Optimism reigns at Mayflower Hill as the 2002 Colby College White Mules prepare to compete for the NESCAC crown this fall. Contributing to the championship expectations of the newest edition of the Mules is the recent success achieved by the program, as Colby won the CBB Championship versus inter-state rivals Bates and Bowdoin for the second consecutive season last year and eleventh of the past fourteen seasons. Furthermore, many players returning were key contributors in the Mules capturing a share of the inaugural NESCAC Championship in the fall of 2000. The importance of senior leadership and returning experience can not be measured, thus with 24 returning seniors and 15 returning starters the Mules once again set their expectations on the NESCAC crown.

The Mules return 7 starters to the "Mule Train" offense that accumulated 384.9 yards of total offense per game, tops in the NESCAC. Team depth and competition for position is a key ingredient to the Colby Football Program, and they have the luxury of entering next season with two proven commodities at quarterback. Patrick Conley '03 and B.L. Lippert '04 both saw starting time and success this past season at the helm of the Colby offense. Conley, a 2000 First-Team All-NESCAC quarterback when he passed for a school record 1996 yards, is a threat to pass the ball and as a scrambler as well, as he rushed for 220 yards and two touchdowns last year while throwing for 1019 yards. Lippert is more of a pocket passer, completing 38-73 passes for 596 yards and 6 touchdowns, good for a 139.54 quarterback rating. One task of whoever plays quarterback next season will be handing the ball off to Aaron Stepka '05. Stepka was named the 2001 NESCAC Offensive Rookie of the Year after he rushed for 497 yards and 6 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Stepka will have the luxury of following the lead blocks of two proven fullbacks. Don Williams '03 started the first three games of the season, carrying the ball as 23 times for 147 yards, a 6.3 yard per carry average. After Williams went down with an injury versus Wesleyan, Chris Duncombe '05 emerged as a dominant blocking fullback, and was an integral factor in the Mules rushing for 173.6 yards per game.

The Mules receivers are key components to the Colby offense, as they are depending on for the big-play potential as receivers, and their blocking is a key factor in the running attack. The Mules will be hard pressed in 2002 to replace the offensive production of Danny Noyes '02. The recently graduated receiver owns all the Colby receiving records and was named All-NESCAC and All New-England for the second consecutive year. The Mules will look to Jason Cunnane '03 to build on his solid 2001 season and emerge as one of the top receivers in the conference next season. Cunnane opened the season with 157 yards receiving and a touchdown versus Williams College last year. Lee Carlson '03, a starter in the Mules secondary, is an explosive option for the Mules offense, as he had 147 yards of offense and two touchdowns last fall. Tom Wilson '05 and Steve Markesich '05 will also be looked to for production from the receiving core. Another viable option in the Mules offense is tight end Ian MacPherson '03. MacPherson established himself as a solid receiving threat with 18 receptions for 204 yards last season, and with his improved blocking throughout the season MacPherson is proven as one of the premier all-around tight ends in the NESCAC.

While there are many capable skilled position players returning, the strength of next yearıs Colby offense could be the offensive line. The toughness of the Colby offensive unit is established in this core of players, as they bring technique and intensity to protect the passer and punish defenders in the run game. The Mules return five players with starting experience. Leading the way will be offensive guard Tony DiSotto '03, who has starting experience from the past two seasons. DiSotto is a fiery veteran who brings solid leadership skills to the offensive side of the ball. Other players who have starting experience the past two seasons are tackle Rob Vail '04 and center Matt Mahoney '03. Mahoney had started all of his sophomore season, but an injury in preseason sidelined Mahoney for the majority of the year, and Jeff Moyer '04 stepped in at center, capably making the line calls and proving himself as a solid contributor for the Mules. Another player who made the most of his opportunity when an injury thrust him into the starting line-up is Jake Seilheimer '03. Seilheimer played the majority of the season at offensive tackle, and his dominant run-blocking only strengthened the Mules rushing attack.

The Mules pride themselves on having an aggressive, attacking, swarming style of defense, which those involved in the program have nicknamed as the "Sea of Blue". With eight starters returning from the nationally ranked unit of last year, the unitıs expectations are high. The Mules had the 25th ranked scoring defense in the country last year, yielding 15 points per game. Colby was also the 25th ranked team in the nation in total defense.

A prominent factor in the Mules positive attitude heading into next yearıs campaign is the standard set in the off-season conditioning program and the leadership displayed early on by 2002 co-captains Mike Moran '03 and Mike DiStefano '03. Both are three year starters for the Mules and were named All-NESCAC following the 2001 season, with Moran making the First Team Defense at middle linebacker while DiStefano made the Second Team Defense at defensive end. Moran had 103 tackles, 2 sacks and 4 tackles for loss on the season while DiStefano had 32 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss and 9 quarterback pressures. Moran and DiStefanoıs leadership sets the standard by their commitment to all aspects of life at Colby, instilling a sense of accountability for all members of the program.

Moran is the man in the middle of one of the strengths of next yearıs team- the linebacking core. Colby's linebackers typify the importance of depth and versatility within the team. Luke Webster '03, a relentless hitter and pursuer led the team in tackles last season with 108 tackles, 6 for loss, and 2 sacks. Two players who split playing time at buck linebacker last season are Jeff Owen '03 and James Bradford '04. Both players are extremely versatile and athletic and have the ability to play all of the linebacking positions. Wayne Harrington '05 adds depth to the linebacker core and will be a key special teams contributor.

DiStefano leads a defensive line unit that will be counted on for run support and applying pressure on the quarterback. Defensive end Peter Sherman '04 has displayed flashes of dominance splitting time his first two season as a starter, and possesses the potential for a breakout season. Sherman had 2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss and 7 quarterback pressures last year. Kevin Smalley '03, Dan Parise '03 and Greg Lynch '04 are the leading returners at the defensive tackle position. Smalley was named to the 2000 All-NESCAC second team, while Parise and Lynch both possess the drive and talent indicative of the type of player Colby prides itself on. The trio combined for 68 tackles, 12 for loss, 4 sacks and 11 quarterback pressures last season.

The Colby secondary has traditionally been composed of athletes with the ability to cover and play the run, and the same is expected of the 2002 edition. Lee Carlson is a key returner to the Colby secondary, as he has been a two-year starter at cornerback, as well as kick returner and wide receiver for the Mules. Carlson, an explosive player capable of making a big play at any moment, led the team with 9 pass break-ups last year as well as having 2 interceptions. Brandon Irwin '04 in his first season as a full time starter last year at cornerback established himself as the complete defensive back- capable of covering man to man and filling against the run. Irwin compiled 51 tackles from the cornerback position. Jeremy Jamieson '04 was the starting free safety for Colby last year, picking off 2 passes and breaking up four others, and also possesses speed and hitting ability. Guito Joseph '03, Alex Burgess '03 and Mike Civitello '05 all saw time in Colbyıs nickel and dime packages last fall, and will be leading candidates to compete for increased time in the fall of 2002.

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