Bucknell Participates in Patriot League Football Media Day

Bison Tabbed Sixth in Preseason Poll

Tim Landis will commence his seventh year as Bison head coach with the start of preseason camp on Sunday.

Aug. 4, 2009

Patriot League Football Media Day Recap

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell head football coach Tim Landis and senior linebacker Sam Nana-Sinkam represented the Bison at the annual Patriot League Football Media Day, held Tuesday at Green Pond Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa.

The Bison, who were picked sixth in the league's preseason poll, will open preseason camp this Sunday, Aug. 9. The first practice is slated for 8:30 p.m. on the Christy Mathewson-Memorial Stadium FieldTurf. The second practice will take place the following day at 3 p.m.

Holy Cross and Colgate, which have both been ranked in national preseason polls, were first and second, respectively, in the league's preseason listing. The Crusaders garnered seven first-place votes and 67 points, while the Raiders totaled six first-place nods and 64 points. Lafayette and Lehigh were tied for third with 46 points apiece. The Mountain Hawks claimed the final first-place vote as well. Fodrham (35), Bucknell (24) and Georgetown (12) rounded out the poll.

Holy Cross senior quarterback Dominic Randolph was named the Patriot League Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while Lafayette senior linebacker Mark Leggiero was selected as the Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.

Bucknell is just one day and one month from its Sept. 5 season opener at Duquesne. The Bison open their home campaign Sept. 12 with a 6 p.m. contest against Robert Morris.

Following are selected quotes from Media Day:

Tim Landis
On Bucknell's quarterbacks:
"Marcello (Trigg) has started the better part of three years for us and he is a very accurate passer. Sophomore C.J. Hopson brings dual-threat capabilities to the program and he gained some valuable experience last year. It will be fun to watch them compete."

On junior wide receiver Shaun Pasternak:
"We knew Shaun was good as a freshman. To see what he did as a sophomore surprised us. What a season he had. To break those records was quite a sight for us. He is not going to fly under the radar this year, but that shouldn't bother him. He is a man of few words who just goes out and plays football. When I informed him he was a Second Team All-Patriot League selection last year, he just said it (aiming for a first-team selection) will give him something to shoot for this year.

On offensive play calling:
"We have always been able to score points, whether we run or pass, but I think it is clear we aren't going to run the ball 90 percent of the time with Trigg lining up under center and Pasternak at wide receiver."

On the 2009 season:
"We are really excited to have just about all our starters back from last year. This is our largest senior class since 2004 when we went 7-4. There is a lot of excitement and optimism around the program and in Lewisburg."

Sam Nana-Sinkam
On playing football at Bucknell:
"I've been fortunate enough just to play football in college while most people don't get that opportunity. I just really want to be there at the end of the season for my teammates and finish the season strong so we can hold the Patriot League trophy; all of us together."