Aug. 15, 2001

Stony Brook, NY -- - During the first five years of Northeast Conference football action, Robert Morris has won all five conference titles. That is a big reason why they are the preseason favorite to win the 2001 NEC championship, announced by the conference office Wednesday.

Stony Brook - coming off a 2-8 season last year - is picked to finish seventh in the conference. The Seawolves return seven letterwinners on offense and nine on defense.

Anchoring the offense for the Seawolves will be wideouts Chris McGovern and Lucas Niskanen. McGovern led the team with 22 receptions last season while Niskanen averaged 50 over his first two seasons.

Dan Bertzos returns on defense after sitting out last season. Bertzos led the team in tackling during the 1999 season. Jermaine Addison and Chad King - each with four interceptions in 2000 - will solidify the secondary.

Robert Morris received eight of a possible nine first place votes. Sacred Heart is picked to finish second following their remarkable 10-1 turnaround season in 2000 and received the final first place vote.

The Seawolves open the 2001 campaign at home against Siena on September 15 at 12:30 p.m.

NEC Football Preseason Poll:

1. Robert Morris (8)

2. Sacred Heart (1)

3. Wagner

4. Albany

5. Monmouth

6. Central Connecticut State

7. Stony Brook

8. St. John's

9. St. Francis (PA)

( ) denotes first place votes received.