B-W: The 2004 Baldwin-Wallace College Football Team is Picked 10th Nationally by

Lindy's and 17th by Street & Smith's; Senior Tight End Nate Wilder is a preseason All-American selection

BEREA, OHIO - Like the United States government, the Baldwin-Wallace College football program is committing resources to its defense. With 18 of its 31 returning lettermen coming back on the defensive side of the football, B-W will begin the 2004 season by depending upon its defense. In fact, the defense has some national poll pickers listing the Yellow Jackets in their preseason Top 20.

B-W is picked 10th nationally by the Lindy's College Football Annuals and the Street & Smith's College Football Preview magazine lists the Yellow Jackets 17th in Division III.

"We appreciate the confidence that some of the people writing for national publications have for our football program and young men," said third-year Head Coach John Snell. "But at the same time, we know that we must earn our wins and successes on the field of play, and that means going out and working hard every day to be successful.

"The Baldwin-Wallace College football program has a rich tradition of success and we were very proud of going 10-2 overall and advancing to the Division III Playoffs a year ago," said Snell. "We also know that the 2004 season is a new year and brings about new challenges. We hope that our players are ready to meet the challenge each and every day."

Individually, B-W senior tight end Nate Wilder (Youngstown Cardinal Mooney) was tabbed as a preseason Division III All-American by both Lindy's and by Street & Smith's. Street & Smith's made the 6'5", 220-pound Wilder, who caught 20 passes for 294 yards and six touchdowns, its first-team preseason All-American choice while Lindy's tabbed Wilder to its second-team.

"Nate had a solid season a year ago and we look to him to be a leader again this year," said Snell. "He has good hands, can run with the football once he catches it and is becoming a better blocker each year. Nate will definitely be a player to watch this year."

Entering the 2004 football season, B-W has high hopes again. A year ago, the Yellow Jackets had their first 10-win season since 1991, their first NCAA Division III Playoff berth since ’91 and won their first national playoff game since it won the Division III national title in 1978.

Back on defense are five outstanding players and a bevy of others who contributed to its success in 2003.

"We return a number of key defensive players who started as well as a number of others who saw time as part of our rotation on the line, at linebacker and in the secondary," said Snell, who has an 18-4 record and .818 winnning percentage at his alma mater. "We feel that we have the talent and ability to be solid on defense."

Leading the way on defense will be junior linebackers Justin Princehorn (Massillon Washington) and Joe George (Massillon Perry). A year ago, both players recorded more than 100 tackles and had outstanding seasons. In addition, a number of solid returnees on the line are back as is senior cornerback Justin Andes (Canal Fulton/ Canton Central Catholic).

"Justin and Joe return as two of the top defenders in the OAC, and we are confident that they can be leaders on our football team," said Snell. "Justin has the ability to be dominant and is an outstanding leader. Joe has great instincts and leads by example. Our players look to both Justin and Joe for leadership and solid play."

Offensively, B-W will need to replace a record-setting quarterback, its most prolific running back in school history and three key starters on its line. The strong point will be the return of four solid wide receivers, led by four-year starter Dave Ehrman (Strongsville), Wilder and two other rotating tight ends.

"We lost some key personnel on offense," said Snell. "The key for us early will be to develop offensively while asking our defense to again play solid, strong football."

The Yellow Jackets open the 2004 season on Saturday, September 4 when they travel to Meadville, Pennsylvania to play Allegheny (Pa.) College.

FOR MORE B-W SPORTS INFORMATION, please contact Sports Information Director Kevin Ruple by telephone at (440) 826-2327, by FAX machine at (440) 826-2329 or via e-mail at kruple@bw.edu.