Game Report - Delaware 41 - West Chester 21

Rondell White's big night was not enough to lift the Golden Rams as West Chester fell to Delaware by a score of 41-21. As was mentioned in the game preview, the Golden Rams have historically been hurt in Newark by turnovers, special teams play and their inability to run the ball. The fact that the last issue was addressed was not enough to overcome the first two.

Delaware converted two first quarter turnovers into 14 points and the subsequent kickoff was bobbled forcing the Rams to start at their own two-yard-line. Most people in the stands had felt they had seen this show last season. However, West Chester went on a 98-yard, six minute drive that ended with a Sean McCartney dive from four yards to close the score to 14-7. In that drive, White rushed for 41 yards and McCartney completed passes to four different receivers.

QB Sean McCartney fires a touchdown pass to LaRonn Lee (Photo Geoff Ruth)

On the Blue Hens next possession, Matt Carroll picked off a Trent Hurley pass giving the Golden Rams the ball at the Delaware 40 and the feel of this game definitely changed. Unfortunately, West Chester was unable to convert that opportunity into points. After a Blue Hen field goal and a West Chester punt, Delaware had the ball on their own 20 with 1:51 to play in the first half. Blue Hen QB Trent Hurley executed the two-minute drill to perfection and Delaware extended their lead to 24-7 at the half.

West Chester took the second half kickoff and marched 80 yards in just over four minutes to close the score to 24-14. Rondell White accounted for 70 yards on that drive which was capped off by a 10-yard Sean McCartney to LaRonn Lee pass. West Chester thwarted Delaware's apparent next touchdown when Ronell Williams picked off a Trent Hurley pass at the goal line. However, West Chester turned the ball back over almost immediately at midfield. The Golden Ram defense stiffened and held Delaware to a field goal, brining the score to 27-14 early in the fourth quarter. With the way that West Chester was moving the ball, the game was still within reach.

But another West Chester interception led to a one-play touchdown catch and run for the Blue Hens which stretched the lead to 34-14 essentially ending the contest. The two teams traded touchdowns leading to the final score of 41-21.

So as usual, the turnovers hurt the Rams. Three of four of them led to Delaware touchdowns. West Chester was fortunate to pick off three Blue Hen passes, stopping one apparent touchdown and leading to one for West Chester. The special teams gaffs were not catastrophic, but they were noticeable - a kickoff out of bounds and a fumbled kickoff return. But the Delaware kicker was able to launch his kicks high and to the two-yard-line, which allowed his team to get down field and cover the kicks very well. Between the kickoffs and the turnovers, Delaware's average starting field position was their own 42 while West Chester's was their own 20. Thus the Rams always seemed to be facing a long field in front of them.

Rondell White was certainly the player of the game for West Chester. The junior rolled up 209 yards rushing and 60 yards receiving, making Delaware's FCS All-American candidate Andrew Pierce's 86 yards look rather pedestrian. In fact, fans at Delaware stadium have never seen an opposing running back have a better game!!! As projected in the season preview, the coaches got White the ball in all sorts of ways - straight handoff, running the wildcat, lined up in the slot, and screen passes.

Rondell White had the best game ever by a visiting running back in Delaware Stadium (Photo Geoff Ruth)

The fourth concern entering the game which was not mentioned in the game preview (for obvious reasons) are injuries. And unfortunately, this one became a reality. First wide receiver Tom Shrader went down. Next it was starting right guard Blair Gower. Then it was starting quarterback Sean McCartney, starting linebacker Ronell Williams and starting right tackle Adam Citko. None of these five returned to the game. After head coach Bill Zwaan made the decision this past spring to name McCartney the starting quarterback, that decision might now be mute. Fortunately, Mike Mattei has plenty of experience and stepped right in.

Notes - Matt Carroll and Ronell Williams each tallied his first career interception...CB Bob Sabol had a pick and a pass breakup to go along with his seven total tackles...eight different Golden Rams caught passes including true freshman Eddie Elliott ...Justin Curry returned to tight end this season and picked up two catches...both teams ran 71 offensive plays...West Chester rushed 39 times for 224 yards to Delaware's 36 times for 177 yards...the Golden Rams won the time of possession battle by over six minutes...for the second year in a row, West Chester protected the quarterbacks and did not yield a sack to the Blue Hens...So QB Drew Loughery completed a pass in his first collegiate action.

Box Score Box Score

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Drops Season Opener To Delaware

Delaware Athletic Site - Hurley Leads Aerial Attack as No. 15 Blue Hens Post Season-Opening 41-21 Victory Over West Chester

Daily Local News - WCU loses finale to Blue Hens, quarterback to ankle injury

Newark Post Online - Delaware wins series finale over West Chester

Delaware Online - Myers: Few clues in first victory

Delaware Online - End of UD-West Chester rivalry welcome for some

Delaware Online - Hens hang on, defeat West Chester

Game Preview - Delaware

The Golden Rams open the 2012 season Thursday night against the Blue Hens of Delaware on Tubby Raymond Field at Delaware Stadium in Newark, DE. Delaware is coming off a 7-4 season while West Chester is looking to rebound from a 5-6 2011 campaign. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

LaRonn Lee makes a leaping
catch in last year's contest
at Delaware

Like West Chester, Delaware will be replacing nearly the entire offensive line. While the Blue Hens only return five starters on offense, two of them are tailback Jr. Andrew Pierce (279 carries, 1,279 yards, 16 TD's, 42 catches, 212 yards in 2011) and wide receiver Sr. Nihja White (50 catches, 673 yards, 4 TD's in 2011). Also similar to the Golden Rams, Delaware will be very experienced on defense as they return nine starters including pre-season first team All-CAA selections middle linebacker Sr. Paul Worrilow and cornerback Jr. Travis Hawkins. Blue Hen kicker Jr. Sean Baner is a returning All-CAA performer who was perfect on PAT's and was 6 of 9 on field goals 40 yards and beyond.

It appears that the Blue Hens will turn to Bowling Green transfer So. Trent Hurley at quarterback to lead a new up-tempo offense. Hurley is more athletic than previous Blue Hen pocket passers Joe Flacco and Pat Devlin. He has taken the position from last year's starter Sr. Tim Donnelly, who began 2011 as the backup to injured Jr. Trevor Sasek.

In last year's game, Delaware jumped out to a 21-0 first quarter lead and barely had to look back. The Golden Rams were hurt by their usual problems in Newark: the inability to run the ball along with special teams and turnovers which led to poor field position. Behind the passing of both Sean McCartney and Matt Carroll and the receiving of LaRonn Lee and Rondell White , West Chester closed to 21-17 with eleven minutes left in the game. But Pierce ripped a 44-yard touchdown run to dash any hopes of a Golden Ram upset.

Notes - The Blue Hens were chosen by the Colonial Athletic Conference coaches to finish fifth in its league while West Chester was picked to finish fourth in the PSAC East...This year marks the final game in Delaware's longest current active series...Over the previous 53 meetings, the Blue Hens hold a commanding 46-6-1 advantage including the last 18 contests, leading Blue Hens fans to affectionately call this game the annual "Cupcake Bowl"...West Chester shows the series record at 46-6-2, but Delaware did not have a formal team 1943-1945 due to World War II...The two teams tied 6-6 in 1945... West Chester last defeated Delaware in 1992 by a score of 21-20...Delaware opened their training camp on August 4...The Blue Hens are #14 in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll...Cornerback Bob Sabol and offensive tackle Adam Citko are transfers from Delaware...The Blue Hens have 10 FBS transfers on its roster

Delaware Athletic Site - Parking Map and Info (pdf)

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Opens Gridiron Slate Thursday At Delaware

Delaware Athletic Site - Game Day Central: Game #1 - #15 Delaware vs. West Chester

PSAC Site - Football - Week 1 Notes

Philly Sports Nut - Blue Hens Set to Open 2012 Season

Delaware Online - For Sabol, the last chapter in a complex playbook

Daily Local News - WCU faces Delaware one final time

KYW Newsradio - West Chester Ready For Opener Vs. Delaware

Delaware Online - Early Hens hard to figure

Alumni News - McDermott Coaching at Mt Union

Former Golden Ram fullback Brian McDermott has been named running backs coach at University of Mount Union in Alliance, OH. The Raiders have won the Ohio Athletic Conference for the past 20 seasons and have a conference record of 178-2 during that span. They also own ten NCAA Division III National Championships with the last one coming in 2008. Mt Union has lost in the national championship finals the last three seasons.

McDermott will be guiding Sr. Blair Skilliter (80 carries, 547 yards, 7 TD's) and Sr. Jake Simon (79 carries, 524 yards, 6 TD's) as they look to replace Jr. Jeremy Murray (315 carries, 1,730 yards, 20 TD's) who is reportedly academically ineligible.

McDermott, a 2012 graduate of West Chester, was primarily the lead blocker for Jackson Fagan, but did manage to gain 210 yards on 56 carries and 7 TD's and caught 7 passes for 77 yards and 2 TD's in his career. He was also the recipient of the Coaches' Award at the Golden Ram Football Club's team banquet.

Alumni News - DePalma Sees Preseason Action

Former West Chester University wide receiver Dan DePalma saw action in the fourth quarter of the New York Giants's 20-17 loss to the Chicago Bears. And as expected, his versatility was showcased.

On punt coverage, he made a solo tackle of Dane Sanzenbacher. After the Giants defense held the Bears to a three-and-out, DePalma returned the ensuing punt four yards. Later in the quarter, he snared a 25 catch and, although he fumbled, recovered his own fumble which added eight yards to the play.

New York Giants' Dan DePalma (15) runs with the ball as Chicago Bears' Anthony Walters (37) chases him during the second half of the Bears 20-17 victory. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

Team News - Second Scrimmage Report

The Golden Rams concluded preseason camp with their second scrimmage, and the team seems to be on track for 2012. The starters saw limited action in this game since: many are returning players and have a handle on their position and the playbook; it was sweltering; it was the last chance for the coaches to see newcomers and young players in game action; and it's a short week of practice until the season opens on Thursday in Newark. During their time on the field, the offensive line play was improved over last week's game.

Earlier in the summer, Coach Zwaan mentioned two true freshman that could see playing time in their first year on the team - offensive lineman Tyler Conde and defensive lineman Andrew Cohen. Due to injuries, the first seems unlikely while the second is almost certainty. Besides the depth chart on the offensive line already being filled, Conde incurred an injury and is out indefinitely. But another injury essentially assures that Cohen will be playing. Senior defensive tackle Mike Martin is also out indefinitely due to an injury. Expect to see Cohen to see his first collegiate action Thursday night against the Blue Hens.

Running back Camille Max gets some "hands on" coaching from Coach Zwaan
(Photo Geoff Ruth)

RB Camille Max breaks off a long run after inspiring words from Coach Zwaan
(Photo Geoff Ruth)

Photo Album

Team News - Delaware Series Retrospect

In 1941 the Golden Rams met the Blue Hens of Delaware on the gridiron for the first time. The game ended in a 7-7 tie. The game this year will be the 54th and final meeting in the long-standing series.

The Blue Hens have dominated overall holding a 46-6-1 advantage. The last Rams victory came in 1992 with a Rick Daniels coached squad, led by quarterback Dave McDonald and running back Scott Eberly, registering a 21-20 victory over a nationally ranked Delaware team coached by Tubby Raymond. Linebacker Lee Woodall was a key defensive player on that squad. That game featured a dramatic finish. With just over three minutes remaining, Scott Eberly raced 53 yards to the Hen’s one yard-line and plunged over on a succeeding play as the score went to 21-14. The Hen’s fought back to score and coach Tubby Raymond’s team went for two points and the win but Ram linebacker Chris Emerey batted down a Bill Vergantino pass to preserve the victory.

Glenn Killinger’s teams won in 1952, 1953 and 1956 making him the only Ram coach with multiple wins over the Hens. The teams of 1952 and 1953 featured John McAneneny at quarterback and running back Fred Prender. West Chester won those games 24-20 and 27-13 respectively. Killy’s final victory over the Hens came in the 1956 game by a score of 10-7. The difference was a Joe Chilbert field goal in the second half.

In 1983, Otto Kneidinger’s team outscored Delaware 35-27. That team was led by quarterback Mike Horrocks and featured running back Mike Irving.

In 1988, under Danny Hale, the Rams enjoyed their largest margin of victory 33-13. That team featured one the Rams’ most prolific rushing yardage leaders, Derrick Price, who rushed for 139 yards in the game. Tied at the half, the Rams scored 20 unanswered points in the second half. Quarterback Al Niemela threw for 306 yards in the game.

The highest scoring game in the series came in 1994 with a 58-55 Blue Hen victory. The biggest margin of victory for Delaware came in 2000 as the Hens overwhelmed the Rams 84-0.

After being shut out in 2009 and 2010, the Rams gave the Hens quite a battle before falling 28-17. Down 21-0 at the end of the first quarter, West Chester cut the margin to 21-17 early in the fourth quarter to make it close. The Rams outgained the Hens in total offense 360-315.

The teams have met every year since 1968 with the exception of 2001 when the game was cancelled because of the 9/11 tragedy.

Delaware Online - Reality trumps tradition, ends UD-West Chester series

Event News - Post Scrimmage Fundraiser

There will be a fundraiser after the Golden Rams' second scrimmage of 2012. The football team will scrimmage in Farrell Stadium this Friday, August 24th, from 2:00 to 4:00. Then, from 4:00 to 7:00, Barnaby's of America will host Golden Ram fans with food and drink. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for anyone under age 21. Come join in the fun and support the Golden Ram football team.

Team News - 2012 First Scrimmage Report

It was a beautiful warm day for the Golden Rams' first scrimmage of 2012, and as is so often the case early in the season, the defense is ahead of the offense. Save for Rondell White, who slashed and dashed seemingly at will, the offense seemed to sputter. The passing game struggled regardless of who was at quarterback. The offensive line didn't pass protect particularly well, giving the quarterbacks little time to find an open receiver. And when the QB got the pass away, the ball was often dropped. Among several players who did not participate for a variety of reasons, were the top three wide receivers LaRonn Lee, Tim Keyser and Eric Brundidge. But the receivers that did play didn't help their cause for more playing time as passes bounced off hands.

There were two big offensive plays - a long pass from Mike Mattei to Jimmy Kelly down the right sideline on a third and long, and true freshman Eddie Elliott bounced out of the pile to zip down the left sidelines for 50+ yard touchdown. Other than that, the 4-2-5 looked really good.

Rondell White breaks away from would-be tacklers (Photo Geoff Ruth)

Sean McCartney gets drug down after scrambling for some yardage
(Photo Geoff Ruth)

Team News - PSAC Expansion

It is well known that the Golden Ram's opening game of the 2012 will be the last against long time rival Delaware. However, 2012 will likely also mark the end of playing LIU-Post as a annual PSAC East contest.

Due to some proposed changes in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, WVIAC members University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown and Seton Hill were seeking a new conference. As of yesterday, enough PSAC president's voted in favor of inviting UPJ and Seton Hill to join the PSAC as full members. If both schools accept the invitations as they are expected to, the PSAC would expand to a total of 18 schools as early as the 2013-2014 school year.

Of the two new schools, only Seton Hill offers football which would create an imbalance in the number of football teams in the conference. As such, Seton Hill, located in Greensburg, will be added to the PSAC West, Lock Haven would move from the PSAC West to the PSAC East, and LIU-Post, who is an associate member of the PSAC for football and field hockey only, would no longer participate in the PSAC for football. However, with the Delaware series coming to an end means that West Chester has an open date on the schedule to fill in 2013. It is certainly conceivable that LIU-Post could fill that void thus providing the Golden Rams with a formidable Division II "in-region" opponent.

LIU-Post, formerly C.W. Post, joined the PSAC in 2008 as an associate member in football and field hockey. In football, they filled the conference void created when Mansfield abruptly dropped football after the 2006 season. West Chester has split the four games played with the Pioneers in that time:

• 2008 West Chester 17 - C.W. Post 7 at West Chester
  
• 2009 West Chester 34 - C.W. Post 26 at C.W. Post
  
• 2010 C.W. Post 39 - West Chester 37 (3OT) at West Chester
  
• 2011 C.W. Post 34 - West Chester 23 at C.W. Post
  

Prior to LIU-Post joining the PSAC, the Golden Rams and the Pioneers squared off twice in the NCAA Division II playoffs, splitting those two contests:

• 2004 West Chester 35 - C.W. Post 3 at West Chester
  
• 2005 C.W. Post 24 - West Chester 20 at C.W. Post
  

Seton Hill's first season of football was 2006 and, despite not winning the WVIAC, the Griffins qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2008. They have gone 4-29 in the three seasons since then though.

Indiana Gazette - PSAC expansion moving forward

Daily Local News - PSAC to add two new members

Teams News - 2012 Season Preview

A Step in the Right Direction

If one were to look at last year's final record of 5-6 in relation to West Chester's storied history of over 500 wins, 20 division championships, eight bowl appearances, and nine NCAA playoff appearances, people would consider that Golden Ram squad subpar. But coming off 2010's record of 4-7, it was a step in the right direction. Besides the obvious one game improvement in the win column (due to the outcome against Slippery Rock), West Chester improved in several ways last season:

• the defense shaved nearly a touchdown and 15 yards rushing per game from its opponents
  
• offensive rushing yardage increased over ten yards per game
  
• the defense almost tripled the number of interceptions it snared
  
• turnover margin fell from -9 to -2
  
• red zone scoring increased from 78% to 84%
  

So how will the 2012 team take the next step (or steps) forward from here?

Offense

Sean McCartney

The primary question going into spring practice was the quarterback position. Much of the 2011 offense incorporated a rotation between Sean McCartney and Northeastern transfer Matt Carroll. Each had unique characteristics and the ability to win, but neither did so consistently. The question between these two was settled early as Carroll was moved to outside linebacker (more on that later). After being challenged all spring by 2010 regular Mike Mattei, Jr. McCartney (104-192, 1,481 yards, 8 TD's) was named the starter by head coach Bill Zwaan. Sr. Mattei (134-242, 1,970 yards, 12 TD's in 2010) will serve as the backup after spending last season at split end. McCartney's main targets will be wide receivers Jr. Tim Keyser (38 catches, 470 yards, 5 TD's) and Jr. LaRonn Lee (31 catches, 569 yards, 6 TD's). Depth will be a concern as Sr. Jim Kelly (3 catches, 30 yards), So. Erick Brundidge (13 catches, 401 yards, 3 TD's), Sr. Sean Beahan (14 catches, 179 yards, 1 TD) and R-Fr. Jay Jabat will backup the wide receiver position. Sr. Justin Curry will return to tight end and will be backed up by R-Fr. Chuck Phelan.

The running game wasn't on display during the spring game, but the coaches know what they have there. The Rams will certainly be looking to get Golden Ram Football Club Player of the Year Jr. Rondell White (141 carries, 701 yards, 9 TD's, 29 catches, 409 yards, 2 TD's) as many touches as possible. White will be pushed by R-Fr. Brandon Monk who was electric in the spring. "Do whatever's necessary" guy Jr. Jared Bonacquisti has been tabbed as the starting fullback with Delaware State transfer Jr. James Rosseau serving as the backup.

Adam Citko, Blair Gower, Brian Margetich, Trey Farmer, Erik Pratt

As was discussed in the spring, the offensive line has the most change for 2012. Sr. Erik Pratt is the only returning starter at left tackle, although this season's other starters - left guard Jr. Trey Farmer, center Sr. Brian Margetich, right guard Sr. Blair Gower and right tackle Jr. Adam Citko - all saw significant playing time last year. This group must come together and improve on the 32 sacks allowed last year (14th in the conference), as the second unit across the line is very young. The offense will also look to improve on its third down success rate of 36% and reduce its eleven lost fumbles.

Special Teams

Shawn Leo

On special teams, Monk and White will handle the return duties, while So. Rich Bruno will inherit the punting duties. Jr. Shawn Leo, already the holder of five WCU kicking records (field goals made in a game, field goals made in a season, kicking points in a season, field goal percentage in a season, PAT percentage in a season), will reliably handle that task again. Leo has also shown to come through in the clutch as he's seven for eight in field goals that gave West Chester either a tie or the lead. His only miss in that situation was his first collegiate attempt - a 49-yarder with eight seconds left in the first half at Slippery Rock in 2010.

Defense

Although the Golden Ram defense improved in 2011, there is still much work to do in that area. Conference ranks of 10th in total defense (370 yards per game), 12th in rushing defense (180 yards per game), 12th in sacks (19 total), and 14th in first downs allowed (21.7 per game) all led to 14th in time of possession (almost 32 minutes for WCU's opponents), 13th in red zone defense (81%) and 10th in scoring defense (26 points per game). With eight starters returning, including the top six tacklers from last year's squad, improvement is what is expected.

Anthony McCloskey

To address the rushing defense, which over the last two seasons has been yielding 40 yards per game more than during the playoff years of 2004-2008, Zwaan will use a four-man front instead of a three-man front for the first time. At the center of that defensive line will be Jr. Anthony McCloskey (71 tackles, 1 sack, 1 fumble return) who has added 25 pounds from his 2011 linebacker weight of 225. Alongside him will be R-Fr. Tylor Unger. The ends will be Sr. Lew Esposito (33 tackles, 8 TFL) and Jr. Eric Edwers (63 tackles, 2.5 sacks), who, like McCloskey, will make the transition from linebacker to lineman. Expect a steady rotation among the front four with Jr. Demrick Cook (13 tackles, 1 sack), Sr. Mike Martin, Jr. John Kilpatrick and R-Fr. Barry Lyons.

Ronell Williams

After it was decided that Matt Carroll (71-26, 1,113 yards, 11 TD's) would not be playing quarterback in 2012, the challenge came how to use him. Although he was effective running the ball last season (97 carries, 345 yards, 1 TD), the running back spots were already filled by White and Monk. So the coaches decided to move him to the other side of the ball. Carroll is a gifted football player and his nose for the ball showed at linebacker in the spring game as he had five tackles including a sack and a fumble recovery. He will be joined in the middle by So. Mike Labor (60 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 2 interceptions, 5 pass breakups and 3 QB hurries) and the Rams' leading tackler So. Ronell Williams (79 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 pass breakup, 3 QB hurries). Jr. Shawn Krautzel (56 tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble), So Mike Culbreath and R-Fr. Drew Persa will make up a relatively young, but athletic linebacking corps.

John O'Donnell

The secondary is the most experienced unit on the team with six of the projected eight being seniors and the other two having already logged significant playing time. Co-captains Sr. John O'Donnell (31 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 sack) and Sr. Carl Barnes (63 tackles, 5 TFL, 1 interception and 3 pass breakups) will be the safeties. Backing them up will be Sr. Mike Lonergan (18 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass breakup) and Sr. Zach Wood. The corners will be manned by Sr. Bob Sabol (33 tackles, 5 pass breakups) and So. Ali-Haj Shabazz (22 tackles, 3 pass breakups). Sr. Nate Pagan (7 tackles) and So. Dante Devine (19 tackles) also expect to see playing time in the secondary.

Conclusion

With plenty of experience on defense to adapt to a new scheme and 75% of the points returning on offense and special teams, the Golden Rams are poised to take yet another step in the right direction in 2012.

West Chester Athletic Site - New Look On Defense And Talent At Skill Positions Highlight West Chester Football In 2012

PSAC examiner.com - Season preview - West Chester

Event News - Post-scrimmage Fundraiser

According to the Fans of Golden Ram Football facebook page, there will be a fundraiser after the Golden Rams' first scrimmage of 2012. The football team will scrimmage in Farrell Stadium this Saturday, August 18th, from 1:00 to 3:00. Then, from 3:30 to 6:00, Timothy's West Chester will host Golden Ram fans with food and drink for $30. Come join in the fun and support the Golden Ram football team.

Team News - Shuey Named Linebackers Coach

Former Eagles LB's
coach Bill Shuey

Former Philadelphia Eagle linebacker coach Bill Shuey has taken the same role with the Golden Rams as announced by head coach Bill Zwaan today. Despite not playing football in high school or college, Shuey spent ten years with the Eagles in various capacities, including the last three years as linebackers coach. However, he was relieved of his duties with the Eagles when head coach Andy Reid cleaned house on the defensive side of the ball and fired defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. Shuey's professional perspective should be especially beneficial to the Golden Rams' young, but talented, linebacking corps.

West Chester Athletic Site - Bill Shuey Latest Addition To West Chester Football Coaching Staff

Daily Local News - Former Eagles staff member newest WCU coach

Club News - Membership Appeal

Thanks to all of you for your support of West Chester University football and the Golden Ram Football Club. Just like the Golden Ram football team, the Golden Ram Football Club strives to improve every year. Late last season, we started the Golden Ram Football Club web site. It has become the single, most comprehensive source regarding every aspect - past, present or future - about the West Chester University football team. Since the 2011 football season ended, when thoughts about football typically fade, there have been over 70 stories pertaining to West Chester football - current players receiving awards, alumni achieving success in their professional playing careers and incoming recruits participating in high school all-star games - it all can be found on the Golden Ram Football Club web site.

While visiting and reading the host of stories here, hopefully you've had an opportunity to review the club membership information. As is stated there, besides providing enthusiasm for the football team, the primary goal of the Golden Ram Football Club is to sponsor the year-end team banquet. That's right, the largest WCU athletic team banquet (largest both in number of participants and the size of their appetites) is not performed by the university. It is the Golden Ram Football Club that plans, executes and pays for the players to participate in a post-season awards banquet that routinely has 300 attendees. Additionally, the club pays for the sports beverages for both teams for all football games at Farrell Stadium.

So if you're a fan of West Chester football and you enjoy what the club has to offer on this site, please consider becoming a member of the Golden Ram Football Club. With a Golden level membership, you receive a hat that you can wear to all of the West Chester football games. Your support is greatly appreciated. See you at the game!!!

Alumni News - Schwalm to Schuylkill County Hall

Bill Schwalm in '65

Former Golden Ram running back Bill Schwalm has been named to the 2012 Inductee Class of the Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Schwalm graduated from Mahanoy Joint (currently Line Mountain) High School where his 1961 squad went 9-0 and won Twin Valley Conference championship. He would later go on to win that same conference championship in 2001 as head coach of Williams Valley High School.

Schwalm graduated from West Chester in 1966 and became a health and physical education teacher. Over 33 years he racked up a total of 159 wins as head football coach at Tri-Valley, Halifax and Williams Valley High Schools. The 2012 Annual Induction Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 21st in Schuylkill Haven.

PennLive.com - Former Tri-Valley, Halifax and Williams Valley football coach Bill Schwalm lands in Schuylkill County Coaches Hall of Fame

CitizenStandard.com - Schwalm inducted into Hall Of Fame

Team News - Golden Rams Picked Fourth

The West Chester University Golden Rams were picked to finish fourth in the division by the conference coaches at the PSAC's annual Football Media Day.

Predicted order with first place votes in parentheses.

Eastern Division
1. Kutztown (5)
2. Bloomsburg (3)
3. LIU Post
4. West Chester
5. Shippensburg
6. East Stroudsburg
7. Millersville
8. Cheyney

Rondell White interviewed by WCHE 1520 (Photo Geoff Ruth)

PSAC Site - Kutztown, California and IUP Picked as 2012 PSAC Football Favorites in Preseason Poll

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Picked Fourth In PSAC East Football Preseason Poll

West Chester Athletic Site - West Chester Athletics Photo Gallery

Event News - PSAC Football Media Day

The PSAC will hold its annual Football Media Day on Monday, August 6. The schools from the East Division will be hosted by West Chester University while the West Division schools will gather at Slippery Rock University. The Golden Rams will be represented by Jr. running back Rondell White and Sr. safety John O'Donnell.

PSAC Site - List of Players Attending 2012 PSAC Football Media Day

Alumni News - DePalma the "WR to watch"

Former West Chester University wide receiver Dan DePalma continues in his second professional season with the New York Giants. One observer labeled him the "wide receiver to watch". The Giants first preseason game is against the Jaguars on Friday at 7:30 in Jacksonville. Look for #15!

(Photo courtesy of David Kaptein www.DavidKaptein.com

MyVeronaNJ.com - DePalma’s In The Mix At Giants Camp

Rant Sports - New York Giants - Dan DePalma Turning Heads in New York Giants Training Camp

ESPN New York - DePalma willing to play DB if needed

CBS Sports - Giants: Dan DePalma fighting for roster spot

Bleacher Report - New York Giants: How Dan DePalma's Versatility Can Help Him Make Final Cut

Team News - Key Summer Dates

It's August!!!! Sure it's hot, but at least it's also humid. But August also means that pads will soon be cracking and footballs will soon be flying. Here are some key August dates for Golden Ram football fans:

     Wed, August 8 - Team reports for summer camp
     Sat, August 18 - Scrimmage 1:00 pm in Farrell Stadium
     Fri, August 24 - Scrimmage 2:00 pm in Farrell Stadium
     Wed, August 29 - Golden Ram Football Club meeting 7:30 pm at Timothy's
     Thu, August 30 - Game versus Delaware Blue Hens 7:30 pm in Newark, DE

Please note - Scrimmage dates and times are subject to change. Also, Coach Bill Zwaan's first radio show of the season will be Thursday, September 6.