73
Loren Baker
OT, 6-3, 290, Sr.
Gloversville H.S.
Gloversville. N.Y.
Albany: Named to 1997 College Football Preview Preseason Division I I All-America Team ... appeared in starting lineup in 14 of 19 games played for Great Danes ... two varsity letters ...1996: Selected first-team Football Gazette Non-Scholarship All-America ... chosen as a ECAC Intercollegiate Conference All-Star ... received Albany's top offensive lineman award ... started all 10 games ... allowed no sacks ... UA offense averaged 329.3 total yards, and showed balance with 169.0 rushing and 160.3 passing ... helped Danes roll up a season-high 514 yards in total offense vs. Gannon ... 1995: A starter at left tackle in four of nine games played as a sophomore ... paved the way for an offense which averaged 364 yards per game ... transfer from the United States Military Academy, where he was a nose guard ... High School: All-Region and all-league offensive and defensive lineman ... three varsity letters ... also lettered three times in track & field ... competed in the shot put and discus ... Personal: Major is history ... born 9-4-76 ... parents are Loren and Judy Baker ... has one sister, Katy ... member of New York Giants training camp grounds crew the last two summers ... awarded University's Class of 1937 Memorial Scholarship.
62
Nelson Bauza
C, 6-0, 240, Jr.
St. Thomas Aquinas H.S.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Albany: One of three returning starters on the UA offensive line ... has also played on special teams as a long snapper on the PAT and field goal units ... one varsity letter ... 1996: A starter in 10 games at center ... blocked for an offense which showed balance throughout the season with 169.0 rushing yards per game and an average of 160.3 in the air ... helped Greg Garrett establish single-season and single-game rushing records by a freshman ... 1995: Appeared in two games as a freshman working behind All-America center Nick Cremona ... High School: Earned all-Broward County honors as a center ... two varsity letters ... the Raiders claimed the 1992 state title and reached the '94 Final Four ... his teams combined for a 28-9 record during his three years with the program ... Personal: Major is human biology ... born 10-11-76 in Caracas, Venezuela ... parents are Nelson, Sr. and Ana Bauza ... has one brother, Danny and one sister, Varina.
31
Mike Browne
FB, 5-9, 190, Jr.
Hempstead H.S.
Uniondale, N.Y.
Albany: Should start for the second straight season at fullback ... also plays tailback when offense goes to a power game ... 1996: UA's second-leading rusher with 564 yards on 108 carries ... averaged team-leading 5.2 yards per attempt ... scored four touchdowns ... rushed for a career-high 137 yards vs. Gannon ... burst through middle on a season-long 61-yard run in the second quarter ... carried 11 times for 95 yards, and scored on a 25-yard run against Mercyhurst ... two varsity letters ...1995: Had an immediate impact as a freshman ... gained 232 yards on the ground to go with three touchdowns ... appeared in nine games at fullback ... returned four kickoffs for a 15.0 average ... season-high 107 yards on 14 attempts vs. King's, Pa.... ran for 64 yards at Trenton State and scored in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard scamper ... reached paydirt with his first collegiate run, a two-yard TD blast at Dayton ... High School: Two varsity letters as a fullback ... rushed for 500 yards and two touchdowns as a senior ... Personal: Major is undecided ... born 6-6-77 ... parents are Vincent and Carroll Browne ... has one brother, Leon.
Browne's Career Statistics
YEAR TC YDS AVG TD LG 1995 41 232 5.7 3 32 1996 108 564 5.2 4 61 Total 149 796 5.3 7 61
65
Lou Butts
OG, 5-10, 247, Jr.
Susquehanna Valley H.S.,
Binqhamton. N.Y.
Albany: Moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore at right guard on the offensive line ...1996: Started all 10 games, and is one of three regulars returning on the line ... paved way for offensive unit which averaged more than 329 total yards per game ... helped Greg Garrett become the fifth Albany runner in the 1990s to record back-to-back 100-yard efforts ... 1995: Missed most of his freshman campaign with a knee injury ... High School: Two-time Southern Tier Athletic Conference (STAC) all-star ... served as captain as a junior and senior ... a starter on 1994 Division I I I championship team ... three varsity letters as an offensive lineman ... Personal: Major is history with a minor in education ... born 2-4-77 ... parents are Louis and and Sandra Butts ... has one brother, Chris.
77
Matt Caliandro
DE, 6-5, 240, Jr.
Valley Stream South H.S.
Valley Stream, N.Y.
Albany: Chosen to 1997 College Football Preview Division II Preseason All-America Team ... candidate for GTE Academic All-America recognition ... CFP national scholar-athlete ... two varsity letters ... 1996: First-team Division II non-scholarship All-American by Football Gazette ... ECAC Intercollegiate Football ConferenceAll-Star... fifth on team with 71 tackles, including 3.5 for losses ... added two fumble recoveries, one fumble caused, one interception, four pass deflections and 3.5 sacks ... ECAC-IFC Co-Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 20, when he made eight tackles and had 2.5 sacks at Stony Brook ... end zone sack with 29 seconds left resulted in fumble recovery for touchdown in a 19-12 victory ... ECAC Honor Roll on Sept. 29 With 10 tackles and his first career interception at Rensselaer ... career-high 13 tackles vs. College of New Jersey with one sack and a blocked PAT attempt ... 1995: ...appeared in nine games as a freshman...made six tackles and had one pass deflection ... played on special teams ... High School: First-team all Conference IV as a defensive end and offensive tackle ... chosen second-team all-Nassau County ... Defensive MVP of county all-star game ... football and track & field captain ... selected all-county in shot put and as member of 400-meter relay team ... also competed in 100-meter dash ... Personal: Major is accounting with a double minor in business administration and economics ... born 3-26-77 ... parents are Robert and Diane Caliandro ... member of grounds crew for New York Giants football summer training camp.
Caliandro's Career Statistics
YEAR UT AT TT SACKS CF RF TFL INT PBU 1995 2 4 6 0.0 0 0 0 0 1 1996 27 44 71 3.5 1 2 3.5 1 4 Total 29 48 77 3.5 1 2 3.5 1 5
3
Fred Daughtry
FS, 6-2, 195, Jr.
St. Francis Prep
Flushing, N.Y.
Albany: Missed the entire 1996 season, but returned for spring practice ... member of Albany secondary in 17 career games ... punishing hitter with size and strength ... two varsity letters ... 1995: Missed the second and third games of the season with a dislocated finger ... career-high eight tackles in his only start against Dayton ... played in eight contests and recorded 19 tackles ... 1994: Appeared in nine games as a freshman ... tied an Albany single-game record with three interceptions and had six tackles in his first start as a collegian vs. Norwich ... named to the ECAC Division III Honor Roll for his performance ... 24 tackles (15 solo) and had one QB sack ... top special teams player against Union, and twice was the defensive back of the week ... High School: All-league defensive back/split end as a senior ... team MVP ... four varsity letters ... also competed in track & field ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 1-7-76 ... mother is Mrs. Constance Daughtry ... has two sisters, Kelly and Dawn.
Daughtry's Career StatisticsYEAR UT AT TT SACKS CF RF TFL INT PBU 1994 15 9 24 1.0 0 0 0 3 0 1995 8 11 19 0.0 0 1 0 0 1 1996 Did Not Play Total 23 20 43 1.0 0 1 0 3 1
15
Michael Ettz
SE, 5-10, 155, Jr.
Lodi H.S.
Lodi, N.J.
Albany: Worked into the wide receiver rotation after not appearing in any varsity action as a freshman ... received program's most improved award ... one varsity letter ... 1996: Appeared in all 10 games ... second on team in receptions with 21 and third in receiving yardage (223) ... caught five passes for a career-high 103 yards against Union ... career-best seven receptions for 54 yards vs. College of New Jersey ... three catches for 41 yards vs. Gannon ... High School: Second-team all-state receiver as a senior, when he made 30 catches for 690 yards and nine touchdowns ... earned third-team honors as a junior ... caught 75 passes for 1,491 yards during his four-year career ... twice selected all-Bergen County and first-team Bergen-Passaic Scholastic League (BPSL) ... four varsity letters ... had 12 career interceptions as a defensive back ... Personal: Major is accounting ... born 8-16-77 ... parents are John and Ellen Ettz ... has three sisters, Shellie, Ellie and Kellie.
Ettz's Career StatisticsYEAR REC YDS AVG TD LG 1996 21 223 10.6 0 36
91
William Fields
DE, 6-2, 225, So.
Bay Shore H.S.
Bay Shore, N.Y.
Albany: Expected to compete for significant playing time on Albany's defensive line ... did not play last season to concentrate on his academic studies ... High School: First-team All-Division as a senior ... played defensive end and tight end for head coach Hawkins Cox ... also earned all-league recognition in the shot put as a member of the track & field team ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 5-3-77 ... parents are William E. and Jessie Fields ... has one brother, Samuel and three sisters, Lisa, Myra and Sherran.
63
Oji Fagan
C, 6-0, 240, So.
Lafayette H.S.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Albany: Earned playing time as a center on the offensive line as a freshman ... may also play at right guard ... appeared in all four junior varsity contests ... one varsity letter ... High School: All-Brooklyn selection as a senior... served as team captain ... the Redmen were 18-7 over his final three scholastic seasons ... Personal: Major is undecided ... born 3-31-77 ... mother is Mrs. Velma Fagan ... has one brother, Stefan.
28
Dennis Gleit
FB, 5-9, 225, Jr.
Great Neck South H.S.
Rosivn. N.Y.
Albany: Received his first varsity letter after transferring from C.W. Post ... played in eight games at fullback and special teams ... rushed eight times for 39 yards ... scored on a 12-yard run vs. King's, Pa.... ran for 119 yards on 16 carries in a junior varsity game vs. Rensselaer ... also rushed for 60 yards against Dean Junior College on 13 attempts ... High School: All-Conference II selection, and played in the Nassau County all-star game ... three varsity letters ... two-time all-conference choice in wrestling and earned team MVP honors in lacrosse ... team captain in football and lacrosse ... Personal: Major is undecided ... born 5-1-77 ... parents are Edwin and Linda Gleit ...has one brother, Jeff.
32
Greg Garrett
TB, 5-7, 185, So.
Whitesboro H.S.
Whitesboro, N.Y.
Albany: Established single-season and single-game freshman rushing records in his first year with the Albany program ... combines speed and balance with good vision ... attended Milford Academy in Connecticut in 1995 ... played tailback and cornerback ... 1996: Set freshman rushing record with 696 yards on 181 carries ... Ed Lemon held the previous standard with 546 yards in 1990 ... led Great Danes in scoring with 48 points, and had eight rushing touchdowns ... also caught 11 passes for 96 yards ... second on team with 845 all-purpose yards ... a starter in nine of 10 games played ... rushed for 150 yards at St. Lawrence to eclipse the freshman single-game record ... named to ECAC Honor Roll on Sept. 22 ... fifth Albany running back to record back-to-back 100-yard efforts in the 1990s ... ran for 125 yards and two TDs vs. Mercyhurst ... rushed 19 times for 82 yards in his first start as a collegian against Central Connecticut State ... his 66-yard TD scamper at King's Pa. was the longest run by a UA player last season ... High School: Section III, Class A all-star at Whitesboro High in Central New York ... two-time all-section choice as both a running back and safety ... rushed for 1,500 career yards as a slotback in a Wing-T formation ... team won sectional championship in 1992 ... reached final in '93 and semifinals in '94 ... named to all-Tri-Valley League in baseball on three occasions as a third baseman ... member of ice hockey team ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 1-20-77 ... parents are Raymond and Susan Garrett... has one brother, John.
Garrett's Career Statistics (Rushing and Receiving)
YEAR TC YDS AVG TD LG 1996 181 696 3.8 8 66 YEAR REC YDS AVG TD LG 1996 11 96 8.7 0 45
6
Dan Gmelin
SE, 5-11,185, Sr.
Fox Lane H.S.
Bedford Hills, N.Y.
Albany: Named first-team Football Gazette Division II non-scholarship All-America as a punt retumer, and was honorable mention as a wide receiver ... third in receptions (79) and fifth in receiving yardage (1,173) on the school's career charts ... made 20 consecutive starts ... three varsity letters ...1996: Registered third highest single-season totals in UA annals with 46 receptions for 720 yards ... three TD catches ... ranked fourth nationally among Division II leaders in punt returns with a 15.3 average ... posted sixth highest Albany season total with 1,032 all-purpose yards ... accounted for 220 all-purpose yards vs. King's, Pa., and recorded the fourth longest punt return in school history with a 65-yard TD ... had second best day by a UA receiver with 11 catches for 181 yards at Pace ... nine receptions for 130 yards vs. Gannon ... caught three passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns against Central Connecticut ... chosen to ECAC Honor Roll twice ... 1995: Received most improved award ... team-leader in receptions with 32 ... second on team in receiving yardage (444) and touchdowns (4) ... caught two touchdown passes of 29 and 27 yards vs. King's, Pa.... five receptions for 80 yards at Trenton State ... hauled in a 42-yard pass-and-run TD, and completed a 19-yard scoring pass to flanker Bob Thorne at C.W. Post ... 1994: Appeared in all 10 games as a freshman at flanker and on special teams ... caught one pass for nine yards against St. Lawrence ... High School: Selected all-league, all-section, and honorable mention all-Westchester County as a senior...25 receptions for 425 yards and three touchdowns ... also played defensive back and made 12 PATs and four field goals as a place-kicker ... member of 1993 league championship teams in wrestling and baseball ... Personal: Major is economics with a minor in business administration ... born 1-18-76 ... parents are James and Michael Gmelin ... has one brother, Pat.
Gmelin's Career StatisticsYEAR REC YDS AVG TD LG 1994 1 9 9.0 0 9 1995 32 444 13.9 4 42 1996 46 720 15.7 3 73 Career 79 1,173 14.8 7 73
7
Mike Grever
LB, 5-11, 200, Jr.
Cold Spring Harbor H.S.
Syosset, N.Y.
Albany: Made move from fullback to inside linebacker during spring practice ... will bolster unit with the loss of two starters to graduation ... one varsity letter ... transfer from Susquehanna (Pa.) University ...1996: Appeared in all 10 games and made two starts at fullback ... rushed 33 times for 145 yards ... averaged 4.4 yards per attempt ... five receptions for 52 yards ... caught a 16-yard scoring pass in a 40-29 victory over Gannon ... also had seven carries for 31 yards on the ground ... rushed for 26 yards and made two catches for 14 yards in his first collegiate start at Pace ... High School: All-Nassau County and all-Conference IV as a running back and linebacker ... rushed for nearly 2,600 career yards and 28 touchdowns ... two-time team captain ... Personal: Major is undecided ... born 5-28-77 ... parents are John and Nancy Grever ... has two sisters, Pam and Christine.
34
A'Rehema Leach
LB, 5-10, 200, Jr.
Yorktown Heights H.S.
Yorktown, N.Y.
Albany: Could become one of the top linebackers in Great Dane history ... started 16 of 20 games played the last two seasons ... injured his left knee in spring drills ... expected to be 100 percent for fall camp ...89 career tackles ... two varsity letters ...1996: One of the leading tacklers returning from last year's team with 67 (21 solo) ... added four tackles for a loss, one fumble recovery and one sack ... career-high nine tackles against Central Connecticut, Rensselaer and Pace ... seven hits vs. Mercyhurst and King's, Pa.... 1995: Played in all 10 games and made six starts as a freshman ... recorded 22 tackles (12 solo) ... made his first start against Union, and had five tackles and one pass break-up ... season-high six tackles, including four solos, against Southern Connecticut State ... High School: First-team all-state selection as a senior ... registered 12 quarterback sacks as a defensive end, and rushed for 914 yards as a fullback... also earned all-Westchester County, all-Section I and all-league recognition ... the 1994 Yorktown Heights team finished with a perfect 12-0 record, while the '93 team was 11-1 overall ... most valuable player award ... Personal: Major is communications with a minor in business administration ... born 3-17-77 ... mother is Mrs. LaMaretta Leach ... has one brother, Robert, and one sister, Taraja.
Leach's Career StatisticsYEAR UT AT TT SACKS CF RF TFL INT PBU 1995 12 10 22 0.0 0 0 1 0 1 1996 21 46 67 1.0 1 1 4 1 1 Total 33 56 89 1.0 1 1 5 1 2
4
Peter London
DT, 6-1, 240, Sr.
Beach Channel H.S.
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Albany: Switched from linebacker to defensive tackle as a junior ... one of the top returning tacklers from last year ... 112 career tackles ... has scored two defensive touchdowns ... three varsity letters ... 1996: Tied for sixth on team with 67 tackles (23 solo) ... led Great Danes in fumble recoveries with four, including one for a TD with 29 seconds left in a 19-12 victory at Stony Brook ... added three sacks and six tackles for a loss ... started all 10 games at defensive tackle ... career-high 11 tackles vs. St. Lawrence ... 10 tackles and one fumble recovery vs. Union and nine hits at Rensselaer ... eight stops and two fumble recoveries at Stony Brook ...1995: Played in nine games and made three starts ... registered 30 tackles (15 solo), including six for a loss ... added 1.5 sacks ... returned an interception 37 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter at Central Connecticut ... career-high seven tackles vs. Dayton ... 1994: Appeared in eight games on special teams ... made 15 tackles (10 solo), caused one fumble, and had one tackle for a loss ... High School: First-team all-Queens and all-city (B Division) as a fullback and linebacker ... 1993 team MVP ... rushed for 400 yards and seven touchdowns to go with 92 tackles as a senior ... career totals include 152 tackles and 13 quarterback sacks ... two-time team captain ... earned two letters as a first baseman and pitcher on baseball team ... Personal: Major is sociology ... minor in communication ... born 10-28-76 ... parents are Joseph and Linda London ... has two brothers, Andrew and Devon, and two sisters, Chivon and Fiona.
London's Career Statistics
YEAR UT AT TT SACKS CF RF TFL INT PBU 1994 10 5 15 0.0 1 0 1.0 0 0 1995 15 15 30 1.5 0 0 6.0 1 1 1996 23 44 67 3.0 0 4 3.5 0 0 Total 48 64 112 4.5 1 4 10.5 1 1
39
James Miner
FB, 5-10, 185, Jr.
Aquinas Institute
Rochester, N.Y.
Albany: Positioned behind Greg Garrett at tailback as a sophomore ... appeared in nine contests ... Rushed 16 times for 37 yards ... one reception for nine yards ... also played on special teams, where he made five tackles ... made four appearances as a freshman, and caught a 10-yard TD pass vs. Southern Connecticut State ... High School: Ran for 2,050 yards his final two scholastic seasons ... senior captain ... second-team All-Greater Rochester and City Catholic all-star on two occasions as a tailback and linebacker ... team MVP twice ... three letters in baseball ... Personal: Major is undecided ... born 12-15-76... parents are Ronald and Virginia Miner ... has two brothers, Andy and Ronnie.
2
Michael Oliva
QB, 5-10,180, So.
Iona Prep
Elmsford, N.Y.
Albany: A valuable special teams performer during his freshman campaign ... led the Danes in kickoff returns with 16 for 335 yards and a 20.9 average ... also returned six punts for 30 yards ... appeared in nine games ... saw time on offense as a flanker ... made nine tackles and was credited with a safety vs. Pace ... High School: First-team all-Catholic High Schools Football League ... honorable mention Gannett Suburban Newspapers all-star team ... won 17 of 21 games as starting quarterback ... Gaels won two Division AA championships ... accounted for 1,303 yards in total offense and 12 touchdowns as a senior ... passed for 1,500 career yards and 14 TDs ... senior captain ... first-team all-CHSAA and member of all-Westchester County team in baseball as a shortstop ... Personal: Major in education ... born 6-4-78 ... parents are Attilio and Joann Oliva ...has two sisters, Crissy and Marisa ... a starter in 31 of 33 games played as an outfielder on Albany baseball team .. had a .350 batting average with 24 runs scored and 24 RBIs ... led UA squad in total hits (42), doubles (11), total bases (56) and stolen bases (14) ... New England Collegiate Conference Rookie of the Week (April 28), when he batted .432 and drove in 11 runs in a nine-game stretch.
37
Eric Pechenko
ROV, 6-2, 200, Jr.
Bethpage H.S.
Bethpage, N.Y.
Albany: Appeared in nine games ... played primarily on special teams ... made four tackles ... moved from cornerback to roverback in the spring of 1995 ... battling with Greg Green for starter's role ... played in six games as a freshman ... two varsity letters ... High School: Chosen second-team all-state as a senior, when he made 53 tackles and intercepted three passes ... named to all-Nassau County and all-Conference III teams ... Conference championship game Defensive MVP award ... New York Daily News Long Island All-Star ... caught five touchdown passes as a wide receiver ... Golden Eagles won two Long Island championships during his career... Personal: Major is social studies with a minor in education ... born 7-6-77 ... parents are Michael and JoAnn Pechenko ... has one sister, Janine.
22
Mark Pnini
DT, 6-0, 235, Jr.
Great Neck North H.S.
Great Neck, N.Y.
Albany: Appeared in seven games as both a defensive tackle and end ... made five tackles (3 solo) ... may work at all four defensive line positions ... played in four games as a freshman before a fractured ankle ended his season in October ... made two solo tackles ... two varsity letters ... High School: As a senior defensive end for the Blazers, he recorded 90 tackles, two quarterback sacks and caused four fumbles ... also rushed for 200 yards as a fullback ... starting forward on basketball team for two seasons ... Personal: Major is history ... minor in education ... born 12-24-76... parents are Izy and Elaine Pnini ... has one brother, Matthew.
43
Damien Rodulfo
FS, 5-10, 180, So.
Onteoro Central H.S.
Shokan, N.Y.
Albany: Played in seven games as a freshman ... made two tackles on special teams ... expected to see more action in the secondary ... one varsity letter ... High School: Honorable mention all-area by Daily Freeman ... team MVP award as a senior ... positioned at safety and linebacker ... also attended St. Peter Prep School ... Personal: Major is biology ... born 8-7-78 ... parents are Chrissandy and Laura Rodulfo ... has two brothers, Nicholas and Jaaron.
21
Deron Regev
PK, 5-7, 180, Jr.
Brighton H.S.
Rochester, N.Y.
Albany: Solid sophomore season as the team's regular place kicker ... expected to handle all point-after attempts and field goals within 40 yards ... made 31 of 35 career PATs ... two varsity letters ... 1996: Made 17 of 20 PATs and 4 of 7 field goals ... career-best 39-yard field goal against Gannon, and converted all five PAT attempts-... connected on both field goal tries from 37 and 35 yards vs. College of New Jersey ... 1995: Shared place-kicking duties as a freshman ... played in five contests ... converted 14 of 15 point-after attempts ... made 2 of 5 field goals ... booted a season-long 27-yard field goal and made all five PAT tries in a 38-20 victory over Pace... High School: First team all-Monroe County as a senior captain ... honorable mention all-Greater Rochester ... rushed for 580 yards and eight touchdowns as a fullback ... positioned at tailback the three previous seasons ... scored 75 points ... accounted for more than 2,000 rushing yards and 15 TDs during his career ...1994 team MVP ... two varsity letters as a lacrosse defenseman ... Personal: Major is undecided ... born 3-31-77 in Israel ... parents are Michael and Dalia Regev ... has one sister, Dana.
Regev's Career StatisticsYEAR FG PAT PTS LG 1995 2-5 14-15 20 27 1996 4-7 17-20 29 39 Career 6-12 31-35 49 39
11
Joe Savino
QB, 5-9,182, Sr.
Northern Valley Regional H.S.
Norwood, N.J.
Albany: Selected as a 1996 ECAC Intercollegiate Football Conference Division II All-Star ... a starter in 29 of 30 games played as a collegian ... owns or shares 14 Albany records ... school's all-time leader in passing yards (4,638), touchdown passes (34), completions (343) and attempts (690) ... ranks second in career total offense and needs 490 yards to break Patrick Ryder's standard ... responsible for 10 of the 12 200 yard passing games in UA history ... threw three or more TD passes in five games ... three varsity letters ... named as a College Football Preview National Scholar-Athlete ... 1996: Received program's top offensive back award ... second highest single-season mark for total offense with 1,688 yards ... completed 114 of 224 passes for 1,494 yards, 11 TDs and seven interceptions ... rushed for career-best 194 yards ... recorded best day in an Albany uniform with 298 total yards vs. Gannon, and connected on 18 of 23 passes for 266 and three TDs ... completed 23 of 39 passes for 286 yards (second highest total in UA history) at Pace ... rushed for a career-high 89 yards at King's, Pa., and passed for 176 more and three scores by hitting on 14 of 16 attempts ... ECAC Honor Roll (Oct. 27, Nov.17) ...1995: Named to ECAC weekly honor roll three times ... started nine of 10 games despite a troublesome shoulder injury ... set UA single-season records for most passes completed (115) and attempted (244) ... threw for 1,402 yards and 11 touchdowns ... rushed for four TDs ... completed a school-record 24 passes (39 attempts) for 257 yards and three scores vs. Stony Brook ... also passed for 229 and 211 yards, respectively, against Southern Connecticut State and Pace ...1994: ECAC Division III Upstate New York Rookie of the Year ... top-rated quarterback in region with a 130.6 efficiency rating ... first Albany freshman to start at QB since 1990 ... ECAC Rookie of the Week three times ... established single-season records for total offense (1,801 yards) and passing yardage (1,742) ... nine of his 12 TD passes were 30 yards or longer, and included a 70-yard strike at St. Lawrence ... also ran for four touchdowns ... passed for 200 or more yards in five contests ... completed 10 of 17 attempts for a career-high 272 yards at St. Lawrence ... passed for 217 yards and ran for 52 more at William Paterson on his 19th birthday ... single game marks for completions (20) and attempts (40) at Brockport ... tied a school record with four TD passes at Norwich ... guided the Albany offense to season records for most yards gained (3,896) and most passing yards (1,862) ... High School: Honorable mention all-Bergen County ... second-team all-NBIL Division I League ... offensive MVP as a senior captain ... Personal: Major is accounting ... minor in business administration ... born 11 -11 -75... parents are Onofrio and Mary Savino ... has one brother, Nick ... worked on grounds crew to prepare facilities for the New York Giants' pre-season training camp in 1996 ... treasurer, Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity ... Purple and Gold member ... works with Push America, with the disabled and physically and mentally challenged.
Savino's Career Statistics (Passing and Rushing)YEAR PA PC INT PCT YDS TD LG 1994 222 114 5 .514 1,742 12 70 1995 244 115 14 .471 1,402 11 48 1996 224 114 7 .509 1,494 11 73 Career 690 343 26 .497 4,638 34 73 YEAR TC YDS AVG TD LG 1994 111 59 0.5 4 16 1995 82 17 0.2 4 18 1996 90 194 2.2 0 30 Total 283 270 0.9 8 30 Savino's Top Offensive Outings Yards Pass Rush Opponent 1. 298 266 32 Gannon (9-26-96) 2. 280 286 -6 Pace (11-2-96) 3. 269 217 52 William Paterson (11-11-94) 4. 265 176 89 King's, Pa. (11-16-96) 5. 258 214 44 Norwich (10-22-94) 6. 248 272 -24 St. Lawrence (9-17-94)
23
Tommy Starr
P. 6-0, 170, Sr.
Tappan Zee H.S.
Blauvelt. N.Y.
Albany: Became team's starting punter last season ... served as program's No. 2 quarterback as a sophomore and freshman ... recruited out of high school as a punter ... two varsity letters ...1996: Played in nine contests ... punted 54 times for a 31.1 average ... booted a 70-yarder in the first quarter at St. Lawrence, the third longest kick in school annals ... special teams player of the week twice ... averaged 31.3 yards per punt in eight attempts during a driving rainstorm at Stony Brook ...1995: Appeared in six games ... completed 16 of 20 passes for 156 yards ... threw his first collegiate TD pass, a 51 -yarder, against King's, Pa.... rushed 10 times for 15 yards ... punted twice for a 46.0 average ...1994: Played in three games as a freshman ... completed all seven of his passes for 72 yards ... High School: Chosen all-Rockland County and all-League 1 B in football ... averaged 42.5 yards per punt ... all-league second baseman in baseball ... Personal: Major is sociology with a minior in psychology ... born 5-21-76 ... parents are Thomas and Helen Starr... has one sister, Denise.
84
Seth Thomas
TE, 6-4, 260, Sr.
Canadaigua Academy
Canadaigua, N.Y.
Albany: Selected to 1996 ECAC Intercollegiate Football Conference All-Star Team ... played in 29 career games ... three varsity letters ... candidate for GTE Academic All-America honors ... ranks eighth on the school's career receptions list with 55...551 receiving yards and seven touchdowns ...1996: Tied a school record with three TD receptions (5, 20 and 21 yards) at King's, Pa., and had four catches for career-high 60 yards ... caught 19 passes for 216 yards and six touchdowns on the season ... grabbed a 25-yard scoring pass at Stony Brook; the longest catch of his career ... two kickoff returns for 15 yards ... 1995: Caught 29 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown in his first year as a starter ... season-highs in receptions (5) and receiving yards (49) vs. Southern Connecticut State ... also grabbed five passes, including an 11-yard scoring toss, against C.W. Post ... three or more receptions in seven contests ...1994: Played in all 10 games as a freshman ... seven receptions for 101 yards ... four catches for 57 yards at Brockport ... season-long 22-yard reception vs. Ithaca ... recovered one fumble on special teams ... High School: Earned one varsity letter as a tight end and defensive end ... all-Ontario County wrestler ... state place-winner as a heavyweight ... team MVP ... Personal: Major is economics with a minor in business administration ... born 7-25-75 ... parents are Earl and Olivia Thomas ... has one sister, Allison and one brother, Noel ... transfer from Flagler College in Florida ... member, Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity and Don't Walk Alone program ... worked at New York Giants summer training camp.
Thomas' Career StatisticsYEAR Rec YDS AVG TD LG 1994 7 101 14.4 0 22 1995 29 234 8.1 1 20 1996 19 216 11.4 6 25 Career 55 551 10.0 7 25
41
Ike Tomaszewski
LB, 6-0, 205, Jr.
Whitesboro H.S.
Whitesboro, N.Y.
Albany: Candidate for starting inside linebacker position ... played in all 10 games as a sophomore ... earned his first varsity letter playing on special teams ... made 11 tackles and recovered one fumble ... season-high three hits vs. College of New Jersey ... High School: First-team all-conference line backer ... senior captain ... played on 1992 Class A, Section lil championship team ... Warriors also reached playoffs in 1992 and 1994 ... also saw time at fullback ... two varsity letters ... Personal: Major is undecided ... born 2-18-77 in Poland ... parents are Kaz and Irene Tomaszewski ... has one brother, John, and one sister, Kathy.
52
Ryan Tumbry
LB, 6-0, 220, Jr.
Oswego H.S.
Osweno, N.Y.
Albany: Appeared in three games on the kickoff cover and kickoff return units ... made three tackles on special teams ... worked his way into a competition for the starting inside linebacker position ... made solid impression during spring practice ... one varsity letter ... transfer from SUNY-Oswego, where he played on the 1996 ECAC Division III lacrosse championship team ... High School: First-team all-league as an offensive guard on two occasions ... all-league linebacker as a senior, and earned second-team honors as a junior ... senior captain ... team MVP ... two-time all-league choice in lacrosse ... Personal: Major is undecided ... born 7-14-77 ... parents are Ronald and Karen Tumbry ... has one brother, Ron, and one sister, Kim.
8
Shawn West
CB,5-10, 190, Jr.
Bridgton Academy (ME)
Southampton, N.Y.
Albany: Top returning tackler in the Great Dane secondary ... he and Troy Rhett were the regulars at cornerback last season ...50 career tackles ... two varsity letters ...1996: Started eight of nine games played ... made 39 tackles (15 solo) ... tied for second on team in pass break-ups (8) ... career-high eight tackles and two pass deflections vs. Gannon ... also had eight hits against Union ... five tackles, three pass break-ups and his first career interception at St. Lawrence ...1995: Appeared in four games at cornerback ...11 tackles (7 solo) ... season-high four tackles vs. Pace ... High School: Selected all-Suffolk County and all-division as a cornerback and wing back at Southampton High in New York ... Mariners won the 1993 Division IV county championship ... member of two Long Island Class C title teams in basketball ... all-county choice in track and field ... divisional long jump champion ... Personal: Major is education ... born 8-17-76... mother is Mrs. Pamela West ... has one brother, Edward, and one sister, Tunica ... attended Bridgton Academy in Maine during the 1994-95 academic year ... participated in football and lacrosse.
West's Career StatisticsYEAR UT AT TT SACKS CF RF TFL INT PBU 1995 7 4 11 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 1996 15 24 39 0.0 0 0 0 1 8 Total 22 28 50 0.0 0 0 0 1 8
16
Eric Williams
QB, 6-2, 210, Jr.
Penfield Central H.S.
Penfield, N.Y.
Albany: Served as the back-up quarterback behind Joe Savino last season ... appeared in seven games ... special teams member on punt cover unit ... Albany's largest QB since Patrick Ryder in the late 1980s ... one varsity letter ...1996: Completed nine of 13 passes for 109 yards and one touchdown ... rushed twice for nine yards ... threw a 25-yard scoring pass to Bob Thorne in fourth quarter vs. College of New Jersey ... hit on 4 of-6 attempts for 54 yards against Union ... 1995: A starter in his only appearance as a freshman at Union ... injured in second quarter and missed remainder of season with a metacarpal fracture at the base of his thumb ... completed 3 of 11 passes for 63 yards and one interception ... rushed five times for 24 yards ... High School: Passed for 1,700 career yards and 13 touchdowns ... two-time second-team all-league quarterback ... first-team all-league punter in 1994 ... threw for 700 yards and five TDs as a senior captain ... four varsity letters in baseball as a catcher ... Personal: Major is criminal justice ... born 6-11-77... parents are Bernie and Sally Williams ... has two sisters, Alison and Tiffany.
Williams' Career Statistics (Passing and Rushing)YEAR PA PC INT PCT YDS TD LG 1995 11 3 1 .273 63 0 37 1996 13 9 0 .692 109 1 29 Career 24 12 1 .500 172 1 37 YEAR TC YDS AVG TD LG 1995 5 24 4.8 0 22 1996 2 9 4.5 0 6 Total 7 33 4.7 0 22
57
Chris Wilgosz
DT, 6-0, 250, So.
Walt Whitman H.S.
Wading River, N.Y.
Albany: Competing for a spot in the defensive tackle rotation during fall camp ... appeared in eight games last season ... credited with five tackles ... member of special teams on PAT and field goal units at right guard ... sat out the 1995 season ... one varsity letter ... High School: All-Suffolk County and all Division II League as both an offensive and defensive tackle ... also played nose guard ...82 tackles and six quarterback sacks as a senior ... 140 career tackles ... team captain ... first baseman on baseball team ... Personal: Major is geography ... born 4-16-77 ... parents are Charles and Margaret Wilgosz ... has two sisters, Carrie and Lisa, and one brother, Matt.
20
Robert Anderson
TB, 5-10, 190, Jr.
Yorktown Heights H.S.
Yorktown, N.Y.
Albany: Moved up the depth chart at tailback after spring practice ... saw action in junior varsity games last season ... transferfrom Division l-AA Central Connecticut State University ... High School: All-Westchester County, all-Section I and all-league as a running back and linebacker ... played A'Reheam Leach on Yorktown Height's 12-0 team in 1994, and 11-1 squad in 1993 ... rushed for 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons ... senior captain ... two varsity letters as a midfielder in lacrosse ... played on '92 state championship team ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 12-1-76 ... parents are Robert and Venita Anderson ... has one sister, Angela.
76
Jason Barra
OT, 6-5, 265, So.
North Tonawanda H.S.
North Tonawanda, N.Y.
Albany: In a battle for the starting right tackle position ... appeared in two varsity games, and all four jayvee contests ... saw time in 40-29 victory over Gannon, when the Danes rolled up a season-high 514 total yards ... High School: Second-team all-state selection as an offensive and defensive lineman ... first-team all-Western New York, all-area and all-league ... Lumberjacks won 1995 Division II championship ... all-area and all-league choice in baseball as a first baseman, pitcher and third baseman ... team captured 1994 Class A, Section Vl crown ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 12-30-77 ... parents are Ted and Kathy Barra ... has one sister, Lisa.
12
Luke Byrnes
QB, 6-0, 185, Sr.
St. Anthony's H.S.
Huntington, N.Y.
Albany: Appeared in eight varsity games ... earned his first letter as a member of the punt cover and punt return units on special teams ... played quarterback on UA junior varsity ... connected on 12 of 23 passes for 117 yards and two touch downs in a 29-13 victory over Rensselaer ... also scored on a two-yard run ... High School: All-Catholic High Schools Football League as a junior ... Friars captured 1993 CHSFL championship and posted a 10-1 record ... Senior Bowl honorary captain ... shortstop on baseball squad ... Personal: Major is biology ... born 5-3-76 ... parents are Douglas and Sue Byrnes ... has one sister, Elizabeth.
24
Frank Coluccio
TB, 5-9, 195, Sr.
Bishop Maginn H.S.
Albany, N.Y.
Albany: Suffered knee injury in fall camp last year and missed the entire season ... can play at tailback or fullback ... rushed for 306 yards on 68 carries in 1995 ... averaged 4.5 yards per attempt ... caught 12 passes for 76 yards ... appeared in all 10 games and made three starts ... averaged 14.3 yards per kickoff return ... third on team in all-purpose yards with 568 ... ECAC Division II Rookie of the Week (Sept. 10) ... ran for 100 yards on 13 carries in his first collegiate start at tailback at Central Connecticut State ... also had three receptions for 24 yards ... rushed 13 times for 89 yards vs. Rensselaer ... transfer from Springfield College in Massachusetts ... High School: First-team all-area by the Albany Times-Union and Daily Gazette ... offensive MVP as a senior... student-athlete award ... also lettered in basketball ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 3-6-75... parentsare Frank and MaryAnn Coluccio ... has two sisters, Mona and Angela, and one brother, Tony.
18
Andre Burton
CB, 5-8, 155, So.
Albany H.S.
Albany, N.Y.
Albany: Did not play last season in an effort to concentrate on his academic studies ... participated in spring drills ... expected to see action at right cornerback ... High School: Second-team All-Area selection as a senior, when he rushed for 500 yards and had two interceptions on defense ... Big Ten League All-Star ... Senior Bowl participant ... team captain twice ... also was a quarterback and kick returner ... shortstop in baseball and competed in indoor track ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 11-5-77 ... mother is Mrs. Lois Schloss ... has four brothers and three sisters.
45
Greg Green
ROV, 5-10, 185, So.
Auburn H.S.
Auburn, N.Y.
Albany: Competing for the starting roverback position with All America AnthonyVitti having graduated ... played in three varsity games as a freshman ... recorded two tackles ... also appeared in all four UA junior varsity contests ... scored on a 32-yard interception retum against Rensselaer... High School: Honorable mention all-league as a senior... lettered twice as an outside linebacker ... all-league wrestler ... won four varsity letters from the 145-pound class up through 177 ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 2-24-78 ... parents are Stephen and Deana Green ... has one sister, Stephanie and one brother, Brian.
66
Jared Kostick
OT, 6-1, 270, So.
Nova H.S.
Plantation, Fla.
Albany: Will compete with Jason Barra for the starting job at right tackle on the offensive line ... missed the entire 1996 season when he suffered a knee injury in fall camp ... no varsity appearances as a freshman ... showed he has mental awareness and physical tools during 1996 spring drills ... High School: Third-team all-Broward County as an offensive lineman ... blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers as a senior, including the top runner in county history ... the Titans posted a combined 24-9 record during his three varsity seasons ... received Academic Player of the Year Award ... Personal: Major is communication (pre-med) ... minor in biology ... born 4-14-77 in New Jersey ... parents are Elliot and Grace Kostick ... has one brother, Jeff.
79
Mike McGuinness
OG, 6-1, 245, Jr.
Patchogue-Medford H.S.
Patchogue, N.Y.
Albany: Competing for one of the starting guard positions on the Albany offensive line ... earned his first varsity letter by appearing in two contests ... a starter in all four jayvee games ... High School: All-Conference I selection in football and basketball as a senior ... captained a pair of Raider football teams to a combined 10-3-3 record ... received defensive player of the year award in basketball ... Personal: Major is business administration ... born 1-5-77 ... parents are Peter and Jean McGuinness ... has two sisters, Patti and Kelly, and two brothers, Peter and John.
1
Troy Rhett
CB, 5-10, 150, Jr.
Rondout Valley H.S.
Rosendale, N.Y.
Albany: Became a regular at cornerback when Damin Waring was sidelined with a knee injury ... started seven of eight games played ... made 35 tackles (16 solo) and tied for second on team in pass break-ups with eight ... intercepted two passes, including a 59-yard return for a touchdown vs. Gannon ... the scoring play was the fifth longest interception return in school history ... career-high seven tackles and one interception vs. Union ... made five hits against four other opponents ... one varsity letter ... High School: First-team Middletown Times-Herald Record and Daily Freeman ... all-league wide receiver on two occasions ... 28 receptions and eight touchdowns as a senior ... two-time team captain ... member of basketball and track teams ... Personal: Major is accounting ... born 10-15-77 ... parents are Raymond and Armentta Rhett ... has two brothers, Raymond and Matthew.
87
Mark Sutter
TE, 6-3, 235, So.
Olean H.S.
Olean, N.Y.
Albany: Used as a blocker in a two tight-end alignment, and was a member of PAT and field goal units on special teams as a freshman ... earned first varsity letter ... competed in field events on Albany track team ... second in discus (43.64 meters) at outdoor Collegiate Track Conference championships ... fifth in shot put and eight in 35-pound weight throw at NECC indoor meet ... High School: First-team Western New York Division I All-Star and all-Section Vl squad ... Western New York All Academic Team ... Huskies were a combined 18-1-1 in his final two seasons and won two Class B titles ... 1996 state track champion in discus ... captured two sectional crowns ... National Honor Society student ... Personal: Major is art ... born 2-2-78 ... parents are Michael and Ruth Sutter ... has two brothers, Chris and Steve.
48
Jason Usher
FL/PK, 5-10,180, So.
Guilderland H.S.
Altamont, N.Y.
Albany: Handled kickoffs and long-distance field goals as a freshman ... also worked at the flanker position ... appeared in nine games ... one kickoff return for 18 yards ... made three tackles on special teams ... one varsity letter ... member of UA track and field team ... High School: First-team All-Area place kicker... first-team all-Suburban Council ... fifth-team all-state as a halflback, defensive back and a specialist ... scored 12 touchdowns as a senior ... 47 percent of his kickoffs were touchbacks ... two-time team captain ... state qualifier in high jump with leap of 6-9.25 ... Personal: Dual major in sociology and criminal justice ... parents are Richard and Kathleen Usher ... has four brothers, Richard, Steve, Bill and Chris.
17
Harold Valestin
CB, 6-1, 185, Jr.
St. Francis Prep
New York, N.Y.
Albany: Will see more time in UA secondary this season ... can play cornerback or free safety ... two varsity letters ... played in 15 career games ... competes in both the triple and long jump on Albany track and field team ... 1996: Made nine appearances, including one start ... member of punt return and hands units on special teams ... four tackles, one pass break-up and blocked two kicks ... third in triple jump (46-11.50) at ECAC indoors and second at NECC meet ... second in triple jump and third in long jump at outdoor Collegiate Track Conference championships ... 1995: Appeared in six games as a freshman ... placed third in long jump and fourth in triple jump at CTC outdoors ... fourth in ECAC indoor triple ... High School: All-Queens Borough and all-league as a free safety and wide receiver ... led league in interceptions and return yardage ... member of track and field team ... Personal: Major is education with a minor in biology ... born 9-23-77 ... mother is Mrs. Cerancia Valestin ... has one brother, Marco.
69
Billy Van Jura
OG, 6-0, 240, So.
Hasbrouck Heights H.S.
Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.
Albany: Moved to the No. 1 spot at left guard on the offensive line after spring practice ... appeared in all four junior varsity games as a freshman ... transfer from University of Louisville ... High School: Second-team all-BCSL Olympic League and Shopper News All-Area ... Aviators were 1994 North I, Group I state champions with a 10-1 record ... also captured BCSL Olympic League crown ... heavyweight wrestler on Olympic League and state sectional title team ... Personal: Major is accounting with a minor in business administration ... born 8-13-77 ... parents are Bill and Kathy Van Jura ... has one sister, Veronica, and two brothers, Mike and Chris.