Aug. 3, 2005
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - With the 2005 football season barely a month away, the Patriot League held its annual media day on August 2 at the Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem. At the event, Lehigh senior quarterback Mark Borda (Bethlehem, Pa./Bethlehem Catholic) was named the 2005 Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year. At the same time, a poll of the league's seven head coaches and sports information directors picked the Mountain Hawks to repeat as Patriot League champions.
The 2005 media day served as the kick-off for the upcoming football season - and the beginning of the league's celebration of 20 years of football. Players and coaches from all seven football member schools were on hand to chat with the media about the upcoming season. Included amongst the attendees were Lehigh's four senior captains and fifth year head coach Pete Lembo.
"In accepting this honor, I have to thank my teammates for their dedication and hard work," Borda told the crowd during the luncheon.
Borda captures Preseason Offensive Player of the Year honors after an impressive junior campaign - his first as the starting signal-caller. In 2004, Borda completed over 62% of his passes (205-of-330) and threw for 2,682 yards and 24 touchdowns. His success on the gridiron helped the Mountain Hawks to a 9-3 mark, a share of the Patriot League crown, and an at-large NCAA playoff berth. In the process, Borda earned Offensive Player of the Week recognition on three straight occasions.
Other major awards handed out on Tuesday were the Preseason Defensive Player of the Year (Sean Conover, Bucknell) and the Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year (Dante Ross, Bucknell).
"I think this season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons the Patriot League has seen in quite some time," Borda added.
Lehigh, winners of seven Patriot League football titles - more than any other league member - looks to build upon its winning tradition when the team opens its 2005 camp on Tuesday, August 9. The Mountain Hawks - owners of the best winning percentage in all of Division I-AA over the past seven seasons - will open their season on September 3 when they host Monmouth at Goodman Stadium. For Lehigh football tickets, call (610) 7LU-GAME during regular business hours, or purchase on-line anytime at lehighsports.com.
Patriot League Preseason Poll
Team, (# first place votes), Points
1. LEHIGH, (8), 68
2. Lafayette, (3), 61
3. Colgate, (1), 49
4. Fordham, (2), 41
5. Bucknell, 40
6. Holy Cross, 20
7. Georgetown, 15