Lehighsports.com

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – As the calendar moves towards August, the start of the college football season is not far behind and the Patriot League got things started with its annual Media Day on Thursday afternoon at Green Pond Country Club.  Head coaches and select student-athletes from the seven league schools were in attendance to chat with media members and discuss the upcoming season.  Head coach Andy Coen along with senior captains Matt McGowan and Brendan Van Ackeren were Lehigh’s representatives.

“It’s an exciting time of year for everyone,” Coen explained.  “We can’t wait to get out on those practice fields next week and start our preparation for the upcoming season.”  Coen then was asked about bouncing back from an up-and-down 2007 season.  “We were too inconsistent in too many areas last year and that is an area we’re focusing on.  We have an excellent group of seniors, particularly our four captains, and we’re going to rely on that class to lead the way for us all season long.” 

Also on Wednesday, the Patriot League released its annual preseason poll, which head coaches and sports information directors vote on.  Lehigh received 35 points and was selected to finish fifth, while defending champion Fordham garnered nine first place votes and was picked to repeat as Patriot League Champions.  Following the Rams was Holy Cross, Colgate, Lafayette, the Mountain Hawks, Bucknell and Georgetown. 

Holy Cross’ Dominic Randolph was named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while Lafayette’s Andy Romans garnered Preseason Defensive Player of the Year accolades. 

Van Ackeren commented on Lehigh being selected fifth in the preseason poll.  “It’s different than most years,” explained the Bethlehem native.  “Usually we’re the ones being hunted, but now it’s the opposite.  It will definitely serve as motivation for us all season long because we’re the underdogs and we have to prove ourselves.”

After missing most of last year with a leg injury, McGowan says he is back to full health and anxiously awaiting the start of the 2008 season.  “Last year was definitely tough, not being able to be out there every week with the guys and have a chance to help us win.  But I’m ready to go now and can’t wait to get things started.”

Lehigh reports for preseason camp on Thursday, August 7 with its opening practice set for the next day.  The Mountain Hawks will conclude camp on Sunday, August 24 followed by the annual Alumni Steak Fry that same afternoon. 

The Mountain Hawks open their 2008 season on Saturday, September 6 when they play host to the Drake Bulldogs at Goodman Stadium.  Kick off is set for 12:30 and tickets can be purchased in one of three ways: by calling 610-7LU-GAME, by visiting the Lehigh Athletics Ticket Office, located in Grace Hall, between the hours of 10 and 4 on weekdays, or by logging onto Lehighsports.com.

2008 Patriot League Football Preseason Poll

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Dominic Randolph, Holy Cross, Sr., QB

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Andy Romans, Lafayette, Sr., LB