Erie, Pa. - The 2008-09 Mercyhurst athletic season is officially underway as the Laker football team donned the helmets for the first practice as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The team opens the season Aug. 30 at former conference opponent Wayne State.
Mercyhurst returns 16 starters from a squad that finished 4-7 a year ago and is optimistic about the upcoming season. The Lakers were picked to finish fifth in the PSAC West Division by vote of the conference coaches.
The Lakers return a veteran offensive line to open holes for senior running back Richard Stokes, who set the program's single season and career rushing records a year ago. Mercyhurst also returns a deep and athletic set of receivers, led by an outstanding playmaker in Aaron Haynes. The biggest question on the offensive front will be at the quarterback position, where head coach Marty Schaetzle must find a replacement for Mitch Phillis, who graduated after posting impressive numbers a year ago.
On defense, Mercyhurst boasts a lot of individual talent, but the group will work in the preseason to come together as a strong unit. Senior defensive end Zac Wild is among Mercyhurst's all-time leaders in tackles for loss and quarterback sacks, while the linebackers may be the strength of the defense with the return of Jimmy Kokrak and Bryan Boyce, both of whom missed the 2007 season with injury. In the secondary, Theo Hall was among the nation's leaders in passes defended and is one of the most dynamic kick returners in the PSAC.
Mercyhurst opens at home Sept. 20 against Clarion at 1 p.m., one week prior to hosting Slippery Rock for Homecoming, also at 1 p.m.