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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Player News - Transfers Announced

As part of the Daily Local News release, incoming transfer players were also announced.

Brendan McLaughlin (Cardinal O'Hara/Connecticut) is a 6-0, 190lb fullback.
- 2010 Honorable Mention All DelCo

Chuck Phelan (West Chester East/Bloomsburg) is a 6-5, 240lb tight end.
- 2010 All-ChesMont National Division

Derek Schatz (Council Rock South/Villanova) is a 6-3, 270lb offensive lineman.
- 2009 Second team PFN All-State
- 2009 First Team All-Suburban One National (defense)
- 2009 Second Team All-Suburban One National (offense)
- 2008 Second Team All Suburban One National

Jamiel Sims (Matawan/Wagner) is a 6-1, 230lb linebacker.
- 2011 In five games at Wagner, including one start, had seven total tackles and one tackle for loss
- 2010 In nine games at Wagner, including six starts, had 24 total tackles and one forced fumble

Chris Smallwood (Upper Moreland/Indiana of PA) is a 5-10, 210lb running back.
- 2009 Second Team All-Suburban One American

Monday, February 27, 2012

Player News - Zach Jones Stays in West Chester

The Daily Local News is reporting that Zach Jones (West Chester Henderson) has verbally committed to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-0, 180lb two-way athlete who will likely line up at defensive back for the Golden Rams was an "others to watch" pick on Rick O'Brien's best area safeties list. In his senior year, on offense he ran for 917 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught seven balls for 211 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, Jones had 28 total tackles, two interceptions, six passes defended and recovered a fumble. Jones was also a key player of the 2010 West Chester Henderson state championship baseball team.

- 2011 All Ches-Mont National Division
- 2010 Honorable Mention All Ches-Mont National Division

Daily Local News - Zack attack

Player News - Kevin Malone Coming to West Chester

The Daily Local News is reporting that Kevin Malone (West Catholic) has signed a letter of intent to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-1, 185lb defensive back was an "others to watch" pick on Rick O'Brien's best area safeties list. The co-captain for the Burrs had 48 total tackles, five interceptions for 119 yards, one fumble recovery and nine passes defended in his senior season. On offense, Malone had a couple of rushes for 16 yards and threw a nine-yard touchdown pass. He registered 26 tackles and seven passes defended for West Catholic's state champion team in 2010.

Malone was named his team's Defensive Teams Player of the Week against Archbishop Wood and Bishop McDevitt in the Burrs' AA Philadelphia Catholic League championship game. West Catholic's season ended with a 23-20 loss in the PIAA AA semi-finals to the eventual state champion.

- 2011 Second Team PFN All-State
- 2011 Second Team AA All-Catholic
- 2011 Honorable Mention Daily News All-Catholic


Player News - Tom Phelan Becomes a Golden Ram

Tom Phelan (West Chester East) has selected to play collegiate football for West Chester University. The 6-2, 270lb offensive lineman was on Rick O'Brien's others to watch list of southeastern PA's best offensive linemen.

- 2010 All Ches-Mont National Division

Player News - Blaise Schieler Coming to West Chester

The Daily Local News is reporting that Blaise Schieler (West Catholic) has committed to play football for the Golden Rams. The 5-10, 180lb defensive back had 63 tackles, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and eight passes defended in his senior year. Schieler was named his team's Special Teams Player of the Week against Archbishop Wood and Bishop McDevitt in the Burrs' AA Philadelphia Catholic League championship game. He had 24 tackles and six passes defended in his junior season when the Burrs won the PIAA AA state championship. An excellent student and member of the Burrs' Honor Roll, Schieler is also an All-City outfielder for the West Catholic baseball team.

- 2011 District 12 Players to Watch list

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Player News - A.J. DePietro Commits to West Chester

The PSAC is reporting that A.J. DePietro (Garnet Valley) has signed a letter of intent to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-2, 190lb wide receiver had his senior year cut short due to a broken collar bone incurred in the first game of the season, but he still managed 11 catches for 220 yards and four touchdowns. The Jaguars went undefeated in the Central League and finished 11-2 in the District 1 AAAA semi-finals.

- 2011 Chesapeake Bowl Participant

Player News - Jaleel Reed becomes a Golden Ram

The PSAC is reporting that Jaleel Reed (West Catholic) has signed a letter of intent to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-2, 195lb all-around athlete for the Burrs was focused on getting the ball into the end zone. In his senior season, Reed was 52-115 for 899 yards and 10 touchdowns, had 106 rushes for 637 yards and 15 touchdowns, seven punt returns for 192 yards and two touchdowns, and three kickoff returns for 85 yards. One of his key scores was a one-yard game-winner with a minute and a half left in the Burrs 30-23 AA city championship game over Bok.

Reed was named his team's Special Teams Player of the Week against Haverford and the Burrs' Offensive Player of the Week against Archbishop Ryan, Lansdale Catholic, Pen Argyl and Lancaster Catholic. West Catholic's season ended with a 23-20 loss in the PIAA AA semi-finals to the eventual state champion.

- 2011 First Team All-Philadelphia Catholic AA Division
- 2011 Honorable Mention Daily News All-City
- 2011 Second Team Daily News All-Catholic

Player News - Shannon Mayer Joins the Golden Rams

The PSAC is reporting that Shannon Mayer (Norristown) has signed a letter of intent to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-1, 195lb athlete was #90 on the most recent Philadelphia Inquirer's Top 150 list and #12 on Rick O'Brien's top returning quarterbacks list. In his senior season, he registered 720 yards and five touchdowns passing and 394 yards and seven touchdowns rushing for the Eagles. In his junior season, Mayer tossed for 1,332 yards and twelve touchdowns against only two inerceptions while adding 228 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. He also threw for 980 yards and eight touchdowns in his sophomore season.

- 2011 Third Team All-Suburban One American
- 2011 EasternPAFootball.com players to watch list
- 2010 Honorable Mention All-Suburban One American
- 2010 Honorable Mention Times Herald All-Area
- 2009 Honorable Mention All-Suburban One American
- 2009 Suburban One American Conference Champions (9-2)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Player News - Andrew Cohen Joins the Golden Rams

The PSAC is reporting that Andrew Cohen (Council Rock South) has signed a letter of intent to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-2, 270lb defensive lineman was #51 on the most recent Philadelphia Inquirer's Top 150 list and #4 on Rick O'Brien's 10 best interior defensive linemen list. As a team captain his senior year, he led the Golden Hawks to an 12-2 record and an appearance in the PIAA District 1 AAAA championship game. He racked up 65 tackles and 3.5 sacks from his defensive line position.

- 2011 First Team All-Suburban One National (offense)
- 2011 First Team All-Suburban One National (defense)
- 2011 Honorable Mention EasternPAFootball.com
- 2011 First Team Philadelphia Inquirer Southeastern Pennsylvania All-Area
- 2011 PFN All-Academic Bronze
- 2011 Honorable Mention Thomas Michael Frederick Award (Southeastern PA defensive lineman of the year)
- 2011 Team Co-MVP

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Coaching News - Douglas Joins the Cyclones

Former West Chester University coach Troy Douglas has been named to the Iowa State Cyclones coaching staff. Douglas' first full-time coaching position was that of defensive backs coach for the Golden Rams from 1989 to 1991 under then head coach Rick Daniels. After West Chester, he has coached at various colleges and was most recently the defensive backs coach for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Douglas will also have responsibility for the defensive backs under head coach Paul Rhoads.

Alumni News - DePalma Reflects on Super Bowl Season

Former Golden Ram wide receiver Dan DePalma takes a minute to reflect on the entire season which culminated in a Super Bowl championship.


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Coaching News - Emanuel Joins Indianapolis Colts

Former West Chester University coach Gary Emanuel has been named to the Indianapolis Colts' coaching staff. Emanuel served as defensive line coach for the Golden Rams in 1985 and 1986 under then head coach Danny Hale. After West Chester, he coached at various colleges and also spent two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Most recently, he was defensive coordinator for the Purdue Boilermakers. Emanuel will have responsibility for the defensive line under new Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.

Indianapolis Colts - Gary Emanuel

Player News - Former Golden Ram Eaton Now a Track Star

Former West Chester defensive back Jarret Eaton is finding national success on the track. Eaton played special teams for the 2007 Golden Rams, primarily as a gunner on kickoffs racking up 16 tackles, but also returning a punt for twelve yards and blocking a kick. After that season, however, he transferred to Syracuse University to run track. With the fastest time in the nation in the 60 meter hurdles, Eaton is poised to become a national champion.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Player News - Malcolm Sweeting Joins the Golden Rams

The Times-Tribune is reporting that Malcolm Sweeting (West Scranton) has committed to play football for the Golden Rams. The 5-11, 170lb two-way star for the Invaders was a force whenever he touched the ball in his high school career. Offensively, he amassed 1,610 yards and 15 touchdowns on 98 receptions. Defensively, Sweeting had 57 tackles and 12 interceptions. And on special teams, he gained 266 yards on punt returns and 804 yards on kickoff returns.

- 2011 First Team Lackawanna Football Conference Division I (defense)
- 2011 Second Team Lackawanna Football Conference Division I (athlete)
- 2010 First Team Lackawanna Football Conference Division I (offense)
- 2010 Second Team Lackawanna Football Conference Division I (defense)
- 2010 First Team Northeast PA Football Network All District 2


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Player News - DelVaughn Dennis Commits to Play Football at West Chester

The Sentinel Varsity at Cumberlink.com reported that DelVaughn Dennis (East Pennsboro) committed to play football at West Chester. At 6-2, 235lb, Dennis was all-conference on both sides of the ball. He received his team's Player of Week honor twice in his senior season. The first was for his eight catch, 98 yards, three touchdown and two tackle and one sack performance in their 41-6 win over Susquenita. Dennis was also recognized for his effort in the Panthers' 49-20 victory over Boiling Springs - six catches, 182 yards, and 1 touchdown on offense plus six tackles including two sacks on defense. He also hauled in nine catches for 151 yards and a touchdown against Lancaster Catholic.

- 2011 Honorable Mention All-EasternPAFootball.com Big School Team
- 2011 First Team Mid-Penn Capital Division Defensive Line
- 2011 First Team Mid-Penn Capital Division Tight End

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Player News - Nasheed Parker Coming to West Chester

According to multiple online sources, Nasheed Parker (Imhotep Charter) is reporting that he will continue his football career for the West Chester University Golden Rams. The 6-0, 170lb cornerback was #88 on the most recent Philadelphia Inquirer's Top 150 list. The Panthers were 7-4 this past year and qualified for the PIAA District 12 AA playoffs. In his senior campaign, Parker had 23 total tackles, three interceptions, six passes defended and one fumble recovery.

Player News - Jim Hurley Chooses West Chester

According to the St. Joseph's Prep
facebook page, Jim Hurley (St. Joseph's Prep) has committed to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-1, 195 wide receiver was an "others to watch" pick on Rick O'Brien's best area receivers list. Hurley, who will join his older brother Pete at West Chester, snared 33 catches for 526 yards and five touchdowns this past season for the PIAA District 12 AAAA playoff participant Hawks.

- 2011 Second Team Daily News All-Catholic
- 2011 Honorable Mention Daily News All-City

2011 Highlight Video

Monday, February 6, 2012

Player News - Kavon Johnson Joins WCU Football

Kavon Johnson (Plymouth-Whitemarsh) is reporting that he will continue to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-2, 265lb defensive lineman was #38 on the most recent Philadelphia Inquirer's Top 150 list and #2 on Rick O'Brien's 10 best interior defensive linemen list. As a team captain his senior year, he led the Colonials to an 8-2 record and an appearance in the PIAA District 1 AAAA playoffs. Johnson calls West Chester "the right academic and athletic fit."

- 2011 First Team All-Suburban One American (offense)
- 2011 Second Team All-Suburban One American (defense)
- 2011 Honorable Mention Thomas Michael Frederick Award (Southeastern PA Defensive Lineman of the Year)
- 2010 Second Team All-Suburban One American (defense)

Player News - Doug Gilbert Becomes a Golden Ram

According to the Courier Post Online, 6-5, 315lb offensive lineman Doug Gilbert (Lenape, NJ) has committed to continue his football playing career at West Chester University. A team captain in his senior season, he was also recipient of the team coach's and captain's awards.


- 2011 First Team West Jersey Football League American Division
- 2011 New Jersey South All Group IV
- 2011 Lenape Regional High School District Football All-Star

Player News - Tyler Conde Becomes a Golden Ram

According to WHP TV 21, 6-4, 320lb offensive guard Tyler Conde (Bishop McDevitt - Harrisburg) has committed to continue his football playing career at West Chester University. Conde anchored an offensive line that the led the Crusaders to a 13-3 record and the PIAA AAA Championship game in both 2010 and 2011.

- 2011 First Team Mid-Penn Keystone Division

2011 Highlight Video

Player News - DePalma, New York Giants enjoy Super Bowl Victory

Former Golden Ram wide receiver Dan DePalma went from Eli Manning's summer passing camp to a Super Bowl victory in Indianapolis.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Team News - Players Honored at Football Banquet

The 2011 West Chester University Golden Ram football team was honored at the 46th annual team banquet sponsored by the Golden Ram Football Club this evening at the Concordville Inn in Concordville, PA.

For their performance in each game this past season, the following were selected as the Thomas Chevrolet Killinger Players of the Week:

New Haven - Shawn Leo - At New Haven, Leo (So., Souderton) converted all four of his field goal attempts and both PAT's for a total of 14 points for the game. He made field goals of 33, 32 and 28 yards in regulation and set the West Chester University record for field goals in a single game with his fourth, a 30 yarder, in overtime.

Delaware - LaRonn Lee - Lee (So., Penn Manor) had five catches, three of which were for first downs, for 111 yards and a touchdown at Delaware. His first catch was a 64-yard reception that set up West Chester's first score against Delaware since 2008.

Slippery Rock - Mike Pereira - In West Chester's 20-13 victory over Slippery Rock, Pereira (So., St. Joseph's Prep) had five solo tackles and five assisted tackles for ten total tackles. Two of his tackles were for losses. He also had a pass breakup and a blocked field goal attempt.

East Stroudsburg - Rondell White - In West Chester's 37-26 win over East Stroudsburg, White (So., West Chester Rustin) rushed 27 times for 203 yards and a touchdown, had five catches for 53 yards and returned two kickoffs for 43 yards. His 299 all-purpose yards ranks eighth in Golden Ram history for a single game. For his performance, he was named both PSAC-East and ECAC Offensive Player of the Week.

C.W. Post - Tim Keyser - On Long Island, Keyser (So. Garnet Valley) had five catches for 129 yards and a touchdown. He also had two rushes that both went for first downs and a total of 40 yards.

Shippensburg - Chris Faix - In the Golden Ram's 52-17 victory at Shippensburg, Faix (Sr., Council Rock North) anchored the offensive line that gained 470 yards in one of West Chester's most dominating offensive performances of the season. He had key blocks on three touchdowns and graded out at 92% which was the highest score earned by anyone on the team for the entire season.

Cheyney - Carl Barnes - In West Chester's 23-7 victory at Cheyney, Barnes (Jr. William Penn) had four solo tackles and assisted on two others for a total of six tackles. Two of his tackles from his strong safety position were for losses.

Bloomsburg - Eric Brundidge - Against Bloomsburg, Brundidge (R-Fr., Northeast) had three catches for 88 yards. All three catches resulted in first downs including a 45 yarder on West Chester's first offensive play from scrimmage.

Kutztown - Kyle O'Neill - Against Kutztown in snowy Farrell Stadium, O'Neill (Sr., Sun Valley) had four solo tackles and assisted on five others for a total of nine tackles in the game. Two of those tackles were for losses and he also forced a fumble.

Millersville - Ronell Williams - In the Golden Rams' 49-13 win at Millersville, Williams (R-Fr., Chester) had seven solo tackles and nine helpers for a total of 16 tackles. He also registered a sack for eleven yards, a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry and was named the PSAC-East Defensive Player of the Week for his effort.

Indiana - Mike Labor - In the season finale against Indiana, Labor (R-Fr., St Joseph's Prep) had five solo tackles and assisted on three others for eight total tackles. He also registered a tackle for loss in the game.

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The following players were selected by their teammates for their performance for the season:

Muz and Lew Peck Offensive Player of the Year - LaRonn Lee - For the season, WR Lee (So., Penn Manor) had 31 catches for 569 yards and six touchdowns and eight rushes for 88 yards and two touchdowns. He was named Killinger Player of the Week for his five catch, 111 yard performance against FCS Delaware. Lee also eclipsed the 100-yard receiving threshold against East Stroudsburg and scored three touchdowns against Shippensburg.





Timothy's of West Chester Defensive Player of the Year - Kyle O'Neill - After being a two-time all-conference performer on the offensive line, O'Neill (Sr., Sun Valley) swapped his depth and girth to the defensive line and played nose guard for his senior year. Besides his senior leadership, O'Neill had twelve solo tackles and 35 helpers for a total of 47 tackles including one sack. He was named Killinger Player of the Week for his nine-tackle performance against Kutztown.




Bill Vansant Memorial Special Teams Award - Shawn Leo - For the year, all Leo (So., Souderton) did was set four school kick scoring records including field goals in a season (15), kicking points in a season (80), and PAT accuracy in a season (97.2%). He also set the school record for field goals in a game (4) at New Haven for which he was named Killinger player of the week. Leo was also recognized by the Fred Mitchell Award for his performance in September.




Kelly's Sports Unsung Hero - Alex Tosi - Statistically, Tosi (Sr., Archmere Academy) had a modest six catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns on the season. However, his primary contribution was serving as the blocking tight end which allowed the Golden Rams to gain over 1,500 yards on the ground this past season.



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The following players were selected by the coaches for their efforts this season:

Offensive Scout Team in memory of Mark Killinger - Adam Dempsey - Dempsey (Fr., Cardinal O'Hara) was a first team All-Catholic League selection at running back after eclipsing 2,000 all-pupose yards in his senior season of high school.






Defensive Scout Team from Dave Williams - Courtland Bragg DB (R-Fr., Avon Grove)






Mark and Julie Drochek Coaches' Award - Brian McDermott - Co-captain McDermott (Sr., Harriton) rushed 18 times for 67 yards and three touchdowns and had three catches for 14 yards this season. With a 3.29 GPA, he was named to Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area team. However, McDermott's most significant contribution was being another coach on the field.






Ted Novak Memorial Coaches' Award - Andrew Sheehan - Although Sheehan (Sr., North Penn) posted fairly modest numbers for the season - nine solo tackles, eleven assists for 20 total tackles - he showed perseverance in overcoming a career riddled with injuries. His sophomore season was cut short with a season-ending injury after six games and last year, his participation was halted due to a broken collarbone incurred during the Shippensburg contest.




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Rondell White was named both the Golden Ram Football Club Player of the Year and WCU Football Athlete of the Year. For the season, White (So., West Chester Rustin) rushed 141 times for 701 yards and nine touchdowns and had 29 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns. On special teams, he returned two punts for 22 yards and 13 kickoffs for 279 yards. White led the Golden Rams in touchdowns (11), rushing yards (701) and all-purpose yards (1,411). He was also named PSAC-East, Killinger Foundation and ECAC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against East Stroudsburg.






For their contribution and service to WCU football, Len Fredericks presented the Golden Ram Football Club President's Award to Rob and Lisa Westervelt. The Westervelts were regular attendees and contributors to GRFC meetings and were instrumental in coordinating fundraising activities for WCU football. Rob and Lisa are the parents of reserve defensive back Matt Westervelt (Gr., Coatesville) who was named the Scholar Athlete.

Player News - Ralph Reeves commits to West Chester

According to multiple online sources, Ralph Reeves (North Penn) has committed to play football for the Golden Rams. The 6-1, 220lb linebacker was #48 on the most recent Philadelphia Inquirer's Top 150 list and #2 on Rick O'Brien's 10 best area linebackers list. Reeves also used his punishing attitude at fullback. In leading the 13-3 Knights' to PIAA AAAA championship game, he carried the ball four times for twelve yards and all three of North Penn's touchdowns against LaSalle in the semi-final game. Mike Alkire of Scout.com called Reeves a "true throwback at his position" and "as physical as it gets".

- 2011 PFN AAAA Defensive Player of the Year
- 2011 Al Atkinson Award Winner (Southeastern PA Linebacker of the Year)
- 2011 Honorable Mention Leroy Kelly Award (Southeastern PA Player of the Year)
- 2011 First Team PFN Class AAAA All State
- 2011 First Team Pennsylvania Sportswriters' All-State
- 2011 First Team Philadelphia Inquirer All-Southeastern Pennsylvania
- 2011 First Team All-Suburban One Continental
- 2010 Second Team Times Herald All-Area (tight end)



Player News - Andrew Derr Commits to the Golden Rams

Quarterback Andrew Derr (Upper Dublin) has committed to continue his football playing career at West Chester University. The 6-3, 215lb Derr was #8 on Rick O'Brien's top returning quarterbacks list and was also his team's recipient of the Mini Maxwell Award. A four-year starter for the Cardinals, he completed 109 of 191 passes (57%), for 1,534 yards and 14 touchdowns and led his team into the District I AAAA playoffs in his senior season.

(photo Heather Boyer)

- 2011 Second Team All-Suburban One League American (offense)
- 2011 Third Team All-Suburban One League American (defense)
- 2011 Recipient of Norristown Chapter of Football Officials Sportsmanship Award
- 2011 Preseason All-Montgomery Media
- 2010 First Team Times Herald All-Area
- 2010 First Team All-Suburban One League American (offense)
- 2010 Second Team All-Suburban One League American (defense)
- 2010 Preseason All-Montgomery Media

Friday, February 3, 2012

Alumni News - Who is Dan DePalma?

As the New York Giants continue their preparation for Super Bowl XLVI, West Chester Golden Ram wide receiver Dan DePalma is tabbed as their secret weapon.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Player News - Shaquill Ryder Verbally Commits to West Chester

According to EasternPAFootball.com, 6-3, 260lb defensive lineman Shaquill Ryder (Imhotep Charter) verbally committed to continue his football playing career at West Chester University.

- 2011 Honorable Mention Daily News All-Public
- 2011 First Team Class AA All-Public