelle gathered up five solos and two assists, and his TFL was for –3 yards. Simmons, meanwhile, was credited with seven solo tackles and a one-yard TFL.

Freshman DE Duane Thomas (Ephrata/Conestoga Valley), red-shirt freshman MLB Josh Lombardo (Shillington/Governor Mifflin) and red-shirt freshman OLB Brian Kersey (Philadelphia/Cardinal Dougherty) saw plenty of action vs. the Warriors. They recorded four tackles (2-2) each, while Lombardo broke up a pair of pass attempts.

Senior OLB Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxborough), sophomore MLB Mike O’Neill (Norwood/Bonner), freshman DB Leroy Miller (York Haven/Red Land) and senior DE Ben Vilmerding (Palmerton/Palmerton) each were credited with an unassisted tackle and two assists. Although he did not have any chances on Saturday, Miller moved into one of the two kickoff return roles for WCU.

Junior DE Jake Dawson (Blue Bell/Wissahickon) made his lone tackle of the afternoon standout as he posted a four-yard sack.

October 10

Golden Rams blank Mansfield again

Ingram earns ECAC II South Offensive Player of Week
Cozza claims PSAC East honors

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY of PA - Junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner) completed 22 of 37 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns and junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) collected 11 passes for a career high 155 yards as West Chester University (4-2, 2-0 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division) shut out Mansfield University 39-0.

The 27th straight win by the Golden Rams over the Mountaineers occurred in John A. Farrell Stadium on Saturday, October 10.

Ingram continued his assault on the WCU record books by upping his season catch total to 63 through six games. He is now just 22 shy of tying Brian Penecale's 1994 record of 85.

Ingram also caught his 10th touchdown pass of the season, a 24-yarder from Mitros in the fourth quarter.

For his efforts, Ingram was named the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II South Offensive Player of the Week. He was also placed on the PSAC Weekly Honor Roll.

Mitros Keeps on Motoring

For the sixth straight game, Mitros threw for over 200 yards, giving him 14 for his career.

In addition to Ingram, Mitros found red-shirt freshman Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) with an 11-yard scoring strike and junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) with a one-yard rifle. Lowe caught five passes for 62 yards on the afternoon, while Wilkerson was responsible for three catches and 56 yards. Lowe also had two punt returns for 36 yards.

Mitros found his tight ends three different times as well. He hit junior Tom Truitt (Feasterville/LaSalle) once for 13 yards and junior Mike Spinka (Temple/Muhlenburg) twice for six yards.

Rushing Notes

The Golden Rams picked up rushing touchdowns from junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) and senior TB Wali Dickson (York/York Vo-Tech). Quarles powered his way to a two-yard run in the first quarter, while Dickson scampered three yards for his third-quarter score.

For the game, Quarles posted 54 yards rushing on 13 carries. Red-shirt freshman TB Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia) collected a team-high 74 yards on 12 runs.

Gracia's Groovy Move

Freshman Mike Gracia (Coatesville/Downingtown) not only converted four PATs and a career-long 34-yard field goal, but the rookie kicker threw a two-point conversion pass. On the Golden Rams third TD, Gracia picked up a bad snap on the extra-point attempt, dodged an oncoming lineman, rolled out with the ball, and then found senior DT Kevin Verbosh (Minersville/Nativity BVM) in the end zone for a two-point conversion.

Rookie punter Ron Minck (Dover, PA/Dover) averaged 44.5 yards on four kicks.

Counting on Cozza

Junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock) was dominating on Saturday, posting nine tackles (7 unassisted, 2 assisted) while picking off a pair of passes. He led the Golden Rams to their first shutout in two years.

For his efforts, Cozza was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Defensive Player of the Week. He was also recognized for his performance by being placed on the ECAC Division II Weekly Honor Roll.

Sophomore SS Paul Borusiewicz (Norristown/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) and senior OLB Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) each posted seven tackles, while sophomore MLB Mike O'Neill (Norwood/Bonner) had six hits (2-4). Borusiewicz posted six unassisted tackles and one assist, and Simmons was credited with three solos and four assists.

Red-shirt freshman OLB Brian Kersey (Philadelphia/Cardinal Dougherty) produced five solos and sophomore CB Lamont Johnson (Philadelphia/Norristown) returned after a one-game absence due to injury with a four-tackle, one-assist performance. Senior co-captain Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) and sophomore SS Logan Umberger (Lebanon/Cedar Crest) each earned four hits (2-2).

Shariff Blackwell Update

Red-shirt freshman CB Shariff Blackwell (Chester/Chester) suffered a concussion in a helmet to helmet collision vs. the Mounties, but no neck injury was sustained. Blackwell was knocked unconscious and will be out indefinitely. Prior to the injury, the rookie cornerback had posted two solo tackles and returned an interception 11 yards.

October 17

Ingram catches 9 more passes
Simmons & Colontrelle lead stingy defense

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY of PA - Red-shirt freshman TB Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia) darted seven yards for one score and junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) barreled his way to a two-yard touchdown run as the West Chester University Golden Rams snapped a five-year jinx and defeated the Huskies of Bloomsburg University 21-10.

The win took place during Homecoming on October 17 in John A. Farrell Stadium before an exhilarated partisan crowd of nearly 6000 fans. It was the first win by the Golden Rams over Danny Hale and the Huskies since 1992. WCU improved to 5-2 overall, 3-0 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division.

In addition to the touchdown runs by the Golden Ram tail backs, WCU also saw junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) catch his 11th touchdown of the year - a 30-yard strike from junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner).

For the afternoon, Mitros completed 18 of 37 pass attempts for 243 yards and one score. Half of his completions went to Ingram (9-117), while red-shirt freshman WR Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) grabbed four for 82 yards. Junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) snared three for 35.

Wilkerson accumulated over 100 all-purpose yards on the afternoon, totalling 123 after collecting 41 yards on kickoff returns.

Team rushing effort

The Golden Rams used a mixed running attack to collectively gain 148 yards on the ground. Quarles accounted for 56 yards on 13 carries, while Bradley ran seven times for 29.

WCU also picked up yardage from its full backs as sophomores Scott Reed (Pottstown/St. Pius X) recorded 47 yards on 12 carries and Jason Muchler (Clark Summit/Abington Heights) - a converted TE - muscled his way to 21 yards on three attempts.

Picks of the Week

The Golden Rams recorded a pair of interceptions against the Huskies in Saturday’s win. First senior FS Mark Fields (Conshohocken/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) stayed at home and picked off a pass by Bloomsburg's RB Matt Wilson. Fields read the option play, stayed in centerfield, and grabbed the easy interception in the end zone. Fields also had a solo hit and an assist.

Freshman Jason McKendry (Ambler/Wissahickon), meanwhile, killed a late Bloomsburg drive with an interception he returned 13 yards. He added a pass breakup to his stats as well.

Sacking the QB

While the Golden Rams offensive line permitted no sacks, WCU was credited with two as red-shirt freshmen linebackers Brian Kersey (Philadelphia/Cardinal Dougherty) and freshman Josh Lombardo (Shillington/Governor Mifflin) were each credited with a four-yard sack. Kersey also earned an assisted tackle in the game.

Captains come through

The WCU defense was led by senior co-captains Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) and Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic).

Simmons rolled up 10 tackles (8-2, 2-yard tackle for loss), while Colontrelle recorded eight (5-3). Junior DT Matt Jesson (Havertown/Haverford) contributed seven (6-1, 4-yard TFL).

Sophomore MLB Mike O'Neill (Norwood/Bonner) was also strong with six total hits. He had four unassisted tackles, two assists and a pass breakup. Sophomore SS Paul Borusiewicz (Norristown/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) earned five unassisted tackles, a two-yard tackle for loss and two pass breakups.

Other Golden Rams contributing on defense included junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock), who registered four unassisted tackles; senior OLB Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxborough), who had four hits (3-1) and a one-yard TFL; and sophomore CB Lamont Johnson (Philadelphia/Norristown), who amassed four tackles (3-1).

Freshman DE Duane Thomas (Ephrata/Conestoga Valley) posted a pair of solo hits, including a six-yard tackle for loss.

October 24

Millersville’s fourth-quarter rally dooms Golden Rams

Kevin Ingram earns spot on ECAC II Weekly Honor Roll

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY of PA - In one of the most gut-wrenching losses in West Chester University football history, the Golden Rams (5-3, 3-1 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division) saw their 31-12 fourth-quarter lead evaporate into a 34-31 loss at Millersville.

The defeat not only damaged WCU's chance at a PSAC East title, but severely limited the Golden Rams opportunity for post-season play.

Despite the excruciating defeat, the Golden Rams still managed to scorch the Millersville defense for 285 yards through the air and 131 on the ground.

Red-shirt freshman TB Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia) led WCU with 71 yards on 12 carries, while junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) carried the ball 11 times for 63 yards and a 44-yard touchdown run.

Ingram marches on

WCU saw junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) catch his 12th and 13th touchdowns of the year and surpass the 1000-yard all-purpose mark for the season. He had eight catches and 120 yards to earn ECAC II Weekly Honor Roll accolades. Ingram scored on catches of nine and seven yards.

Junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner) was the launching pad for both of Ingram's TDs. He also hit red-shirt freshman WR Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) with a 34-yard score.

For the afternoon, Mitros completed 20 of 40 pass attempts for 285 yards and three touchdowns. He hit Wilkerson, junior TE Tom Truitt (Feasterville/LaSalle), junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/ Central Bucks West) and sophomore TE/FB Jason Muchler (Clark Summit/Abington Heights) with two passes each for 46, 27, 36 and six yards, respectively. He also found junior TE Mike Spinka (Temple/Muhlenburg) three times for 43 yards.

Sack parade

The Golden Rams defense piled up five sacks on the afternoon, including two by sophomore DE Raheem Islam (Philadelphia/Central). For the game, Islam - a transfer from Millersville - totaled -8 yards on two sacks and posted six tackles (5 unassisted, 1 assist).

Senior co-captain and DT Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) led all Golden Rams in the tackle department with eight. He had six unassisted, two assists, a three-yard sack, a pass breakup and three tackles for loss (-3 yards). Senior OLB Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/ Roxborough) matched Islam's hit total (5-1) and he had an eight-yard sack.

The Golden Rams also picked up solid games from sophomore SS Paul Borusiewicz (Norristown/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) and senior co-captain and OLB Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame). Each player recorded six tackles (Borusiewicz 4-2, Simmons 3-3) and Simmons was credited with a four-yard TFL.

Senior CB Vince Ellzy (Trevose/Bensalem) and sophomore DB Curtis Callands (Philadelphia/George Washington) each turned in five-tackle afternoons (4-1), while junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock) accrued two solos and three assists. Ellzy also had a pair of pass breakups. Red-shirt freshman OLB Brian Kersey (Philadelphia/Cardinal Dougherty) picked up a sack among his four tackles. He had two solos, two assists and the nine-yard loss.

Special Teams

While opponents seem to be keeping the ball away from Wilkerson on kick returns, red-shirt freshman Leroy Miller (York Haven/Red Land) has begun to chalk up some decent yardage. Against Millersville, Miller returned three kicks 59 yards, including a 30-yard burst he nearly broke for a score.

October 31

Down 27-14, Golden Rams rally past Clarion 44-40

Kevin Ingram explodes for 401 receiving yards;
Mitros tops own team record

CLARION, PA - With 11 men on each side of the ball, it is difficult for a football team to be completely dominant using just three players.

But West Chester University did just that as juniors Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner), Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock) and Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) guided the Golden Rams (6-3) to a 44-40 comeback win over the Golden Eagles of Clarion University. The mandatory Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference crossover game was played in Clarion, PA, on Oct. 31.

The mind-boggling numbers spit out of the computerized stat program in the Clarion pressbox resembled more a glitch than fact. Nevertheless, the final tally was no lie - Ingram had caught 401 of Mitros’ 489 passing yards and four of his five TD throws.

In recording 400 receiving yards, Ingram set an NCAA Division II, an Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II, a PSAC and a WCU record. He was named the ECAC II and PSAC East Offensive Player of the Week.

On 13 different occasions, Mitros targeted Ingram with a pass. The duo scored on connections of 80, 65, 12 and 30 yards, but his most crucial catch came with WCU trailing 40-37. Mitros found Ingram on a short slant, and Ingram turned the reception into an 81-yard gain.

Red-shirt freshman TB Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia), who carried the ball nine times for 33 yards, rumbled nine yards to set up Mitros’ two-yard, game-winning plunge. Junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) rushed nine times for 25 yards, while sophomore FB Scott Reed (Pottstown/St. Pius X) bruised his way to 30 yards on seven carries late in the game. Reed also grabbed two passes for 21 yards.

But Ingram delivered the punch line, while Mitros served as his straight man. Ingram finished the game with 13 receptions for the 401 yards to become just the second player in NCAA history to go over the 400-yard total at any level. His four touchdowns tied a school record held by many Golden Rams, including Ingram who did it against ESU this year.

Ingram also set the record for catches in a season at WCU. He now has 93. Brian Penecale set the mark of 85 in 1994.

Mitros, meanwhile, erected another school record for passing yards in a game with 489 - breaking his own mark of 481 (vs. ESU on Oct. 3). His five touchdown passes tied his career high. For the game, Mitros was 23 of 38.

Junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) gave the Golden Rams a 37-33 lead in the fourth quarter on a 15-yard touchdown reception from Mitros. He caught three passes for 41 yards in the win.

Defensive Kudos

When a defense gives up 40 points, it is generally hard to pick standout players. But Cozza was undaunted by the scoring of Clarion.

The junior free safety posted a game-high 16 tackles, including 11 solos and five assists. He also recorded a diving interception that set up Lowe’s touchdown catch late in the fourth quarter, and he displayed a punishing hit on the Golden Eagles’ Demetri Gardner on Clarion’s next to last drive.

Gardner was about to catch the ball for a first down on fourth and long, but Cozza’s hit separated the ball from Gardner and the Golden Rams took over deep in Clarion territory on downs.

Senior OLB Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxborough) and Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) each recorded sacks (10 and 8 yards, respectively), while sophomore DE Raheem Islam (Philadelphia/Central) had a six-yard sack and caused a fumble. Wescott was credited with seven tackles (3-4), while Simmons recorded six (5-1).

November 7

Golden Rams beat Cheyney 50-14

Colontrelle earns PSAC East Defensive Player of Week;
Mitros makes ECAC Honor Roll

WEST CHESTER, PA - Junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner) connected on 33 of 44 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns and junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman scored a pair of touchdowns and twin two-point conversions as West Chester defeated Cheyney 50-14.

The win at WCU’s John A. Farrell Stadium improved the Golden Rams overall record to 7-3. WCU is now 4-1 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division.

Mitros powered his way to a four-yard score, then found Ingram on consecutive TD passes of 10 and five yards. He hit Ingram with a two-point conversion pass after each of his two scores.

For the game, Ingram snared 12 passes for 93 yards. He became the first Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II and PSAC receiver to record over 100 catches in a single season. Ingram now has 1486 receiving yards this season - a WCU record.

Multiple Targets

Mitros connected with eight different receivers in all, finding junior TE Tom Truitt (Feasterville/LaSalle) twice for 15 yards and a nine-yard touchdown, and junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) nine times for 81 yards.

Coming out of the Shadows

While Ingram has produced a magical season, Lowe has been quietly tremendous. The junior receiver has caught 58 passes for 664 yards in 1998. His totals are 20 catches higher and nearly 200 yards more than in 1997 when he was All-PSAC East Second Team.

Red-shirt freshman WR Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) picked up four more receptions for 42 yards, while junior TE Mike Spinka (Temple/Muhlenburg) snagged three for 35. Wilkerson also recovered a fumble on special teams.

Ground Assault

Red-shirt freshman TB Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia) and junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) combined for two touchdowns and 160 yards rushing vs. the Wolves.

Bradley ran the ball eight times for 77 yards and a four-yard score, while Quarles carried 11 times for 83 yards and a three-yard touchdown. Bradley also caught one pass for 20 yards.

Sophomore FB Scott Reed (Pottstown/St. Pius X) tumbled his way to 31 yards rushing on six carries and 16 yards receiving on two receptions. Freshman TB Don DeFilipo (Point Pleasant, NJ/Point Pleasant) made the most of his first significant carries of 1998. He ran the ball three times for 58 yards and a touchdown - the first of his career. He set up his own TD with a 53-yard burst.

Colontrelle leads defense

Senior DT Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) was named the PSAC East Defensive Player of the Week for his eight-tackle performance. The senior co-captain posted five unassisted tackles, three assists, two tackles for loss (-10 yards) and a nine-yard sack.

Senior outside linebackers Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxborough) and Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) recorded six and seven tackles, respectively, while junior CB Ted Pendergrass (Philadelphia/Harriton) collected five solo hits, one assist and a blocked punt. Wescott totaled four solos and two assists, and he earned a one-yard TFL. Simmons had five solos and two assists.

Junior FS Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock) recovered a fumble to go along with five unassisted hits, complementing the play of sophomore DB Curtis Callands (Philadelphia/Washington) who had three solo tackles and two pass breakups.

Junior DE Jake Dawson (Blue Bell/Wissahickon) was credited with two tackles for loss (-20 yards) in the win over Cheyney. One of those TFLs was a 19-yard sack.

Senior DE Kevin Verbosh (Minersville/Nativity BVM) turned in a pair of TFLs among his three tackles (including a three-yard sack), while red-shirt freshman OLB Brian Kersey (Philadelphia/Cardinal Dougherty) had three hits and a four-yard sack.

November 17

Ingram named PSAC East Co-Offensive Player of Week
earns spot on ECAC II Honor Roll

KUTZTOWN, PA - Junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner) connected on 21 of 40 pass attempts for 312 yards and four touchdowns and junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) snared 10 balls for 188 yards and two scores as the Golden Rams of West Chester University (8-3, 5-1 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division) defeated Kutztown 34-21.

The road victory gave WCU its highest win output since 1994 when the team was 8-4. The Golden Rams finished second in the PSAC East behind 6-0 Millersville.

Powering up the offense

The Golden Rams scored on four of their first five drives, then needed a superb catch and 55-yard dash by Ingram in the fourth quarter to ward off a late Kutztown comeback.

Junior WR Bill Lowe (Warrington/Central Bucks West) caught just two passes on the afternoon for 27 yards, but his first was a nine-yard scoring strike which set the Golden Rams up by seven in the opening quarter. Junior TE Tom Truitt (Feasterville/LaSalle) also grabbed two passes for 16 yards.

Red-shirt freshman WR Adrian Wilkerson (Pottstown/O.J. Roberts) made it 21-0 on his lone catch of the day - a 23-yarder which he snagged off of his back hip while never missing a stride.

Junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) carried nine times for just 17 yards, but he sandwiched a two-yard touchdown run between the scores by Lowe and Wilkerson.

Junior TE Mike Spinka (Temple/Muhlenburg) kept the Golden Bears off-balance over the middle, catching four balls for 46 yards, while red-shirt freshman TB Brian Bradley (Philadelphia/South Philadelphia) plowed his way to 47 yards on a dozen rushing attempts. He also caught a nine-yard pass.

But it was Ingram who put the game away by scoring WCU’s final two touchdowns. The first was a 24-yard pass from Mitros in the second quarter, while the second was a 55-yard stop, catch and go that left the KU secondary clutching at the warm November air.

Ingram was named the PSAC East Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts. He was also named to the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II Weekly Honor Roll.

Crunching the Invaders

Anytime defensive lineman or linebackers roam into the backfield, sophomore full backs Jason Muchler (Clark Summit/Abington Heights) and Scott Reed (Pottstown/St. Pius X) throw bone-jarring blocks. Muchler also carried the ball twice for 14 yards, while Reed inhaled a three-yard pass.

Speedy Miller

Freshman DB Leroy Miller (York Haven/Red Land) returned four kickoffs for the Golden Rams a total of 81 yards. His straight-ahead running and quick first step now has the opposition rethinking its decision to kick the ball away from Wilkerson.

Freshman punter Ron Minck (Dover, PA/Dover) boomed four of his kicks 165 yards - a 41.3 average. His longest sailed 49 yards.

Colontrelle leads defense

Senior DT Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic) finished his WCU career with a stellar game against the Golden Bears. The team’s co-captain posted four unassisted tackles, three assists, two tackles for loss (-3 yards) and recovered a fumble.

Senior outside linebackers Harry Wescott (Philadelphia/Roxborough) and Marcellus Simmons (Easton/Notre Dame) also wrapped up their tenure as Golden Ram players. Wescott produced three tackles (2 UT, 1 AT) and three pass hurries, while co-captain Simmons checked in with four tackles (3 UT, 1 AT). Wescott’s pass hurry on the final play of the first half prevented a Kutztown touchdown from the WCU one-yard line. Senior DT Kevin Verbosh (Minersville/Nativity BVM) compiled three tackles (2 UT, 1 AT), a one-yard TFL and a pass breakup.

Secondary thoughts

Senior CB Vince Ellzy (Trevose/Bensalem) produced maybe his best game of the season. He accumulated five tackles (3 UT, 2 AT), intercepted two passes, returned one three yards, and broke up a pass attempt.

Also playing a strong game at the corner was junior Ted Pendergrass (Philadelphia/Harriton). He was credited with four solo tackles in the win.

The best performance from the defensive backfield was turned in by junior Matt Cozza (Churchville/Council Rock). The hard-hitting free safety accounted for 13 tackles in the win, including 10 unassisted.

Sophomore DB Curtis Callands (Philadelphia/Washington) recorded four tackles (3 UT, 1 AT), with two being TFLs (-4 yards), while junior CB Lamont Johnson (Philadelphia/Norristown) had five hits (3 UT, 2 AT) and a pass breakup. Sophomore DB Paul Borusiewicz (Norristown/Plymouth-Whitemarsh) amassed six tackles (5 UT, 1 AT) and returned an interception 20 yards.

The Golden Rams also saw the return of red-shirt freshman CB Shariff Blackwell (Chester/Chester) who missed four games after suffering a serious concussion against Mansfield. He made a leaping stab at an interception, but the ball was knocked away by a Kutztown receiver. Blackwell was given a pass breakup on the play.

Ingram’s Identity

1998 Statistics: 115 receptions, 1674 yards, 21 TDs.
Set WCU, PSAC and ECAC II record for receptions and receiving yards in a season.
First PSAC & ECAC II receiver ever to catch 100 balls or record 1600 yards in a season.
Set an ECAC II record and tied the NCAA II record for TD catches in a season.
Set the WCU, ECAC II, PSAC and NCAA record for receiving yards in a single game (401 vs.  
      Clarion on Oct. 30).
Became just the second NCAA receiver - at any level - to record 400 receiving yards in a single
     game.
Set the WCU single-game all-purpose yardage mark against Clarion with 401 yards.
His1692 all-purpose yards is the 5th most in WCU history for a single-season.
1998 NCAA II National Champion for receptions per game (10.5) and receiving yards per game
    (152.1).
Finished 7th in Division II in scoring (11.8 ppg.) and 25th in Division II in all-purpose yards per game
    (153.8).
His 152.1 receiving yards per game is the 7th highest single-season average in NCAA Division II
     history.
His 115 catches is the third highest in NCAA Division II history.
His 10.5 catches per game is the fourth highest in NCAA II history.
His 130 points this season is the 6th most in PSAC history and the 2nd most in WCU history.
Caught four TD passes twice this season (vs. East Stroudsburg, Oct. 3 and Clarion Oct. 31), twice
     tying the WCU record.
Set WCU record for 100-yard games in a season with 10.
Set the mark for consecutive 100-yard games with 9 (first 9 games of 1998).
Set WCU record with eight 10-catch games this season.
Career Statistics: 153 receptions, 2109 yards and 29 TDs.
Set WCU career record for 10-catch games with 8 - all in 1998.
His 10 100-yard games is the third most in WCU history.
His 178 points ranks 11th all-time at WCU.
His 153 catches and 2109 yards rank 6th at WCU.
His 29 TDs rank him 3rd all-time at WCU and 5th all-time in the PSAC.
Northeast Region finalist for the Harlon Hill.

Metering Mitros

1998 Stats: 11 games, 80 rushing attempts, 41 yards, 3 TDs...457 passes, 267 completions, 3437
     yards, 32 TDs, 312.5 y/g...7.5 y/p...139.5 pass efficiency rating...3478 yards of total offense, 1
     punt 37 yards, 37.0 ave., 1 unassisted tackle, 18 points.
Set WCU record for passing yards in a game vs. East Stroudsburg on Oct. 3 with 481.
Then broke that record at Clarion on Oct. 31 with 489.
Tied WCU record for 200-yard games in a season (11) and for consecutive 200-yard games (11).
His 3437 passing yards is the 2nd highest single-season total at WCU and third most in PSAC
     history.
His 267 pass completions is the 2nd highest single-season total at WCU and third in the PSAC.
His 3478 yards of total offense is the 2nd highest single-season total at WCU and 3rd in the PSAC.
His 32 TDs is the 2nd highest single-season total at WCU and 5th in the PSAC.
His 457 pass attempts is the 2nd highest single-season total at WCU and 5th in the PSAC.
He is the 1998 NCAA II National Champion for Total Offense (316.2 y/g).
He finished 14th in the NCAA Division II pass efficiency rating.
Career Stats: 1041 pass attempts, 591 completions, 6972 passing yards, 65 TDs, 56.8 pct., 217.9
     y/g, 126.7 pass efficiency.
His 6786 career yards of total offense ranks him 3rd all-time at WCU.
His 19 career 200-yard games ranks him 2nd all-time at WCU.
Ranked 3rd all-time at WCU in career passing yards, TD passes and completions.
Ranked 5th all-time in career TD passes in the PSAC.
Ranked 7th all-time in career completions in the PSAC.
Ranked 10th (tied) all-time in career pass attempts in the PSAC.
Led WCU to the 1998 NCAA Division II National Championship for passing offense (313.8 y/g).

Advance Row tickets

Junior LT Vance Row (Ellicott City, MD/McDonough) was a huge reason the Golden Rams offense flourished.

1998 Stats: Plays the left tackle position...his chief responsibility is to protect quarterback’s weakside...pass protection allowed WCU to lead the nation in passing offense (313.8 y/g)...WCU is 6th in nation in total offense (465.8)...his protection allowed Mitros to lead nation in total offense and Ingram to lead the nation in receptions and receiving yards per game...a 1998 GTE District II Academic All-America...1998 PSAC scholar-athlete...member of the Fall 1996, Spring and Fall 1997, and Spring 1998 WCU Athletic Director's Academic Honor Roll.

Quarles, Row recognized by CoSida

Junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) and junior LT Vance Row (Ellicott City, MD/McDonough School) have been named to the 1998 GTE Academic All-America District II Football Team. The duo will now go on the national ballot to vie for Academic All-America honors. The Academic All-America Squad is voted on by members of CoSida.

Quarles led the Golden Rams in rushing, averaging 64.3 yards per game and 4.8 yards per carry. He totaled 707 yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 42 yards.

Row was the chief protector of junior QB Mike Mitros (Glenolden/Bonner). His blocking allowed the Golden Rams to be the Division II National Passing Offense Champions after the team averaged 313.8 yards per game through the air. WCU also finished sixth in the nation in total offense, averaging 465.8 yards per game.

The Golden Rams were 8-3 overall record and 5-1 in the PSAC Eastern Division.

December 1

Ingram named ECAC II Player of the Year

WEST CHESTER, PA - Junior wideout Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) was named Player of the Year in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II South Region. He was also named to the ECAC II South All-Star team as a wide receiver.

Ingram broke the ECAC II, PSAC and WCU season records for reception (115) and receiving yards (1674).

Also named to the team were junior offensive tackle Vance Row (Ellicott City, MD/The McDonough School) and senior defensive tackle Rob Colontrelle (Dumont, NJ/Bergen Catholic). Row was a catalyst on an offensive line which allowed the Golden Rams to pile up 5123 yards (1671 rushing, 3452 passing). Colontrelle was second on the team with 70 tackles (46 UT, 24 AT), and first in both tackles for loss (10 for -31 yards) and sacks (6 for -35).

WEST CHESTER, PA - Junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) keeps receiving the accolades for his stellar season.

The Division II College Sports Information Directors of America voted Ingram as a Division II Daktronics, Inc., All-American First Team Wide Receiver. He received the most votes in the nation at his position.

Ingram’s previous honors include being named Player of the Year in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II South Region, as well as being selected an ECAC II South All-Star and All-PSAC East First Team.

Ingram set the ECAC II, PSAC and WCU season records for receptions (115) and receiving yards (1674) in 1998.

WEST CHESTER, PA - Junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) keeps receiving the accolades for his stellar season.

The Associated Press named Ingram to its Little All-American Team. The team is made up of players from Division II, III and the NAIA.

Ingram’s previous honors include being named to the College Sports Information Directors of America Division II Daktronics, Inc., All-American First Team, as well as Player of the Year in the Eastern College Athletic Conference Division II South Region. He was also selected an ECAC II South All-Star and to the All-PSAC East First Team.

Ingram set the ECAC II, PSAC and WCU season records for receptions (115) and receiving yards (1674) in 1998.

BROOKFIELD, IL - West Chester University junior WR Kevin Ingram (Levittown/Truman) was named the Most Valuable Receiver in Division II by Don Hansen’s Football Gazette. The honor was announced on January 21.

Ingram set the NCAA Division II record for receiving yards in a single game against Clarion on October 31 when he posted 401. He became just the second receiver in NCAA history to record over 400 yards receiving in one game.

Ingram was also named to the Football Gazette Division II First Team Offense.

LOCK HAVEN, PA - West Chester University junior TB Conrad Quarles (Philadelphia/Central) was selected a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Fall Top 10 Award winner for his excellent season on the field and his outstanding grade point average in the classroom.

The Top 10 Awards, selected by the PSAC Sports Information Directors, recognize student-athletes who distinguish themselves in the classroom as well as in the arena of competition. The conference designates Top 10 Award winners after each of the competitive sport seasons - fall, winter and spring.

To be a candidate, a student-athlete must have achieved a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be a starter or key reserve with legitimate athletic credentials. The fall sports eligible for this honor include football, men’s and women’s soccer and cross country, women’s tennis and volleyball, and field hockey (Editor’s note - WCU is a member of the Atlantic 10, so its field hockey athletes vie for academic honors in that league.)

Quarles was one of five male athletes receiving the honor in the PSAC. He averaged a bruising 4.8 yards per carry while maintaining a 4.18 GPA. He led WCU in rushing yards, rushing TD’s and yards per game in 1998, and he was named to the GTE District 2 Academic All-America Team.

1997 Season Results(5-11)

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