Nov. 26, 2002

Following an 8-4 season in 2002, ten Mountain Hawks have been selected to the All-Patriot League teams. The awards are voted on by the Patriot League's eight head coaches.

Four Mountain Hawks were named to the All-Patriot League First Team, including senior center Jeff Santacroce, junior linebacker Mike Gregorek, junior defensive back Tom McGeoy, and senior corner back Ken Pitter. Six Lehigh players were recognized with second team honors.

Senior offensive linemen John Bryner and John Timko, along with junior running back Jermaine Pugh were recognized for their play on offense. The Lehigh defense is represented on the second team squad by junior linebacker Mike Taggart, and junior Lawrence Williams and senior Matt Salvaterra out of the secondary.

Santacroce, one of three offensive linemen to be honored, earns first team accolades for the second straight year. Along with John Bryner and John Timko, Santacroce helped create gaping holes for the Lehigh ground game, anchored by Jermaine Pugh. Pugh finished second in the Patriot League and ranks tenth nationally, carrying the ball for an average of 111.6 yards per game.

The Lehigh defense was tops in the Patriot League against the pass, allowing only 158.6 yards per game through the air. Mike Taggart, Tom McGeoy, and Lawrence Williams finished one through three on the team in tackles this season. Mike Gregorek led the team with 6.5 sacks in 2002.

Ken Pitter, a first team selection, recorded two interceptions to finish his career with ten, and also returned six punts. Matt Salvaterra earned second team honors for the second consecutive season after recording three picks from the strong safety position. The two-time co-captain was a cornerback prior to this season.

"I am very pleased that the league's coaches have such strong respect for the performance of these individuals over course of the season," said Lehigh head coach Pete Lembo. "Certainly each of these guys are deserving of postseason honors, and the fact that half of these players will be back next season indicates the strong nucleus of talent we have returning."

Fordham junior running back Kirwin Watson ran away with Offensive Player of the Year honors, while his coach, Dave Clawson, was named the Patriot League Coach of the Year. Bucknell's Adam Lord and Colgate's Tem Lekabu shared Defensive Player of the Year honors, and Gideon Akande of Holy Cross was named the Patriot League Rookie of the Year.