July 31, 2003

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.- The Villanova University football team has been ranked fifth in the preseason Atlantic Ten poll, released at the Atlantic Ten media day today. Notheastern took the top spot in the poll with nine first place votes. Votes were cast by head coaches and members of the media.

Last season the Wildcats complied an 11-4 record, advancing to the 1-AA Semifinals for the first time in school history. Villanova also won the ECAC Team of the Year award and was awarded the Lambert Meadowlands Cup.

Delaware finished second in the poll, garnering eight first place votes, with Massachusetts tabbed third. The University of Maine tallied four first place votes for a fourth-place ranking.

Hofstra received one first place vote for sixth place. William and Mary, James Madison, Richmond, New Hampshire and Rhode Island round out the conference rankings.

Eight Wildcats received preseason All-Atlantic Ten honors, three of which were selected to the first team.

Senior tight end Matt Chila, an All-Atlantic Ten First Team selection a year ago, was named to the first team. Junior defensive end Terence Taylor and sophomore linebacker Brian Hulea also garnered first team honors.

Senior offensive linemen Mike Finn and Jason Rogers were named to the second team, along with junior defensive end Jamil Butler and junior defensive back Ray Ventrone. Sophomore Martin "Moe" Gibson earned preseason second team honors as a kick returner.

2003 Atlantic 10 Preseason Poll (first place votes in parentheses)

1. Northeastern (9)2. Delaware (8)3. Massachusetts (8)4. Maine (4)5. VILLANOVA6. Hofstra (1)7. William and Mary8. James Madison9. Richmond10. New Hampshire11. Rhode Island