Aug. 1, 2007

Bethlehem, Pa. - Lafayette, which has captured a share of the last three Patriot League crowns, has been chosen in a preseason vote by coaches and sports information directors to claim its fourth title in a row in 2007, it was announced Wednesday at Patriot League media day.

Lafayette was selected as the first-place pick on six of 14 ballots, and earned 63 points overall. Second-place Lehigh was just one point behind the Leopards and received five first-place votes. Colgate notched one first-place vote and 52 points to place third, while Holy Cross placed fourth with two first-place votes and 50 points. Bucknell (31 points), Fordham (21) and Georgetown (15) round out the preseason poll.

Lehigh quarterback Sedale Threatt and Colgate linebacker Mike Gallihugh earned individual preseason honors. Threatt was selected as the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player, while Gallihugh received Preseason Defensive Player of the Year honors. "I'm excited about the start of a new season," said Fordham head coach Tom Masella.

"We have some work to do on both sides of the ball this summer to get ready for September 1st but I think we have enough returning starters and other players with experience to help us."

The Rams will report for summer camp on Monday, August 6th as the Rams get prepare to celebrate the 125th anniversary of football. Fordham first fielded a team in 1882 as the Rams defeated Seton Hall in their first varsity football game. Throughout the season, Fordham will honor the exploits of Ram teams from the previous 125 years.

Team captains Mike Breznicky, Earl Hudnell, Mike Nardone, Sam Orah and Dominique Owens will lead the 2007 Rams.

Fordham opens the 2007 season on Saturday, September 1st as they Rams travel up to Kingston, Rhode Island to face the University of Rhode Island Rams at 1:00 p.m.

The 2007 schedule will be a challenging one, with six home contests, including the annual Liberty Cup match-up with Columbia University and the battle for the Ram-Crusader Cup with Holy Cross, along with six Patriot League games, highlighted by a road match-up with Lafayette.

Patriot League Preseason Poll Results 1. Lafayette (6 first-place votes), 63 2. Lehigh (5), 62 3. Colgate (1), 52 4. Holy Cross (2), 50 5. Bucknell, 31 6. Fordham, 21 7. Georgetown, 15

Patriot League Preseason Award Winners

Offensive Player of the Year: Sedale Threatt, QB, Lehigh (Sr., 6'2, 218, Mattapan, Mass.) Defensive Player of the Year: Mike Gallihugh, LB, Colgate (Sr., 6'0, 197, Midlothian, Va.)