Western New England College
Football News

2003 News

Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003
WNEC 28, Framingham State 0

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Freshman quarterback Jim Kantany (East Longmeadow, MA) passed for one touchdown and ran for another score to lead Western New England College to a 28-0 Homecoming victory over visiting Framingham State College in a non-division New England Football Conference (NEFC) game.

The Golden Bears (2-4) scored on their first two possessions of the game when Kantany ran nine yards to cap a 12-play, 62-yard drive following the opening kickoff at the 9:12 mark. Kantany then fired an 11-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Greg Clarke (South Dartmouth, MA) with 6:12 remaining in the opening quarter.

Sophomore cornerback Jay Rooney (El Sequndo, CA) tied a school record with three interceptions, including a 46-yarder for his first collegiate touchdown that gave WNEC a 21-0 half-time lead.

Senior running back Mike Lynch (Yorktown, NY) scored his first collegiate touchdown on a two-yard run with 1:04 left in the game to complete the scoring.

WNEC junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) rushed for a game-high 104 yards on 26 carries (4.0 avg.) for his fourth 100-yard game of the season.

Framingham State out-gained WNEC by a 203-191 advantage. Junior quarterback TJ Beary (Carlisle, PA) was 14-of-52 passing for 132 yards, but suffered four interceptions and was sacked three times. Junior wide receiver Patrick Sheehan (Lynnfield, MA) caught seven passes for 79 yards. Sophomore running back Bill Meuse (Tewksbury, MA) led the Rams with 44 yards rushing on 12 carries, and had five catches for 35 yards.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE HOSTS FRAMINGHAM STATE SATURDAY IN HOMECOMING CONTEST

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Fresh off its first win of the season, Western New England College will host Framingham State College at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 18) in a New England Football Conference (NEFC) non-division game as part of Homecoming Weekend at Golden Bear Stadium.

WNEC has a 1-4 record (1-2 in the conference) after defeating MIT 14-7 last Saturday in a NEFC Boyd Division contest at Steinbrenner Stadium in Cambridge. It was a satisfying victory for the Golden Bears who had dropped three previous outings by a total of nine points. More importantly was the fact that several players came through with clutch plays at key times throughout the contest.

"It certainly was nice to get the first win under our belt," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin. "Our defense played a great game considering we had some players out with injuries which forced us to move some other players to different positions. We also finally came through with some big plays on offense. We gained a lot of confidence from this game and hope that momentum continues against Framingham State."

Freshman quarterback Jim Kantany (East Longmeadow, MA) completed 5-of-9 passes for 53 yards against MIT that included the first two touchdowns of his young collegiate career. Kantany fired a 16-yard scoring pass to junior tight end Greg Clarke (South Dartmouth, MA) that tied the game with 2:52 left before half-time. He then tossed a two-yard pass to senior wingback Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) for the winning touchdown midway through the third quarter. Kantany finished with 105 yards (including 52 rushing) in gaining WNEC Male Athlete-of-the-Week honors.

Junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) ran for 153 yards on 37 carries (4.1 avg.) for his third 100-yard game this season. It was the fifth 100-yard performance of his career, and Laroche's second best outing (following a 158-yard effort against Framingham State last year). He is fifth in the NEFC with 584 yards (116.8 avg.).

Freshman free safety Justin White (Essex Junction, VT) preserved the win with his first collegiate interception at midfield with 46 seconds left in the game. White, who also had three tackles and a pass breakup, was named to the weekly NEFC honor roll. Western New England College is third in the NEFC in rushing defense (119.4), third in scoring defense (17.2), and fifth in total defense (300.2).

Framingham State has a 0-5 record and 0-3 mark in the NEFC Bogan Division. The Rams' top player is junior running back Adam Watkins who is fifth in the NEFC in all-purpose yards (134.4 avg.). Watkins has rushed for 242 yards and has a 20.0 average for 12 kickoff returns.

This will be the 12th meeting between the teams with Western New England College leading the series (which started in 1981) by an 8-3 margin. The Golden Bears have won the last five meetings, including a 21-0 win last year in Framingham.

Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003
WNEC 14, MIT 7

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Freshman quarterback Jim Kantany (East Longmeadow, MA) fired two scoring passes - the first two of his career - as Western New England College won its first game of the season with a 14-7 victory over MIT in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division game at Steinbrenner Stadium.

MIT (2-3, 0-2) took a 7-0 lead on a one-yard run by Ryan Lanphere with 6:10 remaining in the second half.

WNEC (1-4, 1-2) answered with a nine-play, 59-yard drive as Kantany (on a 3rd and 12 situation) tossed a 16-yard touchdown pass to junior tight end Greg Clarke (South Dartmouth, MA) with 2:52 left before intermission. It was the first collegiate touchdown for Clarke.

Kantany then connected on a two-yard scoring pass to senior wing back Matt Sotherden (Pleasantville, NY) for the winning touchdown at the 7:10 mark of the third quarter

Junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) continued his strong play by rushing for 153 yards on 37 carries (4.1 avg.). It was the fifth 100-yard game of his career (the third this season), and his second best performance ever.

Freshman free safety Justin White (Essex Junction, VT) helped preserve the win with his first collegiate interception at midfield with 46 seconds left in the game. White returned the ball 38 yards to the MIT 12 and the Golden Bears ran out the clock.

WNEC, which entered the game ranked fourth in the NEFC in total defense (310.3), allowed only 260 yards, and had four interceptions and four sacks.

GOLDEN BEARS TRY AGAIN FOR FIRST VICTORY AT MIT ON SATURDAY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Western New England College goes after its first victory of the season against MIT starting at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 11) in a New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division contest at Steinbrenner Stadium in Cambridge.

WNEC has a 0-4 record (0-2 in the division) after losing its last three contests by a total of nine points. The Golden Bears suffered a heartbreaking 22-20 loss against Salve Regina last Saturday after giving up the winning score with 1:43 left in the game.

"Although we are disappointed, we feel that our team is getting better," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin. "We have given up too many big plays and it's a matter of us making plays late in the game. The good news is that the excitement is still there and we're seeing improvement in many areas. MIT is a quality opponent with an excellent coaching staff. We have played several close contests with them recently and expect the same Saturday."

WNEC junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) made the weekly NEFC honor for the third time this season after gaining 90 yards on 27 carries with two touchdowns against Salve Regina. He is eighth in the NEFC with 431 yards (107.8 per game average).

Senior Mike Lynch (Yorktown, NY) is fifth in the conference in punting (35.5 avg.) while freshman Jason Whitehouse (Gilmanton, NH) is fifth in kickoff returns (24.7 avg.). Sopjomore cornerback Jay Rooney (El Segundo, CA) is tied for sixth in interceptions (two in four games) while freshman Dwayne Kirby (Springfield, MA) is seventh in punt returns (8.1).

Western New England College is second in the NEFC in rushing defense (123.3), third in scoring defense (19.8), and fourth in total defense (310.3).

MIT is 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the Boyd Division after dropping a 49-14 decision at division leader Curry College.

Among the top players for the Engineers are freshman quarterback Adam Love (52-of-104, 650 yards, 4 TDs), junior wide receiver Tom Kilpatrick (24 receptions, 446 yards, 3 TDs), and junior linebacker Phil Zakielarz (35 tackles).

This is the 15th meeting between the teams with MIT leading the series (which started in 1989) by a 10-4. The Engineers came away with a 10-0 win last year in the rain at Golden Bear Stadium.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2003
Salve Regina 22, WNEC 20

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Freshman running back Carl Frye (Portland, ME) scored on a five-yard run with 1:43 remaining in the game as visiting Salve Regina University captured its first win of the season with a wild 22-20 victory over hard-luck Western New England College.

In a game that featured five lead changes, Western New England College had a chance to win, but junior Loren Estabrook (Sharon, NH) came up just short on a 52-yard field goal attempt in the rain on the final play of the New England Football Conference Boyd Division contest.

Salve Regina is now 1-4 overall and 1-1 in the division. The Seahawks have won all 11 meetings over the Golden Bears. WNEC has lost its last three games by a total of nine points.

Western New England College (0-4, 0-2) took a 20-16 lead when freshman quarterback Jim Kantany (East Longmeadow, MA) scored on a five-yard run with 14:53 left in the fourth quarter to cap a 16-play, 79-yard drive that consumed 7 minutes, 54 seconds.

Freshman quarterback Rob Higle (Sleepy Hollow, NY) led the Seahawks on their 10-play, 56-yard winning drive by converting two key fourth-down plays. One play was a 15-yard completion to freshman wide receiver Antonio Guzzo (Sleepy Hollow, NY) that gave SRU a first and 10 at the WNEC 41. Higle and Guzzo were teammates at Briarcliff High School in Briarcliff Manor, New York.

Four plays later, sophomore running back Andre Willis (Newport, RI) (12 carries, 64 yards) ran 16 yards for a first down at the WNEC 19. That set the stage for Frye who scored the winning touchdown two plays later.

WNEC scored on its first possession to take a 6-0 lead when junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) scored on a one-yard run just 3:27 into the game. Salve Regina took a 7-6 lead when freshman running back Sean Peters (Portsmouth, RI) ran four yards at the 4:13 mark of the first quarter.

The Golden Bearswent ahead 14-7 when Laroche (27 carries, 90 yards) scored on a 27-yard run with 13:25 remaining before half-time.

The Seahawks took a 16-14 lead at intermission when Higle (9-for-23, 218 yards) fired a 71-yard scoring pass to sophomore tight end Josh Marks (Portland, ME) at the 8:14 mark followed by a 33-yard field goal by freshman Andrew Monaco (Uxbridge, MA) with 4:22 left in the period.

MIKE LAROCHE HONORED AS THE WNEC MALE ATHLETE-OF-THE-WEEK

Charles Najjar named to weekly NEFC honor roll

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Football standout Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) was honored Tuesday (Sept. 30) as the Western New England College Male Athlete-of-the-Week.

Laroche, a junior, passed the 1,000-yard mark in rushing when he totaled a game high 77 yards in a 14-10 loss against Endicott College. He is ninth on the school's all-time list with 1,045 yards.

Laroche also is fifth in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) with 341 yards (113.7 yards per game) on 94 carries (3.6 avg.). He ran for over 100 yards against both Westfield State (112) and Fitchburg State (152) earlier this month.

A sport management major, Laroche has been named to the weekly NEFC honor roll twice this season.

In other news, WNEC sophomore linebacker Charles Najjar (East Haven, CT) made the weekly NEFC honor roll after compiling 11 tackles (five solo) as the Golden Bears held Endicott to only 84 yards rushing.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE SEEKS ELUSIVE FIRST WIN AGAINST SALVE REGINA SATURDAY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — After suffering two heart-breaking losses the last two weeks, Western New England College hopes to rebound against Salve Regina University starting at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 4) in a New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division contest at Golden Bear Stadium.

WNEC hopes Lady Luck will be on its side in the Family and Friends' Weekend contest since the Golden Bears have never defeated the Seahawks in 10 previous games. Salve Regina came away with a 20-14 overtime decision last year in Newport, Rhode Island.

Western New England College fell to 0-3 (0-1 NEFC Boyd) after dropping a 14-10 decision against Endicott on a 90-yard pass play in the final minute last Saturday. The previous week WNEC lost to Fitchburg State on a 52-yard field goal on the final play of the game.

"This week will be a test of our character," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin. "Hopefully, our team will respond in a positive way. We have a lot of games left to play and we're getting better. Now, we need to learn how to win. "Salve Regina has some good athletes and they have played a strong schedule. They are better than they were last year, so we know they will provide us with a strong challenge."

WNEC junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) passed the 1,000-yard mark in rushing when he totaled a game high 77 yards against Endicott. He is ninth on the school's all-time list with 1,045 yards. Laroche is fifth in the NEFC with 341 yards (113.7 yards per game) on 94 carries (3.6 avg.). He ran for over 100 yards against both Westfield State (112) and Fitchburg State (152). Laroche was honored Tuesday as the WNEC Male Athlete-of-the-Week.

Sophomore linebacker Charles Najjar (East Haven, CT) made the weekly NEFC honor roll after compiling 11 tackles (five solo) as the Golden Bears held the Gulls to only 84 yards rushing.

Salve Regina (0-4, 0-1 NEFC Boyd) also will be looking for its first win of the season following a 34-27 loss against Nichols. Senior linebacker Brian Galvin is tied for third in the NEFC in tackles (11.0 avg.). Freshman wide receiver Antonio Guzzo has 15 receptions for 240 yards and five touchdowns.

Items of Interest: WNEC freshman offensive lineman Chris Picchierri (Toms River, NJ) and Salve Regina freshman offensive lineman Pat Buckley (Toms Rivers, NJ) were teammates at Monsignor Donovan High School. SRU senior linebacker Ryan Fullen (Toms Rivers, NJ) also attended the same high school... WNEC sophomore defensive back Jay Rooney (El Segundo, CA) and freshman linebacker Chance Seymour (Springfield, MA) had their first career interceptions against Endicott while freshman running back Dwayne Kirby (Springfield, MA) had four punt returns for 46 yards (with a long of 36)É Junior running back Pat Belmonte (Beverly, MA) made his first appearance in two seasons and saw some action in the backfield. He also had a 20-yard kickoff returnÉ WNEC is second in the NEFC in rushing defense (129.3 avg.) and third in scoring defense (9.0).

Saturday, Sept. 27, 2003
Endicott 14, WNEC 10

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Freshman quarterback Andy Roy (Manchester, NH) fired a 90-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Dan Marshall (Reading, MA) with 1:10 remaining as Endicott College rallied for a stunning 14-10 victory over Western New England College in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division opener for both teams.

The Gulls improved their record to 2-1 in their first season of NCAA Division III football competition.

WNEC (0-3) took a 10-7 lead when freshman quarterback Jim Kantany (East Longmeadow, MA) scored his first collegiate touchdown on a one-yard run with 9:01 left in the fourth quarter.

Endicott drove to the WNEC 16 before freshman linebacker Chance Seymour (Springfield, MA) intercepted a Roy pass and returned it to the Western New England College 37 with 3:41 remaining.

The Golden Bears had to punt following three plays and things looked good when senior Mike Lynch (Yorktown, NY) drilled a 46-yard kick to the Endicott 10.

With no time-outs left, Roy (6-for-16, 133 yards, 2 interceptions) hit Marshall on the first play over the middle and Marshall sprinted to the end zone for the winning score.

WNEC led 3-0 at half-time following a 27-yard field goal by junior Loren Estabrook (Sharon, NH) at the 3:33 mark of the second quarter. That score was setup by a 36-yard punt return by freshman Dwayne Kirby (Springfield, MA).

Endicott took a 7-3 advantage when freshman wide receiver Scott Peters (Portsmouth, RI) grabbed a 34-yard scoring pass from freshman Jeff Tringue (Clinton, MA) on a halfback option pass with 9:09 left in the third period. The touchdown came one play after a 34-yard punt return by freshman Orlando Johnson (Newport, RI).

Western New England College out-gained Endicott by a slim 263 to 251 margin. Junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) ran for a game-high 77 yards on 27 carries. Kantany, meanwhile, finished 7-for-18 passing for 80 yards with one interception.

Freshman running back Tim Boyd (Rockland, MA) led the Gulls with 62 yards on 16 carries. Marshall finished with four receptions for 118 yards.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND COLLEGE HOSTS ENDICOTT COLLEGE SATURDAY IN NEFC BOYD CONTEST

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College goes after its first win of the season with a home contest against first-time opponent Endicott College in the New England Football Conference (NEFC) Boyd Division opener for both teams starting at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 27, at Golden Bear Stadium.

WNEC fell to 0-2 following a tough 17-14 loss against Fitchburg State College last Saturday in its home opener. Trailing 14-0 early in the fourth period, the Golden Bears rallied to tie the contest only to lose when Treavor Smith drilled a 52-yard field goal as time expired.

Western New England College totaled 334 yards with junior Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) running for a game high 152 yards on 39 carries (3.9 avg.) to gain his second straight NEFC weekly honor roll award. It was Laroche's second straight 100-yard game and the fourth of his career. Laroche is third in the conference with 264 yards (132.0 avg.) on 67 carries (3.9).

The Golden Bears also received a big lift from senior Ben Wry (Manchester, CT) who completed 8-of-12 passes for 148 yards with one touchdown and one interception in his first start at quarterback. Wry played wide receiver the last two seasons. He replaced freshman Jim Kantany (East Longmeadow, MA) who missed the game because of personal reasons. Kantany is back with the squad and either he or Wry will start Saturday.

Junior running back Neil Connery (Derby, CT) scored both touchdowns on a four-yard pass and seven-yard run. They were the first two touchdowns of his career.

"Overall, we played a better game against Fitchburg State and showed we can come back, which is a positive sign for a young team," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin. "Our defense also came up with some big plays. We can't wait to get back into action against Endicott who will provide a strong challenge for us."

Endicott joined the NCAA Division III ranks this season after playing a junior varsity schedule last year. The Gulls (1-1) opened their inaugural campaign with a 55-14 loss against WPI before gaining their first win with a 27-7 win over Framingham State College last Saturday. Freshman running back Matt Thompson led the way with 144 yards on only nine carries with one touchdown. Freshman quarterback Andy Roy has completed 16-of-33 passes for 177 yards in the two games with a pair of touchdowns.

Items of Interest: Western New England College junior left guard Phil Giguere (East Longmeadow, MA) played a solid game against Fitchburg State in his first varsity start, according to Martin. Giguere, Kantany and Endicott sophomore defensive back Mike Farrell (East Longmeadow, MA) were teammates at East Longmeadow High School. WNEC junior running back Pat Belmonte (Beverly, MA) is the younger brother of Endicott assistant coach Joel Belmonte. Pat missed last year and the first two games this season with a knee injury, but is expected to see some action Saturday.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2003
Fitchburg State 17, WNEC 14

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Sophomore Treavor Smith (Putnam, CT) kicked a school record 52-yard field goal as time expired as Fitchburg State College won its first game of the season with a dramatic 17-14 victory over Western New England College in a non-division New England Football Conference (NEFC) game.

Smith's 52-yard field goal tied the NEFC previously shared by three players and last done by Skip Sanborn of WNEC in 1984.

After a scoreless first half, the Falcons (1-1) went ahead 7-0 when sophomore quarterback Corey Hetherman fired a five-yard scoring pass to freshman tight end Frank Rokes (Framingham, MA) at the 11:27 mark of the third quarter.

That score was set up by 42-yard interception return by junior cornerback Brian Harnish (Gloucester, MA). Harnish then returned a punt 49 yards for a touchdown to give Fitchburg State a 14-0 lead with 14:03 remaining in the game.

WNEC (0-2) came back when senior quarterback Ben Wry (Manchester, CT) tossed a 4-yard pass to junior running back Neil Connery (Bristol, CT) with 10:38 left. The extra point kick failed.

The Golden Bears tied the contest when Connery scored on a seven-yard run at the 7:36 mark followed by the two-point conversion run by junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT).

Laroche ran for a game high 152 yards on 39 carries. It was his second straight 100-yard performance, the fifth of his career, and second best effort.

Wry, who started the season as the third-string quarterback, completed 8-of-12 passes for 148 yards in his first start. He played wide receiver the last two seasons.

Following a Fitchburg punt on the next possession, WNEC drove to the Falcons' 27, but lost the ball on downs with 1:12 left.

Hetherman (16-for-29, 158 yards) quickly moved his team down field completing five of six passes in the drive. The final pass was for four yards to senior wide receiver Carmy Cesaire (Westminster, MA) (5 catches, 40 yards) who stepped out of bounds at the WNEC 35 with 1.8 seconds left to set-up the winning kick.

WNEC out-gained Fitchburg State by a 344 to 280 margin.

Last year Fitchburg State edged WNEC 26-25 after scoring a touchdown in the final 1:20.

GOLDEN BEARS HOST FITCHBURG STATE COLLEGE ON SATURDAY

Game moved to Springfield because of wet field on Falcons' campus

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College will open its home season with a New England Football Conference (NEFC) non-division game starting at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, September 20, against Fitchburg State College at Golden Bear Stadium.

Fitchburg was scheduled to host the contest during its homecoming weekend, but a wet field caused by heavy rains forced the move to the WNEC campus and the AstroPlay surface at the two-year-old facility.

WNEC opened its season with a 26-3 loss at Westfield State College last Friday night. The Owls jumped to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter in capturing their third straight President's Cup Trophy. The Golden Bears gained only 195 yards but didn't commit any turnovers.

"There were some good things we took out of the game," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin. "Our offense is getting better each day and we look to continue that trend Saturday. On defense, we are going to fine tune a couple of things and probably move some players around."

Junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) made the weekly NEFC honor roll after gaining 112 yards on 28 carries (4.0 avg.). It was the third 100-yard game of his career and second best performance.

Freshman quarterback Jim Kantany (East Longmeadow, MA) completed 8-of-11 passes for 53 yards in his collegiate debut, but was sacked four times. "Overall, he had a good day against a good team," Martin stated. "Jim will improve with more playing time and he can be an exciting player or us."

Freshman strong safety Brent Dube (Lewiston, ME) also enjoyed a successful collegiate debut with seven tackles.

Senior linebacker and team captain Jeff Pinney (Westfield, MA) suffered a broken right hand, but received clearance to play against Fitchburg.

Fitchburg State has a 0-1 record after dropping its season opener at home against Curry by the score of 23-5.

"Fitchburg State has a big, strong, physical team and we are going to have a battle with them," noted Martin. "They were among the most improved teams in the conference last year and they expect to contend for their division title this year."

This will be the 11th meeting between the schools with WNEC holding a 5-4-1 lead in the series that started in 1986. Fitchburg State scored in the final 1:20 last year to claim a 26-25 victory.

Items of Interest: Western New England College junior left tackle Andrew Zell (Hurley, NY) (6-6, 268) graded out as the best offensive lineman against Westfield State. Martin also was impressed with the play of sophomore linebackers Charles Najjar (East Haven, CT) and Christian Horn (Danvers, MA). "Both did a good job stopping plays," Martin said.

Friday, Sept. 12, 2003
Westfield State 26, WNEC 3

WESTFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College fell behind early and never caught up in dropping a 26-3 decision at Westfield State College. The Owls took a 14-0 lead after the first period and and held a 20-3 advantage at half-time.

Junior Loren Estabrook (Sharon, NH) put the Golden Bears on the board with a 30-yard field goal just before intermission.

Junior running back Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) gained 112 yards on 28 carries for the third 100-yard game of his career and his second best performance.

GOLDEN BEARS OPEN 23RD SEASON FRIDAY AT WESTFIELD STATE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College opens its 23rd season at Westfield State College at 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 12, in the annual President's Trophy contest.

"We're fired up and ready to go," said WNEC coach Gerry Martin who is in his 13th season. "This game means a lot for both teams and with a large crowd expected, this will be a great way to start the season."

The Golden Bears, 1-8 a year ago, are coming off a solid performance in a scrimmage at Plymouth State College on September 5. "Overall, I was happy with the performance of our squad," Martin stated. "Our first team did a nice job moving the ball and our defense showed signs of improvement. However, we made some mental mistakes that we have to work on."

Freshman Jim Kantany (East Longmeadow, MA) will start at quarterback for the Golden Bears after a strong pre-season. He is among 36 freshmen on the 83-player squad. Kantany was a two-year captain and a three-time All-Western Massachusetts selection while playing for coach John Caverly at East Longmeadow High School. Caverly is now the Golden Bears' new offensive coordinator.

The Golden Bears have one of the top running backs in the New England Football Conference in junior Mike Laroche (Kensington, CT) who led the squad with 609 yards rushing and seven touchdowns in his first season as a starter in 2002.

Martin lost All-NEFC and ECAC Division III New England All-Star linebacker Charles Adams who compiled a team high 92 tackles last year, but Pinney was second on the squad with 61 tackles and the Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran should have another strong season this fall.

This will be the 15th meeting between the teams with Westfield State leading the series, which started in 1982, by an 8-6 margin after winning the last two contests (30-0 last year and 20-13 in 2001). WNEC posted wins in 1999 (28-21) and 2000 (26-9).

Items of Interest: Senior Ben Wry (Manchester, CT) is the backup quarterback after playing wide receiver the last two seasons. In August, Wry asked coach Gerry Martin if he could help the team by playing quarterback. Wry, who played the position while at Manchester High School, then made the second unit when pre-season drills ended. Wry is the grandson of the late Angelo Bertelli of West Springfield who won the 1943 Heisman Trophy while playing quarterback for Notre Dame. Martin feels freshman fullback Dwayne Kirby (Springfield, MA) has the potential to become an outstanding college player. Kirby ran for close to 100 yards against Plymouth State. He was a team captain and two-time All-Western Massachusetts selection while playing for Science and Technology High School.

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM VETERAN JEFF PINNEY SETS SIGHTS ON SUCCESSFUL FOOTBALL SEASON

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College senior football captain Jeff Pinney of Westfield was second on the team last year with 61 tackles, but that was nothing compared to the assignment he had to tackle this past spring.

Pinney, a linebacker, spent almost three months participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Air National Guard member of the 104th Fighter Wing based out of Westfield-Barnes Airport.

An aircraft electrician, Pinney helped maintain the lights, wires, and environmental systems on the powerful A-10's that saw considerable action in the conflict.

Pinney enlisted in the Air National Guard in April 1999 and has spent two weeks each summer and a weekend every month learning his trade. When his unit left for overseas shortly after Valentine's Day, Pinney was confident his group would succeed after their initial training and drills.

"We were well-prepared," Pinney said. "We had a job to do and we did it. I spent a lot of time thinking about my family and friends. I thought about Western New England College all the time, especially my teammates. I worried about getting back in time for the football season."

Because of security reasons, Pinney couldn't disclose where he was stationed, but did say that the conditions where he lived were tolerable despite daily temperatures reaching 100 degrees. "I worked at night, so it was tough sleeping in a tent during the day," he stated.

Pinney was relaxed at the team's picture day last week. He is anxious to continue his life as a student-athlete and earn his undergraduate degree as a history/education major.

WNEC coach Gerry Martin noted, "Jeff is a great leader of men. His teammates and coaches are proud of the service he performed for our country. As a war veteran, he has the admiration and respect of everyone. As an athlete, Jeff has improved every year and should be one of the top linebackers in the New England Football Conference this season."

Ironically, Pinney will make his 2003 debut in his hometown when the Golden Bears visit Westfield State College at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12. That day is also his 23rd birthday and you can bet there will be a lot fans in the stands that evening cheering for number 46.

Western New England College will scrimmage Freedom Football Conference opponent Plymouth State College at 4:00 p.m. Friday, September 5 in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

HOT WEATHER WILL GREET FOOTBALL TEAM ON FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE THURSDAY AT GOLDEN BEAR STADIUM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — With 90 players expected back for the first day of practice and 90 degree weather in the forecast, Western New England College football coach Gerry Martin will keep a close eye on the heat when team members participate in their first workout from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, at Golden Bear Stadium.

"The first day of practice is always exciting and we're happy to begin another season," said Martin. "However, we are concerned about the heat and the effect it can have on our players. We will work closely with our athletic training staff to monitor the heat index on the field and if it goes beyond the safety level, we will stop practice.

"The first two days our players will wear helmets with no pads, and I'm sure we will have more water breaks," Martin noted.

According to WNEC head athletic trainer Kim O'Leary, keeping a careful eye on the hot and muggy weather is always a top priority. O'Leary has published a Heat Illness Emergency Plan that she has distributed to all of the College's fall sports coaches. The report contains risk factors associated with signs and symptoms of various heat illnesses like dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

O'Leary and her staff will use a sling psychrometer to keep a close watch on the heat index. The psychrometer checks the air temperature and humidity, and determines the danger zone if the temperature and humidity are too high.

For example, if the number is border line, then team members will require more water breaks, and less equipment use at practice. If the number is over the norm, then practice is either canceled or moved to another time during the day.

"This year, because of recent football deaths on the high school, collegiate, and professional levels, the NCAA requires that players acclimate themselves to the weather and their conditioning drills by participating in a single workout the first five days of pre-season," said O'Leary who is in her sixth season on the Golden Bears staff.

"We don't like the heat," added O'Leary. "We will have plenty of water and ice on hand just in case we run into any problems."

O'Leary, assistant athletic trainer Mike Valle, and Springfield College athletic training students Kelly Klein of Adams and Trinity Harrington of Beverly will handle the athletic training needs for the Golden Bears this season.

WNEC opens its 23rd season at 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 12 at Westfield State College.

COACH GERRY MARTIN WILL WELCOME 90 PLAYERS TO FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Western New England College football coach Gerry Martin will welcome approximately 90 players, including 40 freshmen, to the start of pre-season camp on Wednesday, August 20.

Team members will participate in their first workout from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, at Golden Bear Stadium.

"The first day of practice is always exciting and we're happy to begin another season," said Martin who is in his 13th year as head coach.

The Golden Bears hope to improve on last year's 1-8 record with 15 returning starters along with a group of several promising newcomers.

"We will have stiff competition for starting roles at many positions, and several individuals may wind up seeing action at different spots from where they played last year," Martin noted.

WNEC opens its 23rd season at 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 12 at Westfield State College.

Items of Interest: John Caverly of Wilbraham has been named the Golden Bears' offensive coordinator. Caverly was the head football coach at East Longmeadow High School the last six years. He will continue to serve as the dean of students at the high school. A native of Bath, Maine, Caverly is a 1992 graduate of Springfield College where he played center for four years. Caverly was the head coach of the West team at the 2003 Shriners All-Star Game that was played June 28 in Springfield... WNEC will scrimmage Freedom Football Conference member Plymouth State University starting at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, in Plymouth, New Hampshire.

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