FORDHAM FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL TRADITION

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Ram Football History “The Blocks” The fabled Seven Blocks of Granite are one of the best-known groups of linemen in the history of football. The original group (1929-30) amassed a 15-1-2 record, including 12 shutouts. The more famous of the “Blocks”, which included Vince Lombardi, ruled college football for the 1936 and 1937 seasons, piling up a 12-1-3 record and eight shutouts.

Club Football Today’s varsity owes a great deal to the students who revived football on a club level at Rose Hill in the 1960’s. The Rams posted a 23-13-1 record during their six club seasons under Jim Lansing, including taking national club titles in 1965 and 1968.

Jack Coffey Fordham’s home field is named after its legendary Director of Athletics, Jack Coffey. Coffey began his duties at Rose Hill as baseball coach and graduate manager of athletics in 1909, and remained at Rose Hill in one capacity or another until retiring in 1958. He amassed 817 wins as a baseball coach and became a popular answer to a baseball trivia question, since he is the only player to play with both Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb in the same season (1917 Red Sox and Tigers).

Consensus All-Americans The Rams have had ten, the last four being Javarus Dudley in 2003, Tad Kornegay in 2004, Ben Dato in 2007 and Jason Caldwell in 2009.

Doheny, Franz, Brennan, Moorhead, Carney, Eakin and Skelton The names of the six best quarterbacks in Fordham history, Dick Doheny, Roger Franz, Gary Brennan, Joe Moorhead, Mark Carney and Kevin Eakin. Doheny helped guide the Rams to a 5-3 mark in 1949 while leading the nation in passing. Franz followed Doheny by setting most of the Rams’ passing standards from 1951-53 until they were broken by Brennan, who helped guide Fordham to Division I-AA from 1989-91. But Brennan’s records didn’t stand long as Moorhead, believed to be the first left handed quarterback in Fordham history, graduated in 1995 with school records for single game, season and career passing yardage as well as season and career completions. As a senior in 2001, Carney went to work on some of Moorhead’s single season records, setting new school marks for most passing yards and touchdowns in a season as well setting a school record for career touchdown passes. But those marks didn’t last long as Eakin took over as the starter in 2002 and immediately broke Carney’s records for most passing yards in a season as well as Moorhead’s record for most completions in a season as he led the Rams to the 2002 Patriot League title and a spot in the NCAA I-AA Playoffs. In 2003, Eakin continued his attack on the record books, surpassing his own single season records for most completions and passing yards and completing his career as Fordham’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdown passes. John Skelton then came along and broke of all Eakin’s records over his four-year career. He completed 802 passes for 9,923 yards and 69 touchdowns,

John Skelton

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL all Fordham records as is his 64.4% career completion percentage. He also holds the single season mark for completions (284 in 2009) and passing yards (3,708 in 2009).

Division III Playoffs Fordham reached the NCAA Division III Eastern Quarterfinals in 1987, crushing favored Hofstra 41-6 in the opening round before losing to Wagner College, eventual national champions, 21-0 a week later.

Goin’ Bowlin’ Fordham is the only Division I-AA institution to have played in at least two of the four major bowl games (Cotton, Orange, Sugar, Rose), competing in the 1941 Cotton Bowl and the 1942 Sugar Bowl. They are also one of just six I-AA schools to have made more than one bowl appearance.

“The Iron Major” Frank Cavanaugh, the legendary “Iron Major”, guided the Rams to a 2414-4 mark in six seasons at the helm. He retired in 1932 due to failing health.

The Meadow Trophy Presented first to the Most Valuable Player of the Fordham-NYU game and later the Homecoming MVP, this award was a Rose Hill mainstay from 1933 until it was retired in 1985. Only three players (Dennis DeMeo, Pierre Davis and Juan Pacheco) won the award twice.

“Much ado About Nothing to Nothing” The moniker hung on the Rams’ three consecutive scoreless ties with the University of Pittsburgh from 1935-37. The two battled for 13 consecutive scoreless quarters before Pitt kicker Bill Daddio hit a field goal in the second quarter of the 1938 game in a game won by the Panthers before a still standing Pitt Stadium record crowd of 68,918.

ALL-TIME DIV. I FCS MOST WINS Includes records as a senior college only, minimum of 20 seasons of competition. Bowl and playoff games are included. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Yale Penn Harvard Princeton FORDHAM Dartmouth Delaware Lafayette Lehigh Dayton Cornell North Dakota State Northern Iowa Colgate Holy Cross

Yrs. 138 134 136 141 112 129 119 129 127 103 123 113 112 120 115

Wins 864 813 812 785 748 651 651 650 639 622 620 613 609 603 598

Source: NCAA Football Record Book

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL NCAA ALL-TIME WINS LEADERS Since Princeton and Rutgers met in the first college football game in 1869, the following teams have scored the most victories in collegiate football: Wins Seasons Games 1. Michigan 884 131 1228 2. Yale 864 138 1261 3. Texas 853 118 1218 4. Notre Dame 845 122 1182 5. Nebraska 837 121 1222 6. Ohio State 831 121 1191 7. Alabama 823 116 1183 8. Penn State 818 124 1216 9. Harvard 812 136 1240 10. Penn 813 134 1313 11. Oklahoma 811 116 1168 12. Princeton 785 141 1313 13. Tennessee 788 114 1181 14. Southern Cal. 783 118 1149 15. FORDHAM 748 112 1251 16. Georgia 737 117 1187 17. LSU 720 118 1156 18. Auburn 703 118 1150 19. West Virginia 691 118 1190 20. Syracuse 686 121 1219 Note: All divisions of the NCAA competing are included.

National Rankings Fordham appeared in each of the first six final national rankings put out by the Associated Press, a record matched only by Duke University. During that six-year period (1936-41), the Rams were ranked in the Top 10 twice, including a number three ranking in 1937, the highest in their history.

The Rams Fordham’s tremendous popularity in the 1930’s inspired National Football League owner Homer Marchman to name his fledging franchise after the “boys from the Bronx”, thus starting the history of the NFL Cleveland Rams. The Rams first moved to Los Angeles and now reside in St. Louis.

“Rose Hill to Rose Bowl” The chant echoed by Rams faithful during the 1936 season. The cheering was silenced following a crushing 7-6 defeat to NYU in the season finale, a loss Hall-of-Famer Vince Lombardi later called the “most devastating of my life”.

“Sarausky’s Masterpiece” The nickname given to the Rams' 13-12 win over Rose Bowl-bound Tennessee in 1934. Halfback Tony Sarausky rambled 62 yards with the tying score and then added the extra point early in the fourth quarter to hand Colonel Bob Nayland’s Volunteers their only setback of the season.

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Ram Football History “Sleepy Jim” “Sleepy Jim” Crowley, one of the fabled “Four Horsemen of Notre Dame,” led Fordham to a 56-13-7 mark from 1933 until 1941, including the Rams’ two bowl appearances, the ’41 Cotton Bowl and the ’42 Sugar Bowl.

Undefeated Season Fordham has had three, 1886, 1929 and 1937.

The Victory Bell Situated in front of the Rose Hill Gym is the Fordham Victory Bell, which is traditionally rung after every football victory. The bell was presented to the University by Admiral Chester Nimitz and blessed by his Eminence Francis Cardinal Spellman as a memorial to those who lost their lives during World War II. The bell was taken from the Aircraft Carrier Juyo, which saw action in the battles of Savo New Guinea and The Solomon Islands before being silenced by an aerial bomb at Saipan. It was first rung at Rose Hill by President Harry Truman on May 11, 1946.

A "Wild Geese” Chase Fordham was involved in only the third I-AA game to take place overseas, taking on Patriot League foe Holy Cross in the Wild Geese Classic on November 16, 1991 in Limerick, Ireland. The Crusaders prevailed 24-19.

ALL-TIME DIV. I FCS TEAM WON-LOSS RECORDS Includes records as a senior college only, minimum of 20 seasons of competition. Bowl and playoff games are included, and each tie is computed as half won and half lost. Yrs. Won Lost Tied Pct. 1. Ga. Southern 29 266 104 1 .718 2. Yale 138 864 342 55 .707 3. Grambling 68 516 210 15 .706 4. Florida A&M 78 547 240 18 .691 5. Harvard 136 812 380 50 .674 6. Princeton 141 785 378 50 .668 7. Tennessee St. 83 510 256 30 .660 8. Dayton 103 622 343 26 .641 9. Appalachian State 81 549 303 29 .640 10. Penn 134 813 458 42 .635 11. Southern 89 539 319 25 .625 12. Eastern Ky. 87 540 313 27 .629 13. North Dakota St. 113 613 363 0 .628 14. McNeese State 60 406 238 14 .628 15. Jackson State 65 412 247 13 .623 16. FORDHAM 112 748 450 53 .619 Source: NCAA Football Record Book

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1881 — Fordham University football gets its official start as a group of students select sides and hold a “quasi-match.”

1924 — The Fordham-New York University series moves from the Polo Grounds to Yankee Stadium for the first time as the Rams triumph, 27-0.

1882 — Intercollegiate football becomes a reality as Fordham defeats Seton Hall in its first-ever contest and goes on to record a 6-1 record in its first season.

1926 — Following a 3-4-1 season, Frank Gargan leaves Fordham as the University’s all-time winningest coach, finishing his eight-year career with a 63-29-4 record (.677).

1883 — The first coach, Dr. John F. Condon, and captain, George W. Wallace, lead Fordham into the 1883 football season and the first recorded touchdown is scored by John J. Downey in a loss to St. Francis Xavier on Nov. 26.

1929 — After consecutive losing seasons under new coach “Iron Major” Frank Cavanaugh, the Rams shock the football world by posting a 7-0-2 mark (.889), recording six shutouts on the season. Unfortunately, the two ties (6-6 vs. Davis & Elkins at the Polo Grounds and 0-0 at West Virginia University) keep the first edition of the “Seven Blocks of Granite” from a first-ever postseason bowl bid.

1886 — The Rose Hills enjoy their only undefeated, untied season in their history, posting a 16-0 record vs. primarily area club teams. 1889 — The Rams face the New York Athletic Club during the season and drop a 20-0 decision, marking the first of many games Fordham will play at the Polo Grounds. 1902 — John Mullen races a still-standing school-record 100 yards from scrimmage in a 24-0 win over City College of New York at Rose Hill. 1909 — The Rams post an 11-2-2 mark (.800) as Edward Barrett, Frank McCaffrey and Jim McCarthy become Fordham’s first three All-America selections. 1910 — The University decides to drop football and basketball because of financial mismanagement and a concern of violence in football. Football is reinstated for the 1912 season. 1918 — “The Fordham Flash,” Frankie Frisch, completes his Fordham football career by leading the Rams to a 12-2-1 mark (.833). 1921 — Fordham scores a school-record 101 points in a whitewashing of Washington (Md.) College.

1930 — The first edition “Blocks” record six shutouts for the second straight year, finishing the season 8-1, the only blemish being a comefrom-behind 20-12 victory by St. Mary’s (Calif.) College. Jim Murphy and Henry Wisniewski are selected Fordham’s first two consensus All-Americans following the season. 1931 — A chance for a second undefeated season in the last three years and a postseason berth goes by the wayside as the Rams drop a 14-13 decision to Bucknell University in the season finale. The game takes an even more somber note when Cornelius “Connie” Murphy dies from injuries suffered in the game. Frank Cavanaugh names the late star captain of the 1932 squad. 1932 — A 6-2 season is the last for Frank Cavanaugh as he is forced to retire due to failing health, the sixth all-time winning coach in University history with a 34-14-4 record (.692). He passes away the following July. 1933 — “Sleepy” Jim Crowley, one of the fabled “Four Horsemen of Notre Dame,” replaces Frank Cavanaugh and debuts with a 52-0 triumph over Albright College, eventually finishing the campaign 6-2. Ed Danowski becomes the first Fordham player to earn All-American honors in consecutive years.

1922 — Fordham suffers its first losing season ever, going 3-5-2 (.400), the first of two straight sub-par seasons for the Rams.

Tony Siano, a member of the first edition of the "Seven Blocks of Granite". 92

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Henry Wisniewski, a 1930 All-American and member of the first edition of the "Seven Blocks of Granite".

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL

Ram Football History

1934 — The “greatest game” in Fordham football history takes place on Nov. 3, when the Rams top eventual-Rose Bowl Champion Tennessee, 1312, at the Polo Grounds on Tony Sarausky’s “masterpiece,” a 62-yard thirdquarter run to give the Rams the lead for good. 1935 — The first of three consecutive scoreless ties with the University of Pittsburgh takes place at the Polo Grounds as the Rams’ defense holds the Panthers to just 76 total yards and does not allow the visitors past midfield. 1936 — With a 5-0-2 record entering the season finale with New York University at Yankee Stadium, Fordham fans are chanting “Rose Hill to Rose Bowl,” but that dream comes to a screeching halt as the Violets hold on for a 7-6 win. The loss is the last for the second, and more famous, version of “The Blocks” and a loss that Vince Lombardi will later call, “The most devastating loss of my life.”

1941 — A 7-1 regular-season record gives Fordham its second consecutive bowl bid and the Rams travel to the Sugar Bowl to take on Missouri. The game is played in a steady downpour and the only points come during the first quarter when Alex Santilli blocks a Tigers punt through the end zone for the 2-0 triumph. The Rams also are invited to play in the Rose Bowl, but have to turn down the trip to Pasadena because of a previous commitment to the people of New Orleans. Jim Lansing is named a consensus All-American.

Action from the 1936 Fordham-St. Mary’s game at The Polo Grounds. 1937 — The Rams’ last undefeated season (7-0-1) ends with a No. 3 national ranking by the wire services, but they are still denied a postseason bowl bid because of the third scoreless tie with No. 1-ranked Pittsburgh, despite allowing just 16 points, all season. Ed Franco and Alex Wojciechowicz become the Rams’ only two-time consensus All-Americans while Al Babartsky also earns consensus All-America honors. 1938 — The final remaining “Blocks,” Harry Jacunski and Mike Kochel, lead Fordham to a 6-1-2 campaign with the lone loss coming at Pittsburgh as the 13-quarter stalemate ends with a 24-13 Panthers win. The defense records seven shutouts and allows just 30 points during the season while the rushing offense averages 297.1 yards a game to lead the nation. 1939 — An otherwise ordinary 6-2 season is highlighted by a seasonopening 34-7 rout of tiny Waynesburg College at Randalls Island on Sept. 30 in what is the first-ever televised football game. Announcer Bill Stern calls the contest over station W2XBS (now WNBC) as a demonstration of this new medium at the World’s Fair. 1940 — Needing a win to capture their first-ever bowl bid heading into the season finale with New York University, the Rams post a 26-0 victory over the Violets as Steve Filipowicz rushes for three touchdowns and passes to Jim Lansing for another. Fordham accepts a bid to the Cotton Bowl to take on Texas A & M and, despite jumping out to a 6-0 lead on Steve Filipowicz’ second-quarter six-yard run, fall 13-12 as the Aggies score all 13 points in the third quarter. Jim Blumenstock runs 15 yards in the third quarter for Fordham’s second score, but the possible-tying extra point is blocked and the Rams fail to threaten again. Len Eshmont, Joe Ungerer and Lou DeFilippo cap their careers by being named All-Americans.

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The 1941 Sugar Bowl Champions (L-R): The linemen: James Lansing, Alexander Santilli, Lawrence Sartori, Joseph Sabasteanski, Thomas Bennett, Stephen Hudacek, and Stanley Ritinski. The backs: Joseph Andrejco, Claude Pieculewicz, Steve Filipowicz and James Blumenstock. The group is pictured at their last full workout in Bay St. Louis, Miss. prior to the Sugar Bowl. 1942 — The war takes its toll on the Rams as the University’s second alltime winningest coach, Jim Crowley, takes his 56-13-7 record (.783) to coach the Navy pre-flight school in Chapel Hill, N.C. Fordham goes 5-3-1 and graduate manager of athletics Jack Coffey suspends all intercollegiate sports for the duration of the war. 1946 — Football returns with former Rams’ All-American Ed Danowski at the helm, but University president Robert Gannon, S.J., announces that the sport will be de-emphasized because of financial concerns and a fear that the University cannot reach its high academic goals. The de-emphasized team goes 0-7 in 1946 and 1-6-1 in 1947. 1950 — After a 5-3 mark in 1949, the Rams grab their last bit of glory with an 8-1 record. Senior quarterback Dick Doheny leads the nation in passing and is named an All-American along with Alan Pfeifer and Tom Mareski. 1952 — Quarterback Roger Franz puts his name in the Fordham record books by completing 105 of 216 passes for 1,887 yards. His main target is Ed Brown, who catches 57 passes for 774 yards and earns All-American status.

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Fordham Club Football From 1964 to 1969, a group of well-organized and adventurous students planted the seeds for Fordham’s eventual return to Division I football. During those six seasons, the Rams were a studentrun club team, without any backing by the athletic department. The fact that they were able to thrive proved to the administration that football could prosper at the University and led to its eventual return to its present level. The Rams boasted a 23-13-1 record (.635) during those six seasons and were consistently ranked among the top club teams in the country, leading to the return of the program to varsity status and the Division III level in 1970. Much of where the program is today can be traced to the efforts of these teams, whose yearly records are listed below. 1964 (1-1) Maine Maritime New York University

0-42 20-14

1965 (4-1) Newport Naval Base Iona Seton Hall New York University Georgetown

12-15 35- 6 34- 6 28- 0 34-28

1966 (1-5) Iona Washington (Mo.) New York University Seton Hall Manhattan Georgetown

19-12 7-39 0- 7 0- 6 26-38 13-27

1967 (5-3) Detroit St. John’s Sewanee Washington (Mo.)

6-13 31- 3 7-51 8-14

Fairfield Manhattan Georgetown Iona 1968 (7-1) Detroit Sewanee St. John’s Fairfield Georgetown Louisiana State Manhattan Catholic 1969 (5-2-1) Fairfield St. John’s Adelphi Duquesne Iona Louisiana State Georgetown Manhattan

21-19 33- 7 20-18 20-18

12- 7 0-21 32-16 41- 0 31- 6 14- 6 33- 6 49-22

69- 0 12- 0 20- 0 36- 0 31- 0 7- 7 7-14 14-24

The presentation of the 1950 Madow Trophy to Tom Mareski 1970 — In a unanimous vote, the University brings back football at the Division III level and the Rams post a 5-1-2 record against three Division III and five club teams. 1977 — The Rams achieve their first collegiate national ranking since the 1940s when the 8-2 team grabs the top ranking among Division III schools in the East during the regular season. Dave Rice is named Metro Conference Coach of the Year. 1985 — Chip Kron rushes for 272 yards and five touchdowns in a 56-0 win at Georgetown University and is later named Fordham’s first All-American since 1952.

The 1964 Rams 1954 — After a 1-7-1 season and dwindling attendance, University president Lawrence McGinley, S.J., announces that the University has decided to discontinue football, citing a deficit in excess of $200,000. 1964 — Led by student David Langdon, football at Fordham is reinstated at the club level. The Rams are defeated 42-0 at Maine Maritime Academy in their debut, but bounce back to topple New York University, 20-14, on Jack Coffey Field the following week. 1965 — Former All-American Jim Lansing is hired to coach the team and the Rams post a 4-1 record and are selected the No. 1 club team in the country by The Associated Press. 1968 — The Rams finish the season 7-1 and as the top-ranked club team in the country. 94

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Head coach Ed Danowski, pictured with 1949 team captain Herb Seidell, helped Fordham grab the last post-war glory before football was dropped following the 1954 season.

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Ram Football History

Rick Hollawell was named All-American in 1987 and Liberty Conference Rookie of the Year in 1986.

Aaron Dougherty, 1993 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year

1986 — The Rams open the season in a new league and with a new coach. With former Harvard University assistant Larry Glueck now at the helm, Fordham begins play in the Liberty Conference along with C.W. Post, Iona College, Pace University, St. John’s University and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Chip Kron finishes his career as the school’s all-time leader in rushing (3,246 yards) and touchdowns scored (26). Rick Hollawell is chosen the Liberty Conference Rookie of the Year.

1991 — The Rams play a regular-season game with the College of the Holy Cross in Limerick, Ireland, just the third Division I-AA football game played outside the continental United States. Linebacker Mark Blazejewski is named a Second Team All-American by The Associated Press.

1987 — The Rams record a 9-1 regular-season mark, win the Liberty Conference Championship and make their first postseason appearance since 1941. Fordham shocks Hofstra, 41-6, in the NCAA Division III Eastern Quarterfinals before losing a 21-0 match to eventual National Champion Wagner in the Eastern Semifinals. Larry Glueck is named the Liberty Conference Coach of the Year while Marty Mazzara and Rick Hollawell earn All-American honors. Matt Michaels is selected as a GTE Academic All-American. 1988 — The University announces in August it will elevate the program to the Division I-AA level and become a member of the Colonial (now Patriot) League beginning in 1990, joining Bucknell University, Colgate University, College of the Holy Cross, Lafayette College and Lehigh University. The Rams capture their second straight Liberty Conference Championship, but a 3-0 loss at SUNY-Stony Brook keeps Fordham out of the NCAA playoffs. The Rams accept a bid to the ECAC South title game and suffer a 21-14 defeat to Dickinson College. 1989 — A decision by Davidson College to leave the Colonial League forces the Rams to play a Division I-AA schedule one year earlier than anticipated and they struggle to a 2-6 mark, losing all four games to Division I-AA opponents. 1990 — Fordham struggles through a 1-9 season, losing all five of its Patriot League contests in its first full-time year in the league. Punter Joe Emmons becomes the first Fordham player to earn All-Patriot League First Team honors while linebacker Matt Stover and center Eric Schweiker garner Second Team accolades with Schweiker also becoming the first Division I GTE Academic All-American at the University.

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1992 — Fordham wins their first-ever Patriot League contest, downing Bucknell 21-0 on Halloween in Lewisburg, Pa. The Rams’ defense finishes third in 1-AA against the run despite a hard-luck 1-9 mark. Blazejewski garners Patriot League co-Defensive Player of the Year honors and an honorable mention All-American slot. Receiver Tom Garlick leaves as Fordham's all-time recordholder in most receiving categories. 1993 — Senior Aaron Dougherty wins the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year award, and becomes the first player in Patriot League history to be named First Team All-Patriot League at two positions. Dougherty is tabbed at both linebacker and defensive end. 1995 — Fordham posts a 4-6-1 record, their best ever on the I-AA level. The Rams defeat Holy Cross for the first time since 1930 in the 3rd annual Bermuda Bowl, 17-10. Carl Barbera is named Second Team All-American by Don Hansen's Weekly Football Gazette, while Steve Borys is an honorable mention selection. Nick Quartaro wins the Iron Major Award, given to Fordham University's Coach of the Year. 1996 — Despite a 2-8 record, the Rams receive numerous accolades, including Second Team All-American honors by Don Hansen's Weekly Football Gazette for Carl Barbera. Barry Cantrell is named Patriot League Football Scholar-Athlete of the Year. 1997 — Fordham finishes with a 5-6 record, the most wins recorded by the Rams at the I-AA level. The Rams also go 4-2 in the Patriot League for a third place finish, their best ever finish in the league. Senior punter Barry Cantrell is named All-American as he leads the NCAA Div. I-AA in punting with a 45.85 average. Cantrell is also named Patriot League ScholarAthlete for the sport of football for the second straight year. Cantrell and senior center Cory Bailey sign free agent contracts with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, respectively.

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Ram Football History 1998 — Quarterback Steve O’Hare and receiver Gerry McDermott combine to set four school records. McDermott sets new Fordham marks for most catches in a season (58), most receiving yards in a season (868) and most receiving touchdowns (13) while O’Hare sets the record for most touchdown passes in a year (19).

FORDHAM FOOTBALL and John San Marco. Watson sets school rushing records with 285 carries for 1,467 yards and 18 touchdowns, while Eakin sets school records with 239 completions for 3,040 yards. Dudley sets a school record with 1,106 receiving yards and ties a school record with 77 catches. Fordyce sets an NCAA I-AA Playoff single game record with five field goals in the win over Northeastern and finishes the year with a school-record 18 three-pointers.

1999 — Wide receiver Gerry McDermott closes out his career by setting school records for most receptions (77) and most receiving yards (911) in a season. He finishes his career with the school record for most receiving touchdowns (28). 2000 — Placekicker Brian Colsant sets two school records, most field goals in a season (15) and most field gaols in a career (30). He breaks his own single-season mark of 12, set in 1999, and erases Steve Troutman’s (198790) career record of 27.

The 2002 Patriot League Champions 2003: Senior Javarus Dudley is named a consensus First Team All-American, Fordham’s first consensus All-American since Jim Lansing in 1941. Dudley leads the NCAA I-AA in receptions with a school- and Patriot League-record 101 for 1,439 yards. He graduates with the Patriot League career records in receptions, receiving yards, all-purpose yards, kickoff returns and kickoff return yardage. Senior running back Kirwin Watson is also named All-American (Second Team) while setting school records for most rushing yards in a season (1,477) and most rushing touchdowns (20). He graduates with the school record for carries (942), rushing yards (4,617) and rushing touchdowns (48). Senior quarterback Kevin Eakin sets school records with 247 completions for 3,072 yards. He graduates with the Fordham career records for most passing yards (6,112) and touchdowns (45).

Brian Colsant 2001 — Rams finish the season 7-4, 5-2 in the Patriot League, for their first winning record on the I-AA level. Dave Clawson is named Co-Patriot League Coach of the Year while Kirwin Watson, Javarus Dudley, Mark Manno and Brian Colsant are named First Team All-Patriot League and Maurice Briscoe, Charlie Mull, Mark Carney and Tony Downs are named Second Team. The five Patriot League wins are the most ever by a Fordham squad. Watson becomes the first Fordham running back to go over 1,000 yards rushing on the I-AA level while Dudley is the first Ram receiver to gain more than 1,000 yards in a season. 2002: Fordham wins its first ever Patriot League championship and advances to the NCAA I-AA Playoffs for the first time in school history. Rams win first round game at Northeastern before falling to Villanova in the quarterfinals. Team finishes season with a 10-3 overall record, 6-1 in the Patriot League. The ten wins is the most on the I-AA level for a Fordham team. Head coach Dave Clawson is named Schutt Sports I-AA National Coach of the Year as well as Patriot League Coach of the Year for the second straight season. Kirwin Watson is named Third Team All-American by the Associated Press, The Sports Network and the Football Gazette. Watson is also named the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year and First Team All-League. He is joined on the All-League First Team by teammates Javarus Dudley, Kevin Eakin, Matt Fordyce, Dan McGrath and Alemayo Whyte. Earning Second Team honors are Aymen Aboushi, Will Davis, NaQuinton Gainous, Travis Johnson, Keron Lucius, Kevin Oefelein 96

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Javarus Dudley

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL

Ram Football History

Freshman kicker Micah Clukey is named Patriot League Freshman of the Year as he sets a school record with 47 PATs on the year. Dudley, Eakin and Watson are all named First Team All-Patriot League along with senior offensive lineman Prince Poitier, senior defensive lineman Colby Khuns, junior defensive lineman Aki Jones and junior defensive back Tad Kornegay. Named Second Team All-League are Clukey, senior punter Stephen Ayers, senior defensive back Will Davis, junior linebacker NaQuinton Gainous, and senior offensive lineman Kevin Oefelein. 2004: Senior defensive back Tad Kornegay is named a consensus AllAmerican, Fordham’s second consensus All-American in as many years. Kornegay is also one of 40 players named to the I-AA.org All-Star Team and is a Second Team Don Hansen’s Football Gazette All-American as well as a First Team ECAC All-Star. He leads the Patriot League and is ranked second in the NCAA I-AA in interceptions, averaging 0.73/game. He also twice sets a Fordham varsity record with three interceptions in a game, picking off three passes against Duquesne and Brown.

Matt Fordyce Jones signs a free agent contract with the Washington Redskins while Gainous (Saskatchewan) and Kornegay (Hamilton) sign free agent contracts with the Canadian Football League. Former Rams Kevin Eakin (New York Jets) and Matt Fordyce (Arizona Cardinals) sign free agent contracts in the NFL while Javarus Dudley signs with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL. 2005: Six Rams earn All-Patriot League honors led by placekicker Micah Clukey and punter Anthony Difino, who are each named to the First Team. Running back James Prydatko, defensive lineman Edward Gordon, linebacker Marcus Taylor and offensive lineman Michael Sabatini are named to the Second Team. Prydatko becomes the second Ram on the NCAA I-AA level to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season as he finishes with 1,022 yards and five touchdowns.

Tad Kornegay Senior center Jared Amatuzzo, sophomore placekicker Micah Clukey and senior linebacker NaQuinton Gainous join Kornegay on the First Team All-Patriot League. Junior tight end James Caffarello, junior punter Anthony DiFino, senior defensive linemen Edward Gordon and Aki Jones, senior wide receiver Steve Porco and senior linebacker Tyrone Thorne each receive Second Team All-League honors. Also, freshman running back Jonte Coven was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year. Sophomore quarterback Derric Daniels completes 146 of 304 passes for 1,876 yards and 23 touchdowns. The completions, passing yards and touchdowns are all Fordham records for a first-year player (Daniels missed all of the 2003 season with a thumb injury), while the 23 touchdown passes is the second best single season total in school history.

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James Prydatko

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL

2006: Two Rams earn All-American honors as senior linebacker Marcus Taylor is named First Team All-American by the Football Gazette, who also name him the Northeast Linebacker of the Year, and Third Team AllAmerican by The Sports Network. Junior punter Benjamin Dato is named a Third Team All-American by the Associated Press and Honorable Mention All-American by the Football Gazette. Both are also named ECAC All-Stars and First Team All-Patriot League while Taylor is also named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, the third Fordham player to earn that award. Taylor led the Rams with 116 total tackles, including a team-high 12 tackles for a loss. He also recorded four quarterback sacks in 2006 and intercepted a team-best three passes while breaking up four others. Dato finishes the 2006 season as the leading punter in the league, kicking 58 times for 2,587 yards, an average of 44.6 yards/punt. His 44.6 average is the second best single season average in Fordham history (AllAmerican Barry Cantrell averaged 45.8 yards/punt in 1997) and he ranks third in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly the NCAA I-AA). Senior defensive lineman Jay Edwards also earns All-Patriot League honors, being named to the Second Team.

2007 Patriot League Champions Freshman running back Xavier Martin is named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year, becoming the third Ram to earn such an honor, while head coach Tom Masella is named the league’s Coach of the Year. Dato, Hudnell and senior running back Jonte Coven are all named First Team All-Patriot League while Martin, senior center Mike Breznicky, sophomore linebacker James Crockett, junior wide receiver Asa Lucas, junior defensive lineman Ryan Mehra, senior offensive guard Mike Nardone, senior cornerback Sam Orah, senior linebacker Dominique Owens and sophomore quarterback John Skelton were named to the Second Team.

Marcus Taylor 2007: After being picked to finish sixth in the seven-team league, Fordham wins its second ever Patriot League championship and advances to the NCAA FCS playoffs where the Rams fall to seventh-ranked Massachusetts, 49-35. Senior punter Ben Dato is a consensus All-American, earning First Team All-American honors from The Sports Network and CollegeSportsReport.com and Second Team accolades from the Associated Press. Dato led the Patriot League and ranked third in the NCAA FCS with a 44.7 yards/punt average. His 44.7 average is the second best single season average in Fordham history (All-American Barry Cantrell averaged 45.8 yards/punt in 1997). Senior linebacker Earl Hudnell also receives Honorable Mention AllAmerica honors from The Sports Network. Hudnell led the Patriot League and was tied for 36th in the NCAA FCS with 15.5 tackles for loss (1.29/ game). Ben Dato 98

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL 2008: Five Rams earn All-Patriot League honors as seniors Matt Loucks (DB) and Greg DeMarco (DL) are named to the First Team and seniors Ryan Mehra (DL) and Justin Sarabaez (OL) along with junior James Crockett (LB) are named to the Second Team. Junior quarterback John Skelton becomes Fordham’s all-time passing yards leader, throwing for 2,605 yards to bring his career total to 6,215 yards, breaking Kevin Eakin’s all-time record of 6,112 passing yards. He also tied Joe Moorhead’s mark for career completions with 518 and finished the year two scoring passes shy of tying Eakin’s career record for touchdown passes (45). Sophomore running back Xavier Martin becomes the sixth Ram to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season (the third on the NCAA FCS level), closing out the year with 1,237 yards, the fourth best single season total in school history. Academically, 20 players are named to the Patriot League Commissioner’s Honor Roll, the most Rams to achieve the academic honor since Fordham joined the league. Seniors Adam Danko and Matt Loucks are named to the 2009 National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society. The biggest news comes in June when Fordham announces that it will again start to award football scholarships, beginning with the freshman class that will enter in the fall of 2010.

Ram Football History for third. Caldwell leads the Patriot League in receptions per game (7.2) and receiving yards/game (113.8). He finished second in the NCAA FCS in total receiving yards, third in receiving yards/game, tied for tenth in the in receptions/game and 27th in all-purpose yards/game. John Skelton wrapped up a record-shattering career for the Rams this fall, closing out the year completing 284 of 441 passes (64.4%) for 3,708 yards and 26 touchdowns. He set new school marks for completions and passing yards, breaking Kevin Eakin’s former school records of 247 completions for 3,072 yards set in 2003 as well as breaking Steve O’Hare’s completion percentage record of 63.1% set in 1997. Skelton led the NCAA FCS in passing yards/game (337.09) and total passing yards (3,708), was ranked second in total offense (348.18 yards/game), third in completions per game (25.82) and 14th in passing efficiency (149.95). Skelton threw for over 300 yards eight times in eleven games last year, including four 400-yard games. He completed 20 of 27 passes for 420 yards and five touchdowns against Cornell, breaking the school record of 413 passing yards set by Joe Moorhead in 1995 and coming up one shy of the school record for scoring passes of six, set by Kevin Eakin in 2003. Skelton then broke his own record two weeks later, completing 43 of 67 passes for 427 yards, all school records, against Holy Cross. For his accomplishments, Skelton was invited to play in the prestigious East-West Shrine Game on January 23, 2010, at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, becoming just the third player out of the Patriot League to appear in the game. Over his career, Skelton completed 802 passes for 9,923 yards and 69 touchdowns, all school marks. He shattered Joe Moorhead’s career completions record of 518 while also surpassing Eakin’s career marks for passing yards (6,112) and touchdowns (45). The Fordham offense finished the season setting a school record for most total offense in a season whie leading the NCAA FCS in total offense (488.82 yards/game) and ranking second in passing offense In the spring, John Skelton become the first Ram since 1968 to be drafted as he is taken in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Andrew Tyshovnytsky also signs a free agent contract with the Indianapolis Colts. Academically, 23 student-athletes were named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.

Matt Loucks 2009: Eight members were honored by being named All-Patriot League in voting by the League’s seven head coaches. Being placed on the first team were senior wide receiver Jason Caldwell, freshman punter Patrick Murray, junior tight end Stephen Skelton and senior offensive lineman Andrew Tyshovnytsky. Receiving second team accolades were senior quarterback John Skelton, junior defensive lineman Jordan Bledsoe, senior defensive back Kelvin Colbert, who led the NCAA FCS in passes defended, and junior linebacker Nick Magiera. Caldwell was furthered honored by being named Championship Subdivision (FCS) Honorable Mention All-America by the College Sporting News as well as Second Team FCS All-America by The Sports Network and Third Team Associated Press FCS All-America. Caldwell turned in one of the most productive season for a Fordham wide receiver last fall, catching 79 passes for 1,252 yards and nine touchdowns. The 79 receptions and 1,252 receiving yards are both the second best single season total in school history while his nine touchdown catches ties him

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL Over his career, Caldwell recorded 186 receptions for 2,643 yards and 18 touchdowns. He ranks second on the Fordham all-time receptions and receiving yards lists and fourth on the career touchdown list. Academically, 38 student-athletes were named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, the most for any league school and the most in Fordham history, while senior defenive back Jamal Haruna and sophomore kicker Patrick Murray were both named ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District I. Additionally, Jamal and his brother, Ahmed, were named to the 2011 National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) Hampshire Honor Society.

Isa Abdul-Quddus 2010: The season marked the first in which Fordham had scholarship players on the roster since 1954 but it was the upperclassmen who led the way, specifically tight end Stephen Skelton, defensive back Isa Abdul Quddus and wide receiver Jason Caldwell. Skelton and Abdul-Quddus were able to show their talents to the NFL scouts at the annual Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Game in the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, in January. Skelton played for Texas, his native state, for head coach Bill Bates, a former Dallas Cowboy, while Abdul Quddus played for The Nation, under former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville. They were the only two players from the Patriot League that appeared in the game. Skelton completed his senior year at Fordham as one of the most prolific tight ends in school history. He caught 42 passes or 443 yards (10.5 yards/reception) and three touchdowns this year, all second best on the team. Skelton tied for eighth in the Patriot League is receptions per game (3.8). Over his career, Skelton recorded 127 receptions for 1,313 yards and ten touchdowns, all career-highs for a Fordham tight end. He is seventh on the school’s all-time receptions list and tied for eighth in career touchdown receptions. Abdul Quddus, who was named Second Team Preseason All-Patriot League by Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, closed out his Fordham career leading the 2010 squad with 78 tackles, 56 of those solo, and he recorded six pass breakups and forced three fumbles. He tied for the Patriot League lead in forced fumbles/game (0.27) and was eleventh in the League in tackles/game (7.1). Caldwell, who was named a 2010 First Team Preseason NCAA FCS All-America by both the The Sports Network and Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, wrapped up his career leading all Fordham receivers for the second straight year with 71 catches for 910 yards and three touchdowns. He led the Patriot League in receptions/game was second in receiving yards/game and third in all-purpose yards/game. Caldwell was tied for 12th in the NCAA FCS in receptions/game, 23rd in the receiving yards/ game and 49th for all-purpose yards/game.

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Rams in the Postseason

1941 Cotton Bowl Texas A & M 13 Fordham 12

January 1, 1941 Dallas, Texas

The Aggies score two touchdowns in the first five minutes of the third quarter to come from behind and nip the underdog Rams before 47,000 in Dallas. Fordham takes a 6-0 lead late in the second quarter on a Steve Filipowicz one-yard run, but Steve Hudacek’s extra-point attempt is blocked. A & M knots the score on the second play of the third quarter when Marion Pugh hits Earl “Alabama” Smith with a 62-yard touchdown pass. The game turns on the next series when Derace Moser’s punt is downed at the Fordham four-yard line and the Rams are unable to pick up the first down. Fordham’s Jim Blumenstock is forced to punt out of his own end zone and Moser takes the kick at midfield and returns it to the Rams’ 25-yard line. On the play, the Rams are assessed an elbowing penalty, giving the Aggies a first down at the one-yard line. Jamie Kimbrough goes over from the one and the game’s only conversion gives Texas A & M a 13-6 lead. Before the quarter ends, Fordham’s Alex Santilli recovers an Aggies fumble and the Rams trek 43 yards in eight plays with Blumenstock carrying the final 15 for the score. The conversion attempt is deflected by Kimbrough, hits the cross bar and falls back, leaving the Rams trailing by one with a quarter left to play. The Aggies’ defense stiffens and Fordham never seriously threatens again.

1942 Sugar Bowl Fordham 2 Missouri 0

January 1, 1942 New Orleans, La.

Making their second consecutive bowl appearance, the Fordham Rams collect their first-ever postseason victory with a 2-0 triumph over the Missouri Tigers in a game played in a steady rain before a crowd of 73,000 at Tulane Stadium. Alex Santilli provides the game’s only points when he blocks Don Greenwood’s punt out of the end zone in the first quarter. The Tigers threaten only once in the game, reaching the Fordham 23-yard line with less than three minutes remaining. However, the Rams’ defense holds and a 45-yard field-goal attempt by Missouri’s Bob Steuber into a strong wind falls short of the cross bar. Needing to run out the clock to secure the victory, the Rams are able to pick up two critical first downs and ensure their first major bowl victory.

1987 Division III Eastern Quarterfinals Fordham 41 Hofstra 6

November 21, 1987 Hempstead, N.Y.

Making their first postseason appearance in 45 years, the Rams shock the heavily favored Flying Dutchmen. Fordham races to a 20-0 first-quarter advantage and cruises to the win, allowing Hofstra just one score, that coming on a 58-yard run in the second quarter. Eddie Pearson puts the Rams on top in the first quarter with a 36-yard run. Already leading 7-0, Fordham scores twice more during that opening frame, first on a 12-yard run by Dave Olsakowski and then on a 67-yard run by Rick Hollawell. Pearson scores his second touchdown of the game on a secondquarter one-yard run to put the Rams ahead 26-0. He adds a third touchdown to close out the game’s scoring with a two-yard run in the fourth quarter and finishes the game with 135 yards rushing. The final Rams’ score comes on a 12-yard third-quarter run from Hollawell, who finishes the game as its leading rusher with 181 yards on 26 carries.

1987 Division III Eastern Semifinals Wagner 21 Fordham 0

November 28, 1987 Bronx, N.Y.

One week after the upset win at Hofstra, the underdog Rams host their first postseason championship game as they square off against the Wagner Seahawks in search of their 11th win of the season and firstever berth in the Eastern Championship game. All hope quickly fades when Seahawks quarterback Greg Kovar runs over from two yards out for the only score the eventual National Champions will need in advancing with the 21-0 win over the Rams. A pair of third-quarter touchdowns puts Wagner ahead to stay and the Seahawks’ defense inflicts the first shutout on the Rams since they were blanked by Hofstra in 1983, 14-0. With the loss, the Rams closed out the season with a 10-2 record, the most successful season in Rams history since the 1918 squad posted a 10-2-1 mark under coach Edward Siskind, his only season at the helm.

1988 ECAC South Championship Dickinson 21 Fordham 14

November 19, 1988 Bronx, N.Y.

The Rams celebrate their second consecutive Liberty Conference championship with their first back-to-back postseason berths since 1940-41 as they host the Dickinson Red Devils in the ECAC South Championship game. Sporting a 9-1 overall record, Fordham enters the game boasting a 5-0 mark at home. The Red Devils grab the early lead, but Fordham battles back to tie the game on the strength of an 83-yard touchdown run by Rodney Knight in the first quarter. Following a second-quarter Dickinson score, the Rams are able to block the extra-point attempt and then grab a lead of their own when Jim Hock nabs a tipped Dave Olsakowski pass and carries it 52 yards to tie the score. Steve Troutman’s extra point gives Fordham its only lead of the game, 14-13. The Red Devils regain the lead on a nine-yard pass play and add the two-point conversion with just 36 seconds left in the half. The second half turns into a defensive struggle as neither team matches its first-half scoring output and Dickinson captures the ECAC South title.

Action from the 1941 Cottom Bowl

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NCAA DIVISION I-AA PLAYOFFS FORDHAM 29, NORTHEASTERN 24 November 30, 2002 I-AA PLAYOFFS- FIRST ROUND Parsons Field, Brookline, Mass.

VILLANOVA 24, FORDHAM 10 December 7, 2002 I-AA PLAYOFFS - QUARTERFINALS Villanova Stadium, Villanova, Pa.

Senior kicker Matt Fordyce’s outstanding season was recognized by the Patriot League coaches as he was named First Team All-Patriot League as a punter and placekicker, the first person to do so in Patriot League history. At Northeastern, Fordyce displayed his skills on the national level as he kicked an NCAA Division I-AA playoff record five field goals to lead Fordham University to a 29-24 win over Northeastern University in a first round game of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs on Parsons Field. Fordyce’s five field goals broke the old NCAA I-AA playoff mark of four set by three different players, most recently by Shonz LaFrenz of McNeese State in 1998. The five field goals was also a Fordham school record and a Patriot League record. The Rams got on the board early, taking the opening kickoff and driving to their own 48 where on second down and ten, Eakin hit Peter Modelski with a screen pass which Modelski turned into a 58-yard touchdown pass to put the Rams up 7-0 2:03 into the contest. The Fordham defense held the Huskies to three plays on their possession and the Rams took over on the Northeastern 45 following a 13yard punt return from Dan McGrath. Three straight completions by Eakin moved the ball to the Northeastern 13. Watson gained four yards on the first down play but Eakin was then sacked back to the Huskies 18. After an incompletion, Fordyce came on to boot a 35-yard field goal to give Fordham a 10-0 lead with 7:52 left in the first. The 10-0 lead would hold until early in the second quarter when the Huskies’ Tim Gale burst through the line and went 43 yards for a touchdown to cut the Rams’ lead to three, 10-7, with 12:37 remaining. The Rams came right back, taking the ensuing kickoff and moving from their own 31 to the Northeastern 28, where the drive stalled. Fordyce capped the drive with a 45-yard field goal, a Patriot League playoff record, and a 13-7 Fordham lead. Late in the half, Fordyce would kick a 23-yard field goal with 14 seconds remaining to give Fordham a 16-7 halftime lead. Northeastern took the second half kickoff and marched 50 yards on 13 plays to the Fordham 17 where Miro Kesic connected on a 34-yard field goal to cut Fordham’s lead to 16-10 with 8:53 left in the third. A holding call on the ensuing kickoff forced the Rams to start their next drive on their own 15. But on the first play from scrimmage, Eakin found Conroy down the right side with a 73-yard pass, placing the ball on the Huskies 12. Three plays later, Fordyce came on and kicked a 25-yard field goal for a 19-10 Fordham lead with 7:13 remaining in the third. Northeastern responded with a touchdown pass from Shawn Brady to Cory Parks to cut Fordham’s lead to two, 19-17, with 6:20 left in the third. In the fourth quarter, Fordham took possession of the ball on their own 31 following a punt and marched 69 yards on seven plays. The big play of the drive was a fourth and two call from the Northeastern 32. Eakin faked a handoff to Watson going to the right and rolled out to his left, running for the two yards and the first down. On the next play Watson covered the final 30 yards to put the Rams up 26-17 with 8:52 remaining. The Fordham defense then got into the act as Anthony Riley fumbled a punt return to give Fordham the ball on Northeastern 24. Four plays later, Fordyce connected on his record fifth field goal, a 42-yarder, to give the Rams a 29-17 lead with 2:50 left in the game. Northeastern managed to drive 70 yards on 12 plays on their next possession with Gale scoring from a yard out with 52 seconds left to make it a 29-24 game, but the Rams recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock for their first I-AA playoff win.

Brett Gordon completed 26 of 30 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns while Terry Butler carried 19 times for 81 yards and a touchdown to lead Villanova University to a 24-10 win over Fordham University in the quarterfinals of the NCAA I-AA playoffs at Villanova Stadium. The loss ended Fordham’s best season in 60 years. The Rams, the 2002 Patriot League co-champions, won the most ever games on the I-AA level and advanced to the I-AA playoffs for the first time since moving to I-AA in 1989. The Rams trailed 17-3 in the fourth quarter when Chris Anzano blocked a Villanova punt, which was picked up by Adam Foley on the Villanova 12 and returned to the one. Two plays later, Kirwin Watson scampered around the right side for the score to pull the Rams to within a touchdown, 17-10, with 9:49 remaining. The Wildcats took the ensuing kickoff and drove 76 yards on 13 plays with Gordon finding Butler with an eight-yard pass as Villanova regained a 14-point lead, 24-10, with 3:29 left. More importantly, the drive took 6:20 off the clock and didn’t allow the Rams a chance to mount a comeback. The big play on the drive was a fourth and one carry for Butler from the Fordham 26 that gained three yards and kept the drive alive. Villanova took the opening kickoff and drove to the Fordham 10 where Adam James kicked a 27-yard field goal to put the Wildcats up 3-0 with 8:32 left in the first. The Wildcats would extend the lead to 10-0 on a trick play as Gordon hit Brian White in the flats and White pitched the ball to Martin Gibson who took it in from the Fordham 25. The 10-0 lead would hold until the third when the Rams would drive 66 yards on 11 plays to the Villanova 14 where Matt Fordyce connected on a 31-yard field goal to cut Fordham’s deficit to seven, 10-3, with 7:17 remaining in the third. Villanova responded with a 66-yard, 13-play drive of its own with Butler taking it in from the four for a 17-3 Wildcat lead with 38 seconds left in the third. Eakin finished the day completing 16 of 30 passes for 115 yards while Watson carried 15 times for 54 yards and the touchdown. Travis Johnson led the Fordham receivers with four catches for 47 yards while Steve Porco made three catches for 24 yards. Dan McGrath led the Fordham defense, which held the Wildcats to ten points under their season average, with eleven total tackles, ten solo, while NaQuinton Gainous also made 11 stops, nine solo, including a sack.

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Matt Fordyce connected on an NCAA I-AA Playoff record five field goals in Fordham’s 29-24 win over Northeastern in 2002.

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL

Rams in the Postseason

NCAA FCS PLAYOFFS MASSACHUSETTS 49, FORDHAM 35 November 24, 2007 NCAA FCS PLAYOFFS- FIRST ROUND McGuirk Stadium, Amherst, Mass. As the Fordham Rams were leaving the field following their 49-35 NCAA Division I Championship loss to Massachusetts, the sense of sadness was quickly being replaced by a sense of accomplishment and optimism. The sense of accomplishment came as the players and staff started to look back at the amazing season and how they were able to accomplish all their goals and how they managed to come close to knocking off the seventh-ranked team in the country. The optimism came from the fact that this is a young Fordham squad; a team will return eight of its eleven starters on each side of the ball. Today on UMass’ McGuirk Stadium, the Ram offense gave the Minutemen defense, a defense that entered the game ranked eighth in the NCAA FCS in total defense (287.0 yards/game) and eleventh in scoring defense (16.36 points per game), everything they could handle before coming up short in the end. The offense was led by sophomore quarterback John Skelton, who had a hand in all five Fordham scores, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for two others, setting a Patriot League playoff game record, surpassing the four by Colgate’s Chris Brown in 2003. He completed 24 of 46 passes for 281 yards on the day, his second straight 200-yard day and his seventh of the season. The Rams trailed by seven at the half, 28-21, but took the second half kickoff and drove 69 yards on six plays with Skelton hooking up with Richard Rayborn with a 19-yard scoring pass to knot the game 2:30 into the half. Skelton completed all four passes on the drive for 63 yards. The Minutemen answered with an 80-yard drive, taking a 35-28 lead with 9:05 left in the third when Chris Zardas took a short pass from Liam Coen and turned it into a 33-yard touchdown. Massachusetts threatened to take a 14-point lead on its next possession, driving down to the Fordham two where a Coen pass was tipped in the end zone and intercepted by Fordham’s James Crockett. Skelton then drove the Rams downfield, completing four of five passes to put the ball down on the Massachusetts 16. After Jonte Coven picked up five yards on a rush, Skelton was flushed out of the pocket but as he scrambled he found Sylvester Clarke in the end zone to tie the game at 35 with 11:59 left. Once again, the Minutemen responded with a scoring drive of their own, moving 83 yards on nine plays, with Matt Lawrence scoring on a 13yard rush to put Massachusetts up for good, 42-35, with 9:25 remaining. On the ensuing possession, the Rams took over on their own 20 but on third down and five, Skelton’s pass over the middle was picked off by Charles Walker and returned to the Fordham 22. Six plays later, Lawrence scored from two yards out to give the Minutemen a 4935 lead with 5:15 left in the John Skelton accounted for all five Fordham touchdowns in the UMass NCAA FCS playoff game, throwing for three scores and rushing for two, to set a Patriot League playoff record.

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game. The loss did little to temper the Fordham effort on the day as the Rams gave the two-time Colonial Athletic Conference champions, a squad which features 16 NCAA FCS transfers, everything they could handle. Massachusetts, who advanced to the NCAA I-AA championship game last year, has gone 23-4 over the past two years, with one of the losses to Boston College earlier in the year and one to Appalachian State in the I-AA championship game in December of 2006. It looked like the MinNick Magiera gained 38 yards utemen would run away with on a fake punt the game, scoring on their first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead with 6:12 left in the first. The Rams got on the scoreboard later in the quarter, taking over on their own 18 following a punt. Three plays netted eight yards and Fordham lined up to punt but the ball was snapped to up-back Nick Magiera who ran it up the middle for a 38-yard gain, bringing the ball down to the Massachusetts 36. After a five yard gain from Quasand Lewis, Skelton found Asa Lucas with a short pass over the middle which Lucas turned into a 28-yard gain. Two plays later, Skelton went up over the pile from the one to cut the Fordham deficit to seven, 14-7, with 55 seconds left in the first. A Dato punt midway through the second pinned Massachusetts back on its own three but Coen drove UMass downfield, eventually hitting a diving Rasheed Butler in the end zone for a 21-7 Massachusetts lead with 8:18 left in the half. The Rams scored again in the second when Skelton found found Cody Kritzer with a three-yard touchdown pass to make it a 21-14 game with 2:46 remaining in the half. UMass then used a 41-yard scoring strike to take a 28-14 lead before the Rams turned an Isiejah Allen fumble recovery into a Skelton one-yard sneak on the final play of the half to cut the Fordham deficit to seven at the break, 28-21. Asa Lucas led all Fordham receivers with eight catches for 108 yards.

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The Ram-Crusader Cup When the Holy Cross defeated Fordham, 36-31, on Fitton on October 2, 2010, the Crusaders won the “Ram Crusader Trophy” for the third straight year. First dedicated in 1951 to the memory of Major Frank W. Cavanaugh, who was an outstanding figure in the football coaching annals of both Fordham and Holy Cross. The award is jointly sponsored by the Holy Cross College Clubs of New York and Long Island. The series between Fordham and Holy Cross was interrupted after the 1954 season when Fordham dropped football, but was resumed in 1990 when the Rams joined the Crusaders as members of the Patriot League. The award is sponosred jointly by the Holy Cross College Clubs of New York and Long Island. The award was proposed by William P. Walsh, who graduated from Holy Cross in 1952 and from Fordham Law School in 1957. While in college, Walsh, a Fordham football fan in his childhood years, worked as a summer camp counselor under the tutelage of Ed Danowski, FCO ‘34, a former Fordham football standout and then the University’s head coach. Walsh got the idea for a trophy when Date 10/6/51 10/4/52 11/21/53 11/13/54 11/10/90 11/16/91 11/21/92 11/20/93 10/29/94 10/14/95 11/2/96 11/22/97 11/14/98 11/13/99 11/18/00 11/17/01 11/9/02 11/8/03 10/2/04 10/29/05 9/30/06 11/3/07 11/8/08 10/31/09 10/2/10

Score Holy Cross 54, Fordham 20 Holy Cross 12, Fordham 7 Holy Cross 20, Fordham 7 Holy Cross 20, Fordham 19 Holy Cross 48, Fordham 0 Holy Cross 24, Fordham 19 Holy Cross 21, Fordham 13 Holy Cross 28, Fordham 12 Holy Cross 31, Fordham 21 Fordham 17, Holy Cross 10 Fordham 28, holy Cross 0 Fordham 28, Holy Cross 12 Fordham 13, Holy Cross 10 Holy Cross 37, Fordham 14 Holy Cross 27, Fordham 20 Fordham 24, Holy Cross 21 Fordham 37, Holy Cross 27 Fordham 49, Holy Cross 28 Fordham 42, Holy Cross 35 Fordham 24, Holy Cross 20 Holy Cross 28, Fordham 21 Fordham 24, Holy Cross 21 Holy Cross 38, Fordham 17 Holy Cross 41, Fordham 27 Holy Cross 36, Fordham 31

Site Worcester, Mass. Worcester, Mass. Worcester, Mass. Polo Grounds Rose Hill Limerick, Ireland Worcester, Mass. Worcester, Mass. Rose Hill Hamilton, Bermuda Rose Hill Worcester, Mass. Worcester, Mass. Rose Hill Worcester, Mass. Rose Hill Worcester, Mass. Rose Hill Worcester, Mass. Rose Hill Worcester, Mass. Rose Hill Worcester, Mass. Rose Hill Worcester, Mass.

Danowski informed him in August 1951 that the two schools would be playing each other for the next four seasons, and that Danowski’s Rams would “pin back the ears” of the Crusaders. Feeling challenged, Walsh suggested the trophy be named for the “Iron Major,” whose last Fordham team had been captained by Danowski. He and classmate Joseph B. Breen, who also graduated from Fordham Law School, were appointed cochairmen of the trophy committee. Holy Cross won that 1951 meeting, and the trophy was presented by John Cavanaugh, one of the Major’s nine children. The trophy has been fought for in some exotic places, as the two teams battled in the 1991 Wild Geese Classic in Limerick, Ireland, and the 1995 Bermuda Bowl contest in Hamilton, Bermuda. A native of Worcester, Mass., and a graduate of Dartmouth where he played end, Frank Cavanaugh started his coaching career at the University of Cincinnati. He was the Holy Cross head coach from 1903 to 1905, achieving a 16-10-2 record. After earning a law degree from Boston University, he coached Dartmouth for six seasons. War came and, enlisting in the 102nd Field Artillery of New England’s 26th “Yankee Division”, “Cav,” as he was known, was wounded at Chateau-Thierry and was released from service after World War I with the rank of major. He coached at Boston University for one season, and then started as coach of the Fordham University Rams in 1927. Cavanaugh established the Rams as one of the top football programs in the country before retiring after the 1932 season. In his six seasons as the coach of Fordham University, Cavanaugh posted a 34-14-4 (.692) record. In his final four years at the helm, the Rams were 27-4-4, including a 7-0-2 season in 1929. Major Cavanaugh died in August, 1933. His memory lives on, in both the Fordham and Holy Cross football histories.

The Liberty Cup As two of the three NCAA Division I institutions in New York City to sponsor football, Fordham University and Columbia University decided in 2002 to compete for a special trophy in their annual game. Thus was born the Liberty Cup. The idea behind the Liberty Cup is to honor the alumni of both schools who were lost in the attacks of September 11, 2001. The Cup also honors all of those who lost their lives on September 11th, including members of the various city and state agencies (FDNY, NYPD, EMS, Port Authority, etc.). Each school has created a scholarship fund with the host school donating the proceeds of the game to their respective fund. In addition to competing for the Liberty Cup, a game Most Valuable Player is chosen fol104 2002 & 2007 Patriot League Champions

lowing each year’s contest. Last year, the Rams defeated the Lions, 16-9, on Kraft Field to regain possession of the cup. Date 9/21/02 9/20/03 9/18/04 9/17/05 9/16/06 9/15/07 9/20/08 9/19/09 9/18/10

Score Columbia 13, Fordham 11 Fordham 37, Columbia 30 Fordham 17, Columbia 14 Columbia 23, Fordham 17 Columbia 37, Fordham 7 Fordham 27, Columbia 10 Fordham 29, Columbia 22 Columbia 40, Fordham 28 Fordham 16, Columbia 9

Site New York, N.Y. Rose Hill New York, N.Y. Rose Hill New York, N.Y. Rose Hill New York, N.Y. Rose Hill New York, N.Y.

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL

Rams in the Pros

Fordham has sent a total of 64 players on to the professional ranks, beginning with the appearance of end George Lowe with Frankford in the 1920 season through the free agent signing of Ben Dato with the Baltimore Ravens in 2008. In 2004, three Rams were signed to NFL free agent contracts: Aki Jones (Washington Redskins), Kevin Eakin (New York Jets) and Matt Fordyce (Arizona Cardinals). Additionally, three other former Rams signed free agent contracts in the Canadian Football League in 2004: wide receiver Javarus Dudley (Montreal Alouettes), defensive back Tad Kornegay (Hamilton Tiger Cats) and linebacker NaQuinton Gainous (Saskatchewan Roughriders). The Rams are represented in the Arena Football League by Dudley, who was named to the 2006 Arena League All-Rookie Team, who is now playing for the New Orleans Vodoo; Wallace House, who plays with the Amarillo Dusters (AFL2) and Kevin Eakin, a member of the Tennessee Vipers (AFL2). All teams listed below are with the National Football League, unless otherwise listed (AAFC-All-America Football Conference, USFL-United States Football League, CFA - Canadian Football League, AFL - Arena Football League). Al Babartsky Cory Bailey

T C

1938-45 Chi. Cards, Bears 1998, 2001 New York Giants/ Rhine Fire Paul Berezney T 1942-44, 46 G.B., Miami (AAFC) Fred Bissell E 1925-26 Akron James Blumenstock FB 1947 New York Giants Lester Borden E 1935 New York Giants Sam Bowers TE 1981-85 N. J. Generals (USFL) Ed Buckley QB 1930 Staten Island John Cannella T 1933-34 Giants, Bklyn. Barry Cantrell P 1998-00 Cowboys, Eagles George Cheverko HB 1947-48 Giants, Wash. Harold Clark E 1922-25 Rochester Ed Danowski QB 1934-39, 41 Giants Ben Dato P 2008 Ravens Lou DeFilippo C 1941-45, 47 Giants John Del Isola G 1934-40 Giants Vince Dennery E 1941 Giants John Druze E 1938 Bklyn Javarus Dudley WR 2006-08 Orlando (AFL) Bloomington (IFL) Kevin Eakin QB 2005-08 N.Y. Jets/Buffalo/ Hamilton (CFL)/Frankfurt (NFL-Europe)/ Tennessee Valley (AFL2) Len Eshmont HB 1941, 46-49 Giants, 49ers Steve Filipowicz FB 1945-46 Giants Matt Fordyce K 2004, 05, 06 Cardinals Ed Franco G 1944 Boston Tom Garlick WR 1994 Philadelphia Eagles/ New York Jets George Grandinette G 1943 Brooklyn Wallace House FB 2006-08 Florida Firecats (AFL2) Amarillo (AFL2)/Corpus Christi (AFL2) Jason Jacobs FB/LB 1995 Memphis Pharaohs (AFL) Harry Jacunski E 1939-44 Green Bay Arthur Johnson T 1923-27 Duluth Aki Jones DL 2005 Washington William Kellagher HB 1946-48 Chicago (AAFC) Harry Kloppenberg E 1930-34 Staten Island, Bklyn. Mike Kochel G 1939 Chicago Cardinals Tad Kornegay DB 2005-08 Hamilton/Saskatchewan British Columbia (CFL) John Kuzman T 1941, 46-47 3 teams Thomas Leary E 1927-30 3 teams George Lowe E/T 1920-27 5 teams Joe Maniaci FB 1936-41 Bklyn, Chi. Bears

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Kevin Eakin played for the Frankfurt Galaxy of NFL Europe in 2005 and 2007. (photo courtesy of the Frankfurt Galaxy)

Javarus Dudley was named to the Arena Football League All-Rookie team in 2006. (photo courtesy of the Orlando Predators)

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Rams in the Pros Jim Manning Thomas Myers Andrew Nacrelli Gerald Noonan Leo Paquin Ken Parker Dominic Principe Raymond Riddick Joe Sabasteanski Frank Sacco Tony Sarausky Amerino Sarno Lawrence Sartori Edmond Shedlosky Thomas Siano John Skelton Kurt Sohn William Stein Arthur Stevenson Leif Strans George Tepo Vinnie Tuzeo Joe Ungerer Walter Uzdavins Lyman Walbridge Alex Wojciechowicz Joe Yachanich Joe Zapustas

1926 Hartford, Prov. 1925-26 Giants, Bklyn. 1958 Philadelphia 1921-24 Giants, Rochester 1937 1970 New York Jets 1940-42, 46 Giants, Brooklyn (AAFC) E 1940-42, 46 Green Bay C 1946-48 Boston DT 1987 N. E. Patriots FB 1935-38 Giants, Brooklyn E 1936-39 G 1942-45 Detroit HB 1945 Giants C 1932, 34 Boston, Bklyn. QB 2010Arizona Cardinals WR 1981-88 New York Jets G 1923-28 Dul, Chi Cards G 1928 3 teams C 1923 Duluth G 1942 T 1987 New York Jets T 1944-45 Washington E 1937 Cleveland C 1925 Giants C/LB 1938-50 Det, Phil G 1946-48 N.Y. Yanks E 1933 Giants

FORDHAM FOOTBALL

HB HB SE HB E DB FB

After playing in Hamilton his first two years, Tad Kornegay was a member of the Gray Cup-winning Saskatchewan Rough Riders in 2007 and he continues to play for the Rough Riders today. (photo courtesy of Saskatchewan Rough Riders)

Fordham Athletic Hall of Famer Tom Garlick played with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles John Skelton was drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. He started five games his rookie year. (photo courtesy of the Arizona Cardinals) 106 2002 & 2007 Patriot League Champions

Matt Fordyce signed as a free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in 2004 and 2005. He was inducted into the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. (photo courtesy of the Arizona Cardinals).

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All-Americans

FORDHAM FOOTBALL

Fordham All-Americans In the 109 seasons of Fordham intercollegiate football, 52 players have achieved All-American recognition for their efforts, including nine consensus All-Americans. The following is a list of Fordham’s All-Americans over the years with the consensus AllAmericans indicated in boldface. (x-Academic All-American picks). 1909 Ed Barrett Frank McCaffrey Jim McCarthy 1918 Frank Frisch 1925 Earl Graham 1929 Tony Siano 1930 Frank Foley James Murphy Henry Wisniewski 1931 James Murphy 1932 Ed Danowski 1933 Ed Danowski John Del Isola

1934 Les Borden 1935 Amerino Sarno 1936 Ed Franco Nat Pierce Alex Wojciechowicz 1937 Al Babartsky Ed Franco Alex Wojciechowicz 1938 Len Eshmont Harry Jacunski Dominic Principe 1939 Dominic Principe 1940 Lou DeFilippo Len Eshmont John Kuzman Joe Ungerer

1941 Jim Blumenstock Steve Filipowicz Jim Lansing 1949 Tom Mareski 1950 Dick Doheny Tom Mareski Al Pfeifer 1952 Ed Brown Jack Tranowski 1953 Roger Franz 1972 Bill Wattiker-x 1985 Chip Kron 1987 Marty Mazzara Matt Michaels-x Ralph Rios-x 1988 Rick Hollawell Tom Langan 1990 Eric Schweiker-x Mark Blazejewski 1991 Mark Blazejewski 1992 Mark Blazejewski

2003 Consensus First Team All-American Javarus Dudley was named to the All-Rookie Team of the Arena Football League in 2006. 1997 Barry Cantrell Barry Cantrell-x Jack Pieracini 2002 Kirwin Watson 2003 Javarus Dudley Kirwin Watson

2006 Ben Dato Marcus Taylor 2007 Ben Dato Earl Hudnell 2009 Jason Caldwell

2004 Tad Kornegay

1995 Carl Barbera Steve Borys 1996 Carl Barbera

Fordham Hall of Famer Len Eshmont played five seasons with the 49ers.

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2004 Consensus All-American Tad Kornegay has played the past eight years in the Canadian Football League.

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The Hall of Famers

FORDHAM FOOTBALL

In 1971, the Fordham University athletic department began honoring former athletes, coaches and administrators for their past athletic achievements. Members are honored at the Winter Homecoming with a plaque bearing their image, their sports participated in, their year of graduation, and year of induction. Membership stands at 336 with 113 of those associated with football, all of whom are listed below. Player Joe Andrejco Al Babartsky Paul Berezney Joe Bernard Mark Blazejewski

Class of 1947 1938 1939 1938 1993

Entered 1978 1974 1982 1985 1999

Earl Graham Tom Harter James Hayes Louis Healey John Healy Michael Hearn Arthur Hickey Larry Higgins Robert Hill Rick Hollawell Peter Holovak Steve Hudacek Harry Jacunski John Janis Joe Jordan Tad Kornegay Joe Kovich John Keenan Joe Kendrick Chip Kron Mike Kochel Bill Krywicki John Kuzman

1929 1971 1939 1922 1941 1939 1952 1951 1979 1990 1940 1942 1939 1932 1974 2005 1944 1934 1919 1987 1939 1940 1941

1972 1993 1990 1987 1979 2006 1997 1991 1989 1996 1989 1987 1975 1989 1994 2011 1989 1980 1977 1996 1975 1978 1979

Mark Blazejewski James Blumenstock Lester Borden Joseph Boyle Edward Brown Mike Byrnes John Cannella Barry Cantrell Pete Carlesimo Frank Cavanaugh George Cheverko John Conroy Brian Corcoran James Cowhig James Crowley Eric Dadd Ed Danowski Walter Davinis Pierre Davis Louis DeFilippo John Del Isola Dennis DeMeo Vince Dennery Dick Doheny Aaron Dougherty John Druze Javarus Dudley Kevin Eakin Adam Elcewicz Len Eshmont Steve Filipowicz John Fisher Francis Foley Matt Fordyce Ed Franco Roger Franz Frank Frisch Frank Gargan Howard Gargan Tom Garlick

1942 1935 1968 1953 1970 1930 1998 1940 1945 1932 1982 1934 1971 1934 1934 1979 1941 1934 1977 1941 1951 1995 1938 2004 2004 1931 1941 1943 1932 1931 2003 1938 1954 1920 1910 1908 1993

1977 1976 1998 1979 1999 1977 2003 1978 1974 1978 1981 1992 1989 1973 1989 1975 1983 1989 1977 1976 1993 1979 1991 2007 1974 2010 2010 1980 1976 1976 1978 1989 2009 1974 1980 1971 1975 1975 2000

Tom Garlick Thomas Langan James Lansing Thomas Leary Vince Lombardi Andy Lukac Joseph Maniaci Wellington Mara Tom Mareski Rich Marrin Frank Mautte Marty Mazzara Frank McCaffrey William McMahon Mike Miskinis Connie Murphy James Murphy Andy Nacrelli James Noble Arthur O’Connor Joe Ososki

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1989 1943 1926 1937 1951 1936 1937 1951 1967 1937 1988 1910 1931 1931 1932 1932 1955 1942 1928 1944

1997 1976 1979 1971 1992 1976 1972 1991 2002 1986 1995 1974 1980 1989 1978 1975 2009 1989 1974 1981

Andrew Palau Andrew Palau 1937 Leo Paquin 1937 Jerry Pepper 1934 Alan Pfeifer 1951 Charles Pieculewicz 1931 Jack Pieracini 1998 Nathaniel Pierce 1937 Dominic Principe 1940 Stanley Raytinski 1943 Raymond Riddick 1940 Joe Sabasteanski 1943 Alex Santilli 1942 Tony Sarausky 1935 Amerino Sarno 1936 Lawrence Sartori 1942 Herb Seidell 1950 Tony Siano 1931 Peter Signori 1968 Francis Slater 1939 Charles Spinelli 1985 Walter Tracey 1932 Joe Ungerer 1941 Kirwin Watson 2004 Henry Wisniewski 1931 Alex Wojciechowicz 1938 Joe Zapustas 1933

1977 1974 1981 1989 1989 2008 1974 1981 1982 1977 1988 1982 1990 1981 1980 1993 1975 1997 1981 2005 1989 1987 2010 1976 1971 1980

Nat Pierce

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL

Seven Blocks of Granite

The Seven Blocks of Granite The 1929-30 Edition Coach: Frank Cavanaugh John Conroy Adam Elcewicz Frank Foley John Healy Mike Miskinis Tony Siano Walt Tracey Henry Wisniewski

There has been much debate over the years as to who the “Seven Blocks of Granite” actually were. The name, which is attributed to former Fordham publicist Tim Cohane, was originally applied to the line play of the 1929-30 Rams which posted a 15-1-2 two-year record, including 12 shutouts. The 1936-37 edition, pictured below, eventually became better known than its predecessor primarily because of the presence of Vince Lombardi (#40). This second edition had an impressive two-year run, recording a 12-1-3 mark with eight shutouts.

The 1936-37 Edition Coach: Jim Crowley Al Babartsky Joe Bernard John Druze Ed Franco Jim Hayes Harry Jacunski Mike Kochel Vince Lombardi Leo Paquin Nat Pierce Alex Wojciechowicz

The Late Al Bart Visits with the Rams: The late “Seven Blocks of Granite” member Al Bart paid a visit to the 2002 Spring Game where he spoke with the current Rams about the history of Fordham football.

The Seven Blocks of Granite Monument: Located at the corner of Constitution Row and the Gate A entrance to Jack Coffey Field, the monument is a generous gift from Joe Moglia, FCRH ’71, and honors both sets of Fordham’s famous Seven Blocks, the 1929-30 version and the 1936-37 edition.

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Patriot League History

FORDHAM FOOTBALL

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1992 1993 2006

Mark Blazejewski, lb Aaron Dougherty, lb Marcus Taylor, lb

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2002

Kirwin Watson, rb

2003 2004 2007

Micah Clukey, pk Jonte Coven, rb Xavier Martin, rb

2001 2002 2007

Dave Clawson Dave Clawson Tom Masella

FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR

COACH OF THE YEAR

FIRST TEAM ALL-PATRIOT LEAGUE 1990 1991 1992

1993 1994 1995

1996

Joe Emmons, p Mark Blazejewski, lb Joe Rowan, lb Tom Garlick, wr Mike Beier, ol Aaron Dougherty, dl Mark Blazejewski, lb Brad Jordan, db Chris Tirone, db Aaron Dougherty, dl Aaron Dougherty, lb Aaron Torgler, dl Steve Borys, ol Scott Novak, ol Carl Barbera, dl Leos Kennedy, db Chris O’Leary, db Cory Bailey, ol Carl Barbera, dl

1997

1998 1999 2000 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005 2006 2007

2008 2009 2002 Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year Kirwin Watson

Cory Bailey, ol Barry Cantrell, p Shane McAndrew, db Matt Harris, lb Jim Walls, te Brian Colsant, pk Brian Colsant, pk Javarus Dudley, wr Mark Manno, ol Kirwin Watson, rb Javarus Dudley, wr Kevin Eakin, qb Matt Fordyce, p & pk Dan McGrath, db Kirwin Watson, rb Alemayo Whyte, fb Javarus Dudley, wr Kevin Eakin, qb Aki Jones, dl Tad Kornegay, db Colby Khuns, dl Prince Poitier, ol Kirwin Watson, rb Jared Amatuzzo, ol Micah Clukey, pk NaQuinton Gainous, lb Tad Kornegay, db Micah Clukey, pk Anthony DiFino, p Marcus Taylor, lb Ben Dato, p Ben Dato, p Jonte Coven, rb Earl Hudnell, lb Greg DeMarco, dl Matt Loucks, db Jason Caldwell, wr Patrick Murray, p Stephen Skelton, te Andrew Tyshovnytsky, ol

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2007 Patriot League Rookie of the Year Xavier Martin

SECOND TEAM ALL-PATRIOT LEAGUE 1990 1991 1992 1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999 2000 2001

2002

Eric Schweiker, ol Matt Stover, lb Tom Garlick, wr Curt Geisler, dl John Clarkson, lb Brian McDonough, ol Chris Ross, rb Aaron Torgler, dl Ryan Reinert, lb Chris O’Leary, db Mike Wilt, db Steve Borys, ol Jason Jacobs, lb Barry Cantrell, p Joe Moorhead, qb Tim Baumgardner, lb Jack Pieracini, lb Barry Cantrell, p Mark Bourke, ol Jack Pieracini, lb Barry Cantrell, p Pat Destro, db Jack Pieracini, lb Mike Shelley, dl Pat Destro, db Gerry McDermott, wr John Shelley, dl Gerry McDermott, wr Matt Fordyce, p Maurice Briscoe, ol Mark Carney, qb Tony Downs, lb Charlie Mull, dl Aymen Aboushi, dl Will Davis, db NaQuinton Gainous, lb Travis Johnson, te Keron Lucius, dl

2003

2004

2005

2006 2007

2008

2009

Kevin Oefelein, ol John San Marco, ol Stephen Ayers, p Micah Clukey, pk Will Davis, db NaQuinton Gainous, lb Kevin Oefelein, ol James Caffarello, te Anthony DiFino, p Edward Gordon, dl Aki Jones, dl Steve Porco, wr Tyrone Thorne, lb Edward Gordon, dl James Prydatko, rb Michael Sabatini, ol Marcus Taylor, lb Jay Edwards, dl Mike Breznicky, ol James Crockett, lb Xavier Martin, rb Ryan Mehra, dl Mike Nardone, ol Dominique Owens, lb Sam Orah, db John Skelton, qb James Crockett, lb Ryan Mehra, dl Justin Sarabaez, ol Jordan Bledsoe, ol Kelvin Colbert, db Nick Magiera, lb John Skelton, qb

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL

Special Awards

Rich Marrin Team Most Valuable Player Award At the 77th Annual Block “F” Dinner held this past May, senior Bryson Wilson was named the Rams’ Rich Marrin Most Valuable Player for the 2010 season. The award is named in honr of the late Rich Marin FCRH ’67, LAW ’70, a former football Ram as well as a major benefactor of the football program. Wilson, who proved himself valuable as both a linebacker and defensive back for the Rams, was named the team’s Rich Marrin/Most Valuable Player. Over the 2010 season, Wilson notched 54 total stops, 45 solo, including four for loss and he had five pass breakups.

Previous Winners 1991: 1992: 1993: 1994: 1995: 1996: 1997: 1998: 1999: 2000:

Joe Rowan Mark Blazejewski Ryan Reinert Aaron Torgler Joe Moorhead Lance Shaw Cory Bailey Steve O'Hare Gerry McDermott Brian Colsant

2001: 2002: 2003: 2004: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009: 2010:

Mark Carney Kirwin Watson Javarus Dudley Tad Kornegay James Prydatko Marcus Taylor John Skelton Matt Loucks John Skelton Bryson Wilson

Bryson Wilson

The Macken Award This award was established in memory of Rams’ special assistant coach Bob Macken, who passed away suddenly in June of 1992. Coach Macken was a key part of the Fordham staff for seven seasons, always handling the “little things” that are so vital to keeping a program going. He took special pride in working with the special teams, and his “Macken Pizza Party” for the top special teams plays of the year were a source of great pride for the team. More importantly, Coach Macken epitomized the “Fordham person.” He always represented the University in a first class manner, greeting people with a smile and a firm handshake. He took great pride in being associated with Fordham and its long football tradition, and made all those with whom he came in contact better for just knowing him. Although Coach Macken can never be replaced, this award is a fitting tribute to someone who gave his all to Rose Hill and never asked for anything in return. Senior Isa Abdul-Quddus, the 2010 Macken Award recipient who was named Second Team Preseason All-Patriot League by Phil Steele’s College Football Preview, closed Isa Abdul-Quddus out his Fordham career leading the 2010 squad with 78 tackles, 56 of those solo, and he recorded six pass breakups and forced three fumbles. He tied for the Patriot League lead in forced fumbles/game (0.27) and was eleventh in the League in tackles/game (7.1). Over his career, Abdul Quddus, who was a two-year starter in the defensive backfield, had 193 total tackles, 134 solo, including 12 for loss and three sacks. He also Previous Winners 1998: Dan Lofrese 2005: Anthony DiFino amassed ten pass deflections and 1999: Bill Laforet 2006: Ben Dato three interceptions. Abdul Qud- 1992: Mike Costanzo 2000: Matt Fordyce 2007: Ben Dato dus tied a school record with 1993: Randy McKee 2001: Brian Colsant 2008: Adam Danko three interceptions in a game at 1994: Barry Cantrell 1995: Leos Kennedy 2002: Matt Fordyce 2009: James Crockett Cornell in 2009. 1996: Larry Leith 2003: Stephen Ayers 2010: Isa Abdul-Quddus 1997: Barry Cantrell 2004: Micah Clukey

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Special Awards

FORDHAM FOOTBALL

The Lansing Trophy Senior offensive lineman Adnan Vandyck was named winner of the 2010 Jim Lansing Trophy, which is awarded annually to the Fordham Rams’ outstanding lineman. The trophy is sponsored by the Fordham University Gridiron Club. The award is named for Jim Lansing, a former player and coach who was a consensus AllAmerican in 1941. That was the same season that Fordham downed Missouri 2-0 to capture the 1942 Sugar Bowl. As a coach, Lansing won national club championships in 1965 and 1968, and became the school’s first varsity coach since 1954 when the program was elevated to Division III in 1970. In five club seasons and two varsity campaigns, Lansing posted a 29-203 record. Vandyck, who was moved from the defensive to the offensive line during his career at Fordham, started every game at left tackle in 2010, helping the Rams rank second in both rushing offense and total offense in the Patriot League. On the national level, Fordham ranked 31st in the NCAA FCS in rushing offense and 33rd in total offense.

Adnan Vandyck

Previous Winners 1993: Brian McDonough 1994: Steve Borys Aaron Torgler 1995: Steve Borys 1996: Cory Bailey 1997: Cory Bailey 1998: Mike Shelley 1999: Bill Salva 2000: Mike Norris 2001: Mark Manno 2002: Aymen Aboushi

2003: Colby Khuns Prince Poitier 2004: Jared Amatuzzo 2005: Edward Gordon Michael Sabatini 2006: Jay Edwards 2007: Mike Breznicky 2008: Greg DeMarco 2009: Andrew Tyshovnytsky 2010: Adnan Vandyck

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FORDHAM FOOTBALL

Special Awards

The Danowski Award Senior defensive linebacker Cliff Stuckey was named the 18th recipient of the Edward F. Danowski ‘34 Award. The award is given annually to the senior football player who through his leadership, sacrifice, and commitment to excellence upon the field of play and within the University community exemplifies the character of Danowski, a former Fordham player and head coach. Stuckey was the recipient of the 2011 Danowski Award, given annually to the senior football player who through his leadership, sacrifice, and commitment to excellence upon the field of play and within the University community exemplifies the character of Danowski, a former Fordham player and head coach. On the year, Previous Winners 2001: Maurice Briscoe Stuckey recorded 1990: Charles Smith Tony Downs 47 total tackles, 1991: Craig Jones 2002: Rhamel Brown 29 solo, includ1992: Mike Beier 2003: Dan McGrath ing two sacks. He 1993: John Strauss 2004: NaQuinton Gainous Cliff Stuckey also broke up one 1994: Chris Ross 2005: James Caffarello pass. Head coach Tom Masella praised Stuckey for his assistance 1995: Won Kyu Rim 2006: Ty Hogan in helping the team overcome adversity this year and for his hard 1996: Mark Bourke 2007: Earl Hudnell work in the weight room. 1997: Jack Pieracini Dominique Owens 1998: Cliff Moseley 2008: Fonzie Culver 1999: Jim Walls 2009: Jason Caldwell 2000: Ray Reddin 2010: Cliff Stuckey

The Bill Tierney Award In the fall of 1996, the Fordham University Football Program suffered a tragic loss when junior Bill Tierney passed away prior to the Lafayette game. Tierney suffered a cardiac arrest brought on by viral myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, on October 12, 1996 while warming up for the Homecoming football game. The Rams have honored Bill by retiring his uniform number “28”. The Fordham Gridiron Club, the football booster club, has also memorialized Bill by creating the Bill Tierney Spirit Award that will be presented annually to the Fordham varsity player who in the estimate of his teammates, represents the spirit that Bill so unselfishly exemplified. A special Ram award was commissioned by Ernest H. Hammer, FCO ’55, and created by David Hacker (a New York artist and a former formidable football player at California). The award is presented annually to the winner Previous Winners 2005: Tommie Stephens of the Bill Tier1996: Bill Tierney 2006: Mike Melvin ney Award. Bill 1997: Dave Scoblick Cory Terzis Mick Magiera was the posthu1998: Carmen Libassi 2007: Sylvester Clarke mous recipient of the initial award. 1999: Jon Piela Sam Orah Senior Nick Magiera was named the 2010 Tierney Award re2000: Nick Brandemarti 2008: Craig Stevens cipient. 2001: Chris Breen 2009: Ryan Darcey On the season teh linebacker was tied for fifth on the team with 2002: John San Marco Kelvin Colbert 57 total tackles, 39 solo, including one for loss. He also recorded 2003: Kirwin Watson 2010: Nick Magiera an interception and a forced fumble. 2004: Steve Porco

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Special Awards

FORDHAM FOOTBALL

The Mara and Walsh Family Awards John Zizzo, a 1969 Fordham College graduate and captain of the 1968 club football team, and the late Rich Marrin, FCRH ’67, LAW ’70, a former football Ram as well as a major benefactor of the football program, were honored with the Walsh Award and the Mara Family Award, respectively, at the annual Fordham Gridiron Club Dinner held at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus on April 29th. The Mara Family and Walsh Awards honor members of the Fordham football family for their dedication and contributions to the program. The Mara Family Award is named in honor of the family of the late Wellington Mara, a 1937 graduate of Fordham, while the Walsh Award in named in honor of William D. Walsh, Fordham College class of 1951 and namesake of the Walsh Athletic Training Center as well as the Walsh Family Library on the Rose Hill campus. In his senior year, Zizzo helped lead the Fordham club football team to a 7-1 record and a number one national ranking from his defensive tackle position. He was a mainstay on a defense that allowed 84 points in the eight games that season. He was presented the award by Tony Colangelo, GSB ’70, GBA ‘77, a long-time friend and teammate at Fordham. In his acceptance speech, Zizzo spoke of the honor or receiving the award on the night that Rich Marrin was receiving the Mara Family Award. “Rich started at defensive tackle two years ahead of me,” said Zizzo. “He taught me a lot about football and had a great love of Fordham football.” Zizzo went on to speak of the importance of the club teams in the late 1960’s and how the 1968 team was the only Fordham team to win a national championship, with the exception of the 1994 women’s varsity lightweight 4 crew. “I can’t begin to tell you how good the 1968 team was,” said Zizzo. “We had a five game stretch where we allowed just 84 total rushing yards. At that time there were over 100 schools playing club football and we would average 10,000 people a game. I believe that the 1968 team is the single most important reason that varsity football returned to Fordham.” Zizzo, president of the Fordham Maroon Club, then directed his words to the seniors in attendance, welcoming them John Zizzo to the Gridiron Club and instilling in them the importance of not only the football program but the university in general. “The football program is important but not as important as the school,” he said. “The athletic programs help in recruitment and are great for the alumni and now that you are becoming part of the alumni it is your responsibility to give back to the school.” Prior to the presentation of the Mara Family Award, a letter from Jack Clary, FCRH ‘54, was read to the audience. Clary, the 2006 recipient of the award, was a close friend of Rich Marrin and he commented on what an honor it was to have his name listed on an award that will also include Rich Marrin’s. The correspondence also high114 2002 & 2007 Patriot League Champions

Jim Marrin, Susan Mara McDonald and Tom Masella lighted the fact that there would be no Gridiron Club without Rich Marrin, the first president of the group, and he commiserated with the Marrin family on their loss. Susan Mara McDonnell, daughter of the late Wellington Mara, FCRH ’37, then took the dais to present the award to Jim Marrin, FCRH ’98, who accepted the award on behalf of his late father and his family. As an undergraduate at Fordham in the 1960’s, Marrin was a twoyear starter on the football team, under Hall of Fame coach Jim Lansing, including the 1965 squad that was selected as the number one club team in the nation. It was these Fordham teams that are credited with returning football to Fordham, after the sport was dropped following the 1954 season. Besides football, Marrin also earned four varsity letters in squash and three in tennis, under Hall of Fame coach Bob Hawthorn. He was inducted into the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002 and the football team most valuable player award is named in his honor. A Bronx native, Marrin was vital to the formation of the Fordham Gridiron Club, a group of former Mara Family Award Winners players, alumni and 2002 - Al Bart, FCRH ‘38 friends that exists to John Druze, FCRH ‘38 support the Univer2003 - Fr. Joseph O’Hare sity, student athletes 2004 - William Walsh, FCRH ‘51 and football coach 2005 - Herb Seidell, FCRH ‘50 and to advance the ef2006 - Jack Clary, FCRH ‘54 forts and goals of the 2007 - The Farrell Family football program. He 2008 - Harry Hammer, FCRH ‘55 2009 - Sister Anne Walsh, RSHM, GRE served as the club’s ’78 president for over 20 2010 - Pat Allinger years. 2011 -

Rich Marrin, FCRH ’67, LAW ’70

Walsh Family Award 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 -

Nick Baldino, FCRH ‘48 Dr. Andy Cordaro, FCRH ‘66 John Lyons, FCRH ‘50 David Ficca, FCRH ‘53 Jim Murray, FCRH ‘67 Thomas Keaveney, FCRH ‘67 John Zizzo, FCRH ‘69

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