Raiders Picked to Top Patriot League

RFH 2010

Wed, Aug 04, 2010

The Colgate football team has been picked to finish first in the Patriot League this season, in the conference's preseason poll of head coaches and sports information directors. The announcement came at the league's annual football media day at the Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem, PA Tuesday.

Head coach Dick Biddle along with senior quarterback Greg Sullivan and junior running back Nate Eachus represented Colgate at the event.

The Raiders topped the poll with a total of 46 points and six first place votes, while Lafayette placed second with 36 points and two first place votes. Lehigh (35 points, three first place votes) and Holy Cross (34 points, one first place vote) were selected third and fourth in the poll, followed by Bucknell (fifth, 17 points) and Georgetown (six, 12 points).

In addition to the preseason poll, the Patriot League announced its preseason players of the year. Sullivan was named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while senior defensive lineman Mude Ohimor of Holy Cross was chosen as the preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

“It's an honor to be named preseason player of the year in such a prestigious league as the Patriot League,” said Sullivan. “This accolade is a tribute to my teammates because without them this award would not be possible.”

Sullivan, who is 18-4 as a starter, finished last season with 1,952 yards passing and 18 touchdowns. The versatile quarterback also ran for 788 yards and seven scores to help lead the Raiders to nine wins for the second-straight season.

The Raiders open their preseason camp on Monday in preparation of the season opener against Monmouth on Sept. 4. Season tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the Colgate Athletic Ticket Office at (315) 228-7600 or by going online to the Colgate Athletic website at www.gocolgateraiders.com.

Fans can also follow the Raiders quest for their seventh Patriot League title through Colgate Football Central, a new page on the Colgate Athletic website that provides game day information for each game through out the season.

Patriot League Preseason Poll
1. Colgate 46 (6 first-place votes)
2. Lafayette 36 (2)
3. Lehigh 35 (3)
4. Holy Cross 34 (1)
5. Bucknell 17
6. Georgetown 12

Source: Colgate