WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – Eleven members of Mike Whalen’s 2009 Williams College football team (6-2) have earned All-NESCAC recognition. Seven Ephs were named to the First Team; three to the Second Team and rookie LB Chris Cameron (Walpole) was named the conference’s Rookie of the Year.


                                                                   Chris Cameron 2013                              
                                                               
FIRST TEAM  

Junior running back Ryan Lupo (Princeton Jct., NJ) led the Ephs and NESCAC in rushing this fall with 857 yards and a per game average of 107.1. Lupo had 6 100-yard games on the season and scored 9 TDs to lead Williams in scoring with 54 points. He also caught 10 passes for an additional 96 yards.

“Ryan had a fantastic season and performed at his best in our biggest games of the year (Trinity and Amherst),” noted Whalen. “I know that he will challenge himself more for his senior season.”

Ryan Lupo 2011

Kevin Rose 2011

Junior offensive lineman Kevin Rose (Middletown, NY) picked up his first conference honor with his selection to the First Team. Rose a two-year starter for the Ephs was a major factor up front in getting the Eph offense into high gear. “Kevin is an outstanding athlete and runs extremely well for an offensive linemen,” said Whalen.

Senior wide receiver Nick Caro (Andover) earned his first NESCAC honor this season after successfully recovering from a devastating injury that cut his junior year short. Caro led the Ephs with 15.0 yards per catch (27 catches), 67.7 yards per game and in TD receptions (5). He also tied the single game mark at Williams with three TD catches in the win over Hamilton.

Sophomore defensive lineman Colin Curzi (Hampton, NJ) has proven to be a steady force up front for the Ephs in only his second year. Curzi recorded 22 tackles (14 solo) with 5.0 TFL of 21 yards, two sacks, and two pass break-ups. “Colin had an outstanding season and really gave us a presence in our defensive line,” stated Whalen. “He uses his hands very well and gets off blocks to make plays.”

Nick Caro 2010

Colin Curzi 2012

Senior defensive back Matt Zanedis (Upper Saddle River, NJ) made the most of his opportunity to start this season returning a fumble and an interception for a touchdown this fall. Over eight games, Zanedis had two interceptions, six pass break-ups, a blocked kick, and 30 tackles (23 solo). “Matt had an outstanding season and made a number of big plays for our defense this season,” commented Whalen.

Junior Linebacker Dylan Schultz (Lanesboro) was on the verge of starting last season when an injury in the preseason scrimmage shelved him for the year. Schultz came back this fall and exerted his influence in the middle of the Ephs defense.

Matt Zanedis 2010	Dylan Schultz 2011	Will Cronin 2010

Schultz recorded 61 tackles (37 solo), which included 9.5 tackles for a loss of 29 yards, 3.0 sacks, and a pass break-up. “Dylan was the leader of our front seven on defense,” said Whalen. “He makes all of the calls and has a knack for making the big hit!

First Team Specialist senior punter Will Cronin (Acton) led NESCAC in yards per punt with a 39.3 average, booted a long of 75 yards and placed 10 punts inside the opponents’ 20. Cronin’s 33 punts traveled 1,298 yards. “Will’s 10 punts inside the 20 and his 75-yarder show you that he had a positive impact on every game we played this season,” said Whalen.

The NESCAC Rookie of the Year was the Ephs first year linebacker Chris Cameron (Walpole). Cameron was thrust into the Eph starting lineup in the season opener due to injuries in front of him. He responded in a big way and was second on the team in tackles (46), 33 of which were solo. He also made 8.0 tackles for a loss of 48 yards, 5.5 sacks for a loss of 42 yards, broke up 2 passes and recovered a fumble. “We haven't had many first-years start in my time at Williams,” noted Whalen. “Chris not only started but made a number of big plays both against the run and the pass. He led our team in sacks this year and enabled us to be much more versatile with our defensive fronts.”

SECOND TEAM

Senior center Tim Bishop (New Milford, NJ) was a key contributor up front on the offensive line for the Ephs, especially as the starting center the past two years. “Tim had a very strong senior season,” commented Whalen. “He worked extremely hard both in practice and in the film room to prepare himself for each and every opponent.”

Junior wide receiver Bryce Bennett led the Ephs with 38 catches for 438 yards and 4 TDs. He averaged 12.9 years per catch and 61.1 yards a game. In addition Bennett rushed the ball 17 times for 135 yards and one TD and returned 18 kickoffs for 369 yards. “We needed someone to step up at the receiver position this season and Bryce met that challenge,” commented Whalen. “He led our team in receptions and also averaged almost 8 yards a carry when he carried the ball. Bryce also did an outstanding job as our kickoff returneraveraging over 20 yards a return.”

Junior defensive lineman Dan Canina (Carlisle) made 17 solo tackles and assisted on seven this season He also registered 4.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks, while blocking one kick and breaking up one pass. “After missing the entire season in 2008, Dan came back and had a great season this year,” stated Whalen. “He is a big physical presence on our defensive line and I think he will only get better."

Tim Bishop 2010	Bryce Bennett 2011	Dan Canina 2011