Small College Highlights

Mid-Atlantic Area Council (MAAC)

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

Duquesne returns 14 starters from a team that averaged 33.1 points and 406 yards per game on its way to going undefeated in conference play for the fifth time under Head Coach Greg Gattuso. Key returning starters include two-time first team All-MAAC QB Niel Loebig on offense and first team All-MAAC DT Philip Polony on defense.

1. Duquesne University

2. Marist College

3. St. Peter's College

4. Fairfield University

5. Iona College

6. Siena College

7. St. John's University

8. Canisius College

9. La Salle University

University Athletic Association (UAA)

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

After an inconsistent 2002 (5 wins, 5 losses), Head Coach Rick Lackner is optimistic about the upcoming season. The Tartans will rely heavily on the returning starters and letter winners such as All-AAU first teamers G Chad Zimmerman, RB Ricardo Clarke and DT Phillip Clingman. CMU also has the luxury of first team All-AAU punter Laird Stabler.

1. Washington University

2. Carnegie Mellon University

3. Case Western Reserve

4. University of Chicago

5. University of Rochester

Northeast Conference (NEC)

ROBERT MORRIS UNIVERSITY

After a disappointing 3-7 record last year, coach Joe Walton's Colonials hope to turn things around in 2003. The strengths for Robert Morris will be at running back, wide receiver, and linebacker - the offensive and defensive lines are both question marks. LB James Noel, the 2002 Northeast Defensive Rookie of the Year, must have a large impact on defense.

1. University at Albany

2. Stony Brook University

3. Sacred Heart University

4. Wagner College

5. Central Connecticut

6. Monmouth University

7. Robert Morris University

8. St. Francis College

Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC)

WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON

A total of 19 seniors who combined to produce 38 wins and 56 individual or team records have moved on, but according to first-year head coach Mike Sirianni, the cupboard is anything but empty. Sirianni inherits 50 letter winners and 12 starters from last season's 9-3 squad. Even though W&J has claimed 16 of the past 17 league championships, the PAC has improved dramatically and looks to be as strong as ever in 2003.

1. Washington & Jefferson

2. Westminster College

3. Waynesburg College

4. Thiel College

5. Bethany College

6. Grove City College

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC)

INDIANA U. OF PENNSYLVANIA

The Indians graduated several key players from last year's 11-2 team but plenty of talent remains. The returning talent needs to blend quickly with the newcomers because IUP faces a difficult early season schedule. The Indian ground game should be improved and new starting QB Kevin Weidl's running ability brings a new dimension to the offense. Despite the challenges that await, look for IUP to be postseason bound again.

1. Iup

2. Slippery Rock University

3. Clarion University

4. Shippensburg University

5. Edinboro University

6. California U. of Pennsylvania

7. Lock Haven University