Morrisville State College football began preparation for the 2013 season over a week ago, under direction of new head coach Curt Fitzpatrick, and since last Tuesday, the team has taken on a new attitude and generated a buzz of excitement that has quickly spread across the campus community.
What’s in store for the Mustangs this fall? According to Fitzpatrick, high expectations have been placed on the team, not in terms of wins and losses, but in putting in a great effort to get better each and every week. “If we keep that as our main goal,” he said, “we will reach our potential, and be the best team that we can be.”
“I expect our senior class to provide great leadership based upon their experience,” Fitzpatrick continued. He pointed out that seniors Jeremy Stewart (Moravia, N.Y.), along with preseason All-American selections Nate Ryan (Staten Island, N.Y.) and David Williams (Central Islip, N.Y.) are not only great players, but also have been at the forefront of “leading by example” behind the effort and energy that has been displayed throughout training camp.
He noted that the biggest difference between this season and last: new attitude, more confidence, and a belief in each other. This Fitzpatrick said, will help to “stay focused on the present.”
While there have been many changes for the Mustangs this season, one thing has remained the same throughout camp – consistency.
Fitzpatrick is confident that the Mustangs can reach their full potential, but it will take some hard work behind the scenes on both the coaching staff and players to make that happen.
Twelve starters return from last season to the roster in 2013, including the trio of all-conference performers, Stewart, Ryan and Williams. So far, there have been a few surprises at camp, including Cristian Pena (Ridgewood, N.Y.) who has been moved from the cornerback position last season to the offensive side of the ball this fall, at running back.
Fitzpatrick is looking for offensive production and consistency, and noted that the veteran line and notable key returners will help to anchor the offensive attack this season.
Veterans Ryan, Ryan Mogensen (Westernville, N.Y.), Jedd Burdick (Maine, N.Y.), and Adrian Cabrera (New York, N.Y.) boast an average 6-foot 3-inch, 257 pound front on the offensive line that will be holding protection for a current four-way battle for the command position under center.
Fitzpatrick expects newcomers Greg Puzo (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Sanley Pierre-Louis (Gaithersburg, Md.), and David Thomas (Spring Valley, N.Y.) to be key contributors on the offensive side of the ball this season.
Puzo, an offensive lineman, has a great motor and technique for a freshman, and may see significant time on the line this season.
Pierre-Louis brings great speed and size to the wide receivers unit for the Mustangs. The senior joined the program after a stellar four-year career as a soccer student-athlete at Morrisville State, where he earned North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Player of the Year accolades in 2012.
Thomas, Fitzpatrick noted, has lightning quick speed and great instincts with the ball.
Defensively, Williams will help to provide leadership on the defensive line, while Stewart and senior Travis French (Newark Valley, N.Y.) anchor the secondary unit with junior Freddie Gaetan (Bronx, N.Y.).
Newcomer Caleb Wright (Cortland, N.Y.) is expected to make an impact this season as well. The back is a very long and rangy safety that can play the ball well and tackle even better.
Picked to finish eighth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) coaches poll, the Mustangs aren’t letting that hinder what they want to accomplish for the season. “The NJAC is always tough, one of the toughest leagues in the Northeast in Division III,” Fitzpatrick said. “I suspect Cortland and Rowan to be our toughest two opponents, along with Brockport.”
“Our non-conference schedule pits us against three well established programs in the North,” he said. “Wilkes is always a tough, physical team and will be a tough opener for us.”
When asked what game Coach is most looking forward to this season, he smiled and replied “the first one.”
Morrisville State opens the 2013 campaign on the road at Wilkes on Saturday, Sept. 7. Kick-off is scheduled for noon.