Nov. 20, 2003

VILLANOVA, PA. - On Thursday, Nov. 13, CoSIDA announced that a pair of Villanova football players have been recognized for their academic achievements. Junior defensive back Raymond Ventrone was selected to the 2003 Academic All-District II Football University Division First Team, while senior offensive lineman Mike Finn was named to the Second Team.

Voting was conducted by members of CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). As a result of Ventrone's placement on the first team, he advances to the national ballot for Academic All-America consideration.

Ventrone, a finance major, hails from Pittsburgh, Pa. He was selected as Preseason Second Team All-Atlantic 10, and was honored as the league's Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 5.

Finn, a native of Danville, Pa., is a political science major. He was also named to the Atlantic 10's Preseason Second Team, and was an All-Atlantic 10 Third Team selection following the 2002 season.

The two standouts have been integral in Villanova's 7-3 record and No. 18 national ranking thus far. The Wildcats wind down the regular season on Saturday, Nov. 22 against Delaware at 4:00 p.m. at Villanova Stadium.