Seahawk News
For immediate release
May 28, 2009
Contact: Pete DiVito, 401-341-2461
Seahawks Announce 2009 Recruiting Class
NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University football head coach Chris Robertson has announced that 44 high school standouts will join the Seahawk football program this fall. This group includes 12 linebackers, nine defensive lineman, eight defensive backs, five offensive lineman, three quarterbacks, three wide receivers, two backs, and two tight ends.
"This is our third 'full' recruiting class as a staff here at Salve Regina. We continue to attract quality young men to this university and to the football program," said Robertson. "These young men share in the common goal of winning a New England Football Conference championship. Not only did we achieve our goal of increasing roster size, but we were also successful in bringing in a group of talented young football players. I expect that these newcomers will push our upperclassmen and raise the overall level of competition within the program. We were successful in addressing some immediate needs at some critical positions as well as providing a wealth of quality depth to complement an already strong core of returning lettermen. Overall, we are very pleased with this group and have high expectations for them on the football field, in the classroom, and especially as positive members of the tremendous community here at Salve Regina University."
Robertson also announced the additions of Brian Smith and Patrick Keenan to the program. Smith spent the 2008 season as a member of the Iona College football program, which was eliminated following the season, while Keenan was on the University of Rhode Island football roster in 2008 but did not see any game action.
The Seahawks open the 2009 season on the road at WPI on Saturday, Sept. 5 before returning to Newport to open the home portion of their schedule on Sept. 12 against Hatwick.
Below is a list complete list of incoming freshman and transfers:
Ethan Barach - ILB - 5-9, 200 - Lakeville, Mass. (Apponoquet)
Two-time all-conference selection ... All-Scholastic selection by Standard Times, Taunton Gazette, and Brockton Enterprise ... helped Apponoquet to its first undefeated season in school history and a South Coast Conference championship ... recorded a team-leading 65 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2008 for head coach Robert Lomp ... son of Anne and David Barach.
Coach Robertson on Barach: "Ethan is a tough and hard-nosed football player with good instincts at the linebacker position."
Dan Belfi - ILB - 5-9, 175 - Bristol, Conn. (Bristol Central)
Coach Robertson on Belfi: "Dan is a young man with potential and a lot of desire to be a successful player at the next level."
Steven Benavides - DL - 5-10, 230 - Middletown, Conn. (Middletown)
Recorded 11 tackles, six sacks, and one safety in 2008 for head coach Eric Marszalek ... all-conference, all-league, and all-area selection ... recipient of National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Northern Connecticut Scholar-Athlete Award ... Army ROTC Scholarship recipient ... also earned all-conference honors in the discus in track and field ... son of Fredys and Nereyda Benavides.
Coach Robertson on Benavides: "Steven is a ferocious football player who regularly dominated offensive linemen much bigger than him at the high school level. He will be a great fit in our defensive system."
Carl Bongiorno - DT - 6-5, 300 - East Setauket, N.Y. (Ward Melville)
Coach Robertson on Bongiorno: "Carl is a big, space-eating defensive lineman. He has the potential to fit in well with the system."
Richard Burke - CB/RB - 5-9, 160 - Whitman, Mass. (Whitman Hanson)
Coach Robertson on Burke: "Ricky is a tough, fast, instinctive competitor who has excelled on both sides of the ball at the skill positions."
Rob Catalano - CB - 5-9, 170 - Greenwich, Conn. (Greenwich)
Tallied 50 tackles, four interceptions, and two touchdowns as a senior for head coach Rich Albonizio ... helped Greenwich to a league and state championship ... All-FCIAC selection ... son of Rob and JoAnne Catalano.
Coach Robertson on Catalano: "Rob is a good football player who has the potential to be a successful college football player."
Connor Channell - WR - 5-10, 165 - Natick, Mass. (Natick)
Caught five passes for 146 yards and one touchdown in 2008 for head coach Tom Lamb ... son of Bruce and Diana Channell.
Coach Robertson on Channell: "Connor comes from a great program. He is a winner and will fit in well with our up-tempo style of offense."
Joseph Conti - QB - 5-8, 175 - Everett, Mass. (Everett)
Established single-season touchdown passing record at Everett for head coach Joe DiBiaso ... 2007 Boston Globe Division 1 All-Star ... helped team to a perfect 13-0 mark and a Division 1 Eastern Massachusetts Championship in 2007 ... also played varsity baseball and ice hockey.
Coach Robertson on Conti: "Joe comes from arguably one of the best high school football programs in New England. He is a winner, a competitor, and an excellent athlete who will do good things for us."
Jordan Daigneault - ILB - 5-11, 200 - Plymouth, Mass. (Plymouth Regional)
Three-year letterwinner at Plymouth Regional for head coach Chuck Lenahan ... helped it to a 33-0 mark and three consecutive state championships ... first team all-state (offense) as a senior ... son of Tim and Susan Daigneault.
Coach Robertson on Daigneault: "Jordan is a no-nonsense and hard-nosed linebacker with a good skill set to become a solid college football player. Jordan is a winner in every sense of the word and comes from a program that did not lose a game during his career."
Curtis Davis - DL - 5-11, 235 - Haverhill, Mass. (Central Catholic)
All-conference selection as a senior for head coach Chuck Adamopoulos ... recipient of Paul Costello 'Courageous Player' Award from the Massachusetts H.S. Football Coaches Association ... also received the 2007 Henry J. Smith Courage Award from the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston ... captain of wrestling team who was a conference all-star and placed third at heavyweight at sectionals ... son of Patrice and Steve Davis.
Coach Robertson on Davis: "Curtis lives in the weight room and will do whatever it takes to become a solid defensive lineman at the college level."
Nicholas Dettorre - DB - 5-11, 180 - Wakefield, Mass. (Wakefield)
All-league defensive back for head coach Mike Boyages in 2008 ... appeared in eight games, registering 24 tackles, six pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries ... named player of the week (Oct. 3) ... also a member of Wakefield baseball team, earning athlete of the week honors (April 12) ... son of Gus and Lori Dettore.
Coach Robertson on Dettorre: "Nick is a skilled and athletic defensive back who has a tremendous upside physically to be a solid college football player on the defensive side of the ball."
Steve Dombrowski - OLB - 5-10, 175 - Wallingford, Conn. (Mark T. Sheehan)
Played running back and wide receiver on offense and linebacker and safety on defense for head coach John Ferrazzi ... 2007 Student of the Year (Math) ... son of Scott Dombrowski and Melissa Moran.
Coach Robertson on Dombrowski: "Steve was an athletic and solid linebacker at the high school level. With hard work, he'll do some good things in our system."
John Dougherty - OLB - 5-11, 205 - Summit, N.J. (St. Peter Prep)
Coach Robertson on Dougherty: "John comes from a great New Jersey high school football program where winning is the norm. He'll be a hard-nosed player for us, without question."
Austin Freeman - DE/DT - 5-11, 235 - Sherman, Conn. (New Milford)
Earned all-state honors at nose guard ... son of Brad and Cathy Freeman
Coach Robertson on Freeman: "Austin is a strong and smart football player with the skill set to compete at the college level."
Greg Gosselin - FB/TE/DE - 6-1, 235 - Kingston, Mass. (Silver Lake)
Team captain and leadership award winner for head coach Dana Battista ... also served as kicker and punter on special teams ... son of Robert and Lisa Gosselin.
Coach Robertson on Gosselin: "Greg is a big, strong player who has played multiple positions on both sides of the ball and excelled at each one. With continued hard work, Greg can be a physical force for us."
Nick Habosian - QB - 5-10, 165 - Westford, Mass. (Westford Academy)
Team MVP and DSL All-Star for head coach Michael Parent ... threw for 1,418 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior ... also rushed for 244 yards and two touchdowns ... Lowell Sun All-Star ... Son of Levon and Lisa Habosian.
Coach Robertson on Habosian: "Nick has all the tools both physically and mentally to not only manage but also excel at the quarterback position for us in time. He is a leader in every regard."
Dean Haussel - QB - 6-0, 180 - South Beach, N.Y. (Miller Place)
Threw for 1,892 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushed for 127 yards and three touchdowns as a senior for head coach Ron Petrie ... helped Miller Place to 2008 Suffolk County Division 3 'Big Four Championship' ... 2007 and 2008 all-league, all-county, and Team Offensive MVP ... holds seven offensive records at Miller Place ... National Football Foundation Player of the Week (2008) ... also a member of baseball team, earning academic all-league honors in 2008 and all-league and all-county honors in 2009 ... received 'Coaches Award' as a member of basketball team ... son of Debby and Douglas Haussel.
Coach Robertson on Haussel: "Dean was an extremely successful and efficient high school quarterback and he will add to the great competition that already exists at the position."
Kevin Hilliard - ILB - 5-11, 200 - North Reading, Mass. (St. John's Prep)
Coach Robertson on Hillard: "Kevin is a down-hill, physical, and instinctual linebacker with the potential to compete right now."
Nick Hristis - TE/OT - 6-1, 215 - Bayside, N.Y. (Holy Cross)
Four-year letterwinner at Holy Cross for head coach Tom Pugh ... also played wide receiver ... son of Emilia and Nick Hristis.
Coach Robertson on Hristis: "Nick is a talented football player who has succeeded at several positions at the high school level. With some growth, he'll continue his success for us."
Adam Iskra - DE - 6-5, 240 - North Haven, Conn. (North Haven)
Played tight end and defensive end for head coach Anthony Sagnella ... son of Adam and Teresa Iskra.
Coach Robertson on Iskra: "Adam has all the physical tools to become something special for us. With his frame (6-5) and wing-span, he can develop into a tenacious pass-rusher and edge-player."
Keith Johnson - DE - 6-4, 235 - Durham, Conn. (Coginchaug Regional)
Three-year starter and letterwinner in both football and basketball ... helped football head coach John Bozzi post the school's first-ever winning season (6-5) ... son of Keith and Marybeth Johnson.
Coach Robertson on Johnson: "Keith is a tall and athletic football player with much potential. With hard work and continued dedication to the game, he could develop into something special."
Mike Kane - DB - 6-1, 180 - Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. (Fordham Prep)
Coach Robertson on Kane: "Mike comes from one of the toughest conferences in New York. His athleticism and hard work have been the cornerstone for his success, and that will not change once he arrives in Newport."
Patrick Keenan - WR - 6-3, 205 - Harrisville, R.I. (North Smithfield H.S. / Univ. of Rhode Island)
Transfer from the University of Rhode Island, where he was a member of the Rams football team but did not appear in any games ... four-year member of both football (four varsity letters) and basketball (three varsity letters) at North Smithfield ... all-division and Rhode Island All-Star Team selection after catching 30 passes for 650 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior at North Smithfield for head coach Tom Ellis ... all-division selection and Team MVP in basketball (2007) ... 2007 Athlete of the Year ... member of letterman's club ... 2004 all-academic team.
Coach Robertson on Keenan: "Pat is an experienced college wide receiver with the ability to catch balls in traffic and go over people with his height and reach."
Dan Kehew - TE/OT - 6-4, 250 - Portsmouth, R.I. (Portsmouth)
Recipient of Offensive Line Award from head coach Chris Santos and his staff ... also played defensive line ... member of 2009 all-star baseball team ... son of David and Barbara Kehew.
Coach Robertson on Kehew: "Dan comes from one of the top Rhode Island programs and has been successful at tight end and on the offensive line at the high school level. His athleticism and competitiveness will help us up front on offense."
Connor Kelly - ILB - 5-9, 225 - Milford, Conn. (Fairfield Prep)
All-conference selection at linebacker, tallying 136 tackles, four fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles as a senior for head coach Rich Magdon ... New Haven Register All-State Honorable Mention (LB) ... recipient of Chris Boyle Coaches Award ... rushed 75 times for 300 yards and four touchdowns and caught 13 passes for 130 yards at fullback ... son of Kate Kelly.
Coach Robertson on Kelly: "Connor is a tough, strong, and fearless linebacker who will challenge our upperclassmen with hard work and dedication."
Thomas Lillo - OLB - 5-11, 195 - Ijamsville, Md. (Urbana)
Two-year captain for head coach Joe Polce ... led Urbana in tackles as a junior and senior and helped it capture a MVAL Chesapeake Conference Championship in 2008... Second Team All-Gazette ... second team all-county ... son of Joe and Leslie Lillo.
Coach Robertson on Lillo: "Tom was a two-year captain and a tackling machine at the high school level in Maryland. He is smart, tenacious, and athletic. He'll push our upperclassmen right now."
Ryan Mannion - CB - 6-1, 180 - Danbury, Conn. (Immaculate)
Team captain who recorded 73 tackles (12 tackles for loss), five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one sack and one interception for head coach Roger Hancock ... hauled in 44 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns ... All-SWC selection ... recipient of Golden Horseshoe Award, which is awarded for 'great athletic ability, character, and academic scholarship' ... Top Athlete at Immaculate Award winner (summer combine) ... finalist for 2008 Colonial Football Officials Association Scholarship, which is given to the top scholar-athlete in the area ... also captain of baseball team ... son of Karen Mannion.
Coach Robertson on Mannion: "Ryan is an extremely athletic and fluid skill player. He has excelled on both sides of the ball and will help the defensive backfield become a better one."
Matt Markese - DB - 5-11, 200 - West Hartford, Conn. (Conard / Suffield Academy)
First team all-state and CCC West All-Conference selection ... rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 20 touchdowns ... played for Rob Cersosimo at Conard and Drew Gamere at Suffield ... helped Suffield Academy to a New England Prep School Championship ... son of Lenny and Cheryl Markese.
Coach Robertson on Markese: "Matt can do a lot of things well. He was a 1,000 yard rusher in high school before honing his defensive skills as a safety at Suffield Academy. Once he finds his best college position, he'll make us better."
Michael Millen, Jr. - ILB - 5-10, 215 - Narragansett, R.I. (Narragansett)
Four-year letterwinner for head coach Dick Fossa ... 2009 Golden Dozen ... three-time all-league and two-time Providence Grid Iron Club MVP ... second team all-state as a punter, averaging 40.0 yards per punt ... led Narragansett in tackles three times ... 2006 NFL Punt, Pass, and Kick U-16 New England Champion ... standout wrestler who was a state champion as a freshman (189 lb. weight class), earned second team all-division honors in 2007 and 2008 (215 lb. weight class), and first team all-division honors in 2009 (215 lb. weight class) ... second team all-division in lacrosse as a specialty player in 2008 ... son of Michael and Virginia Millen.
Coach Robertson on Millen, Jr.: "Mike is an all-around winner. He has excelled on the field on both sides of the ball and will no doubt be a successful college football player in time."
Kevin Moore - ILB - 5-10, 210 - Yonkers, N.Y. (Fordham Prep)
Recorded 88 tackles, 12 sacks and one interception en route to earning all-league honors for head coach Peter Gorynski ... first team all-league in lacrosse ... son of Kevin Moore.
Coach Robertson on Moore: "Kevin is a fearless, tough young man with the desire to be a great linebacker at the next level."
Lukas Oczkowski - OLB - 5-9, 205 - Oxford, Conn. (St. Joseph's)
Team MVP and First Team All-FCIAC as a running back for head coach Joe Della Vecchia ... rushed for 310 yards ... did not play defense due to injury ... son of Mark and Pat Oczkowski.
Coach Robertson on Oczkowski: "Luke battled through injuries as a senior. Now that he is healthy, he has the potential to do good things for us."
Ken Okwuosa - OL - 6-2, 292 - North Haven, Conn. (North Haven)
Member of offensive line for head coach Anthony Sognella ... also captain of track & field team ... son of Ken and Christine Okwuosa.
Coach Robertson on Okwuosa: "Ken is a big, strong, and athletic football player who can physically compete for us right now."
Bryant Ostrander - OL - 5-11, 225 - Longmeadow, Mass. (Longmeadow)
Played offensive and defensive line at Longmeadow for head coach Alex Rotsko ... son of Bob and Lois Ostrander.
Coach Robertson on Ostrander: "Bryant comes from one of the best programs in western Massachusetts. He has been well-coached and understands the game extremely well."
Nicholas Patti - OL - 5-7, 230 - Bedford Hills, N.Y. (Fox Lane)
Captain for head coach Bill Broggy who earned 2007 & 2008 Ironman honors ... helped Fox Lane to a league championship in 2007 and a shared league championship as a senior ... 2008 Jay Alfieri Leadership Award recipient ... also played defensive line ... awarded Mount Kisco Maroons (Youth Football) Craig Johnson Memorial Scholarship ... son of Donna Patti.
Coach Robertson on Patti: "Nick is a true leader and is one of the brightest young men in the incoming class."
William Regan - DE - 6-1, 230 - Amesbury, Mass. (St. Thomas Aquinas (N.H.))
Tallied 40 tackles (35 solo), three forced fumbles, two sacks and two blocked kicks for head coach Rod Wooton ... first team all-state honors ... also a member of track & field team, where he placed sixth in the shotput in the state ... son of William and Julie Regan.
Coach Robertson on Regan: "Billy is strong and athletic. He was a first team all-state selection and has the skill set to become successful at the college level."
Cory Ronan - DB - 5-11, 185 - Uxbridge, Mass. (Uxbridge)
Team captain who recorded 48 tackles, five fumble recoveries, and two interceptions for head coach TJ Raeke ... son of Mike and Pam Ronan.
Coach Robertson on Ronan: "Cory is a fast and athletic skill player who will fit in very well with our system."
Harry 'Trey' Scales - RB - 5-11, 190 - Boston, Mass. (Concord-Carlisle)
Played running back and defensive back for head coach Dick Kerr ... Boston Globe Dual County All-Star for football (2008) and basketball (2008 and 2009) ... also played varsity basketball, where he served as team captain ... son of Harry Scales and LaTeisha Adams.
Coach Robertson on Scales: "Trey has all the tools to be something special in this conference."
Todd Schroeder - ILB - 5-10, 198 - Branford, Conn. (Branford)
Three-year varsity letterwinner for head coach Mike Tracy ... recipient of James L. MacVeigh Specialty Player Award ... Career totals include 162 tackles, eight fumble recoveries, six sacks, six forced fumbles, five blocked field goals, four interceptions, and three touchdowns ... also earned three varsity letters in lacrosse, two in indoor track, and one in swimming ... member of National Honor Society, Model Congress Officer, CAPT Scholar, Youth and Government Officer, and High Honor Student ... son of Jack and Irene Schroeder.
Coach Robertson on Schroeder: "Todd has a great nose for the ball at the linebacker position. He is tough, moves well laterally, and will be a fine addition to our defense. He is also a fantastic long snapper."
Max Shubert - DB - 6-0, 200 - West Chester, Pa. (West Chester Rustin)
Team captain for head coach Mike St. Clair who earned First Team All-Ches-Mont and all-area honors as a junior and senior ... elected First Team Valor Bowl All-Star Game as a senior ... finished career with 236 tackles and 10 interceptions ... also earned three varsity letters in basketball, helping West Chester Rustin to the 2008 Ches-Mont League Championship and the PIAA District 1 Championship ... son of Chet and Patti Shubert.
Coach Robertson on Shubert: "Max has all the tools to challenge our upper-classmen. He is physical and talented at the defensive back position."
Brian Smith - DB - 5-10, 185 - Tarrytown, N.Y. (Briarcliff H.S. / Iona)
Appeared in all nine games for the Gales in 2008, registering 16 tackles (eight solo) ... recorded a season-high seven tackles (five solo) at UC-Davis (10/18) ... made two tackles against Delaware Valley (9/6), Pace (9/27), Marist (10/25), and Stony Brook (11/8) ... all-league and Team MVP as a senior at Briarcliff ... son of Tom and Donna Smith.
Coach Robertson on Smith: "Brian joined us for the spring and has already proven himself to have the character of a champion on and off the field."
Alex Stafstrom - WR - 6-3, 190 - Westford, Mass. (Westford Academy)
Caught nine passes for 101 yards and one touchdown as a senior for head coach Mike Parent ... also played varsity lacrosse and volleyball ... son of Bob and Jayne Stafstrom.
Coach Robertson on Stafstrom: "Alex is a smart and hard-working football player. He'll fit in well with our offensive system."
Greg Sweeney - WR - 6-0, 180 - Fairfield, Conn. (Fairfield Prep)
Hauled in eight passes for 125 yards as a senior ... recorded 102 total tackles and two interceptions as a strong safety for head coach Richard Magdon ... son of Diane and Greg Sweeney.
Coach Robertson on Sweeney: "Greg has the physical talent and mental ability to be a very successful football player at this level."
Steve Tomaselli - OL/DE - 6-1, 202 - Franklin Square, N.Y. (Kellenberg Memorial)
Helped Kellenberg Memorial and head coach Kevin Hannifan to the league semifinals ... son of Stephen and Jean Tomaselli.
Coach Robertson on Tomaselli: "Steve is a tough, hard-working, dedicated football player. In time, he'll do good things for us."
Zach Utting - DE - 6-2, 234 - Westport, Conn. (South Kent School)
Recorded 43 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble for head coach Kevin Vinning ... earned first team all-league and First Team All-New England Class C honors ... Mankin Lineman Award winner ... also played baseball and basketball, earning Most Improved Player honors in basketball and Golden Arm Award for baseball ... son of Kenneth and Barbara Utting.
Coach Robertson on Utting: "Zach has the physical size and the mental toughness to be a warrior for us."
Ali Watson - OL - 6-1, 235 - Stamford, Conn. (St. Lukes)
Two-time all-league selection for head coach Ryan Brown ... Athlete of the Month (October, 2008) ... also played baseball, earning Athlete of the Month honors in April of his senior year ... son of Kit and Rebecca Watson.
Coach Robertson on Watson: "Ali is a competitive young man with abilities to play on either side of the ball for us."
Dean Zawadski - DE - 6-2, 200 - Yalesville, Conn. (Mark T. Sheehan)
Recorded 120 tackles (27 TFL), six sacks, and four fumble recoveries as a senior for head coach John Ferrazzi ... helped Mark T. Sheehan to its first winning season in a decade in 2008 ... Football Foundations Scholar-Athlete ... Mary Gilhuly Defensive Lineman Award ... son of Paul and Michele Zawadski.
Coach Robertson on Zawadski: "Dean was a dominating defensive end at the high school level and a tackling machine. With physical growth and an understanding of the defense, he'll be a good one for us."
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