Football out to buck the odds in 2001

Sometimes past performance is the only way to evaluate the future, as the preseason polls in Ivy League football seem to prove. Yale is ranked a surprisingly low fifth in the 2001 Ivy League preseason standings, but Yale players believe those rankings are based on a rather superficial understanding of the squad.

COURTESY SPORTS PUBLICITY Can the new Bulldog squad dispel media doubts with their new versatility and experienced leadership?

In the Ivy League, as in other conferences with little media exposure, reporters must rely heavily on the number of lost and returning starters in determining a team's preseason ranking. While Penn and Harvard, the schools with the most returning starters, are at the top of the polls, Yale's low ranking reflects the loss of several key starters, including two players recently signed to NFL rosters and one player who attended NFL training camp. Yale hopes to prove that its low ranking reflects a lack of media familiarity with incoming talent, and the players know they must physically display this talent to fans and reporters throughout the season. "Players definitely read the preseason polls, and hopefully it will be an incentive to prove the so-called experts wrong," Head Coach Jack Siedlecki pointed out. "We were picked from fifth on down the year we won the title, so I do not put much stock in the polls."

While the media is still trapped in the 2000 football season, Yale's players are focusing on more immediate concerns. The 2001 Bulldogs did not work out all spring and summer just to fill holes left by past players; rather, they seek to create a unique identity through the interaction of senior leadership and younger talent.

Yale's defense is a microcosm of the entire team, combining the speed and power of youth with the wisdom and experience of veterans. According to Captain Tim Penna, BK '02, "We could quite possibly have one of the best safety tandems in the league with Ryan LoProto [SM '02] and Barton Simmons [MC '04]. Barton is an excellent player with great maturity as a sophomore, and Ryan is one of our veteran players and a leader on defense." Returning defensive ends Stuart Satullo, ES '03, the 2000 league leader in sacks; Mark Patterson, DC '03, a speedy, aggressive player; and Derek Goeriz, SY '03, will anchor the front line.

The offensive line returns three third-year starters, providing a strong wall of protection for quarterback Peter Lee, TD '02, and more opportunities for the running backs. Joining these starters on the line will be Matt Lewis, BR '03, and Nick Sinatra, BK '03, who are ready to prove themselves after spending most of their careers on the sidelines.

Despite losing many starting skill position players, this year's offense is ready to meet the challenge with versatile players and new play options. "Last year, if I were a defensive coordinator, I think it would be pretty easy to prepare for our offense, because we would either hand the ball to Rashad [Bartholemew, MC '01] or throw the ball to EJ [Eric Johnson, JE '01]. Whereas this year I think the tailbacks can do more in terms of running and catching the ball," returning quarterback Lee notes. "And receiver-wise, we're going to have four guys, any of which I feel really confident going to. It won't be one guy getting 80 percent of the passes." There are no returning starters in the offensive backfield, but Jay Schulze, SM '03, and Pat Bydume, MC '04, will be sharing time at the tailback position, while Jim Keppel, SY '02, will start at fullback after returning from injury.

In the offseason, experienced receivers Billy Brown, CC '02, and Keith Reams, MC '02, worked hard to prepare themselves to be part of a smooth offensive attack. In addition to these two players, PJ Collins, BR '04, and Ron Benigno, SM '04, will add a new speed dimension to the offense. However, it remains to be seen if more offensive options point to a more balanced team or the lack of a breakout player.

There is new talent, but some questions do remain, including certain starting positions that have not been completely decided. The kickers are mostly freshmen who have not had much experience and the Sat., Sep. 1 scrimmage against Union did not provide many opportunities for special teams. Reams noted, "I would say that our special teams have not had enough live situations, so there may still be some questions about what will happen in games." Another big question remains for each player: can he move past his supporting role and emerge as a leader on the field?

Many Yale fans may worry about securing a fourth-straight victory over Harvard, but the team is concentrating on every single game. "The Ivy League is really characterized by the parity of skill among the teams, and there is no real time when you can go into a game where there is an odds-on clear favorite," Penna said. "Most games are competitive and that's why it's a fun league to play in and to go observe." While the media may use the past to forecast this season, the 2001 Yale team is moving forward with the belief that the best way to predict the future is to shape it.

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